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Bassenthwaite The Lake District
Bassenthwaite The Lake District

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Bassenthwaite

The national nature reserve of Bassenthwaite Lake is a tranquil finger of water sitting in the lofty shadow of Skiddaw. This wildlife-rich body of water is fringed with a mosaic of reed beds, fen marshland, woodlands and wildflower meadows, and is perhaps best known for the spectacular sight of ospreys diving into the waters for fish. A new lottery-funded scheme, Bassenthwaite Reflections, is helping to protect the lake’s vulnerable plant and animal life through community involvement.

The peaceful village of Bassenthwaite, centred on its old inn, sits in a quiet valley at the north end of the lake. To the south is Mirehouse, an 18th century house and garden with literary links to Tennyson, Coleridge and Wordsworth.

Culture & Heritage

The earliest known settlement is at Castle How, an Iron Age hill fort on the western shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, but it wasn’t until the arrival of Christianity in the middle of the 6th century that mankind’s deeper footprint became visible. Saint Saint Kentigern is believed to have preached at Crosthwaite (east of Keswick) in AD 556 while a few years later Saint Bega is thought to have founded a church bearing her name on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake – even if the current church only dates to around AD950.

Bassenthwaite village probably got its name from the Vikings who settled here after chopping down a few trees. After 1066, the whole area came under the rule of the Earls of Egremont, with the Manor of Bassenthwaite now part of the Barony of Allerdale. The locals made their living from farming and fishing, but also did some mining and some weaving from the wool of Herdwick sheep: the area became known for a rough-spun, undyed cloth known as ‘Skiddaw Grey.’ Over time the weaving process became mechanised and several mills were built, including one at Millbeck on the flanks of Skiddaw that produced large large quantities of caps, blankets and flannels for export to slave plantations in the Americas.

Nearby Mirehouse has been owned by the Spedding family since 1802. During the early 19th century, the house became a literary hotbed for the Lake poets – William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Robert Southey and Thomas Carlyle. Alfred Tennyson stayed here in 1835 and composed the lines on Excalibur for Morte d’Arthur whilst sitting on the lakeshore.

The construction of the railway line between Penrith and Cockermouth in 1864 brought Victorian tourists in their droves, all eager to enjoy the wild scenery around Keswick and Bassenthwaite so lyrically described by Wordsworth and the other Lake poets. Most of the area’s older hotels and guesthouses date from this time.

Surrounding Areas

Whinlatter - Whinlatter is England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level, the forest and visitor centre provides a whole range of outdoor activities for everyone. Start at the visitor centre where the staff will give information and help plan your day.

Keswick - It's central location makes Keswick the perfect place to stay when planning to explore the Lake District. The town is surrounded famous Lakeland hills such has Grizedale Pike, Skiddaw and Catbells.

Skiddaw - Skiddaw dominates Bassenthwaite Lake and at 931 metres it is one of the largest peaks in the Lake District.
This mountain is one of the oldest formations in the Lake District (and indeed in Europe). This fell is also an extinct Volcano.

Did you know?

GLACIAL WATERS

The glacial waters of Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater were once joined together as one long lake until river-borne deposits from the rivers Derwent, Greta and Pow Beck silted up the central section to form two separate bodies of water. Both lakes are the shallowest in the Lake District, with an average depth of only 5.5 m (18 ft).

THE BISHOP OF BARF

In 1783 the newly appointed Bishop of Derry was on his way to Whitehaven to take a boat to Ireland. He stopped for the night at an inn beside Bassenthwaite Lake and, after consuming several drinks, wagered that he could ride his pony to the top of Barf, a nearby hill. Halfway up the pony stumbled at a large rock and fell, killing both horse and rider. The large rock (known as Bishop Rock) is painted white in remembrance of this futile act, while at the foot of the slope is another white-painted rock known as The Clerk where the bishop and his pony were buried.

CELTIC SWORDS

In the early 1800s, one of the finest Celtic swords ever found in Britain was discovered in a field near Wythop Mill. The sword and its highly decorated sheath are now on display in the British Museum.

ALFRED TENNYSON

Alfred Tennyson stayed at Mirehouse, Bassenthwaite in 1835 and composed the lines on Excalibur for Morte d’Arthur whilst sitting on the lakeshore. It is said that the lake was a model for the lake into which Excalibur was thrown. A memorial stone depicting the sword and a hand rising from the water, erected by the Tennyson Society, stands by the lake shore.

Highlights

Full Moon Women's Circle - Pink Moon

The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…

Half day Landscape Photography Workshop

Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…

Derwentwater Marina Shop

Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…

Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…

Boat Hire on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co.

Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…

The Bowder Stone and Watendlath

Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…

Woodland Reset

Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…

Lake District Walking Holidays - The Carter Company

Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…

Borrowdale at The Lingholm Estate

Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale…

Ultimate Animal Experience at The Lake District Wildlife Park

The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…

Family Friendly Half day Landscape Photography Workshop

Join photographer Steve Blake on a family friendly half day workshop. Whinlatter's beautiful…

Derwentwater Round with Contours Holidays (Stile-Free)

Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…

Keswick Brewery Tours, Bar and Shop

Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…

Coledale Round

Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…

The Spa at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…

The Fernery at The Lingholm Estate

The Fernery is the newest addition to The Lingholm Estate, a sophisticated one-bedroom sanctuary…

The Horse and Farrier Inn

Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…

Skiddaw & Thirlmere

From the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to…

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…

St Kentigern, Crosthwaite, Keswick

Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…

Red squirrel feeder walk

Walk with our Ranger and help to fill the squirrel feeders in the forest! Whinlatter is a red…

Derwentwater at The Lingholm Estate

Derwentwater is a stunning first-floor apartment created from the former billiards room on the…

Barn Croft

Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…

The Pheasant Inn - Food & Drink

Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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Full Moon Women's Circle – Flower Moon

Address

Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
+447810890528

jen@lakelandwellbeing.co.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District
The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection, release, and renewal. At our special forest site in the Lake District, we gather in circle as women to honour the peak of the Moon's cycle and…

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Theatre by the Lake

Address

Theatre By The Lake, Lakeside, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJ

Telephone
017687 74411

enquiries@theatrebythelake.com

Lake Rd, Keswick

Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake produces and presents nationally acclaimed theatre, made with passion, in one of the most extraordinary places in the world.

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Coledale Round

Address

Keswick, Cumbria

Cumbria

Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the…

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Skiddaw via Jenkin Hill

Address

Keswick, Cumbria

keswicktic@lake-district.gov.uk

Cumbria

Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a mountain simple as that, with steep slopes and a summit. It might lack the drama of the great crags of its peers, and its open flanks hold no secrets…

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The Puzzling Place

Address

Museum Square, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DZ

Telephone
017687 75102

info@puzzlingplace.co.uk

Keswick

An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?

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Forage and Cookery Course

Address

Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
07423753212

info@totallywilduk.co.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery Course. Join them on a journey to learn about the hidden world of wild edibles that surrounds us. And that's not all! Enjoy a delicious wild food meal…

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St Michael and All Angels, Isel

Address

Isel, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9SR

Cockermouth

Isel church is a beautiful Grade I listed building, which is located in an idyllic position in a carefully tended churchyard close to the River Derwent and the grounds of Isel Hall.

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Sleep under the stars at Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park

Address

Castlerigg Hall, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TE

Telephone
017687 74499

info@castlerigg.co.uk

Keswick

Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars. Holiday under the night’s sky in one of our Hex Pod glamping pods, fitted with skylights so that you can appreciate the beautiful stars from the…

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Keswick Film Festival

Address

Keswick Film Festival, The Alhambra Cinema, St John's St, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5AG

Telephone
017687 72195

admin@keswickfilmfestival.org

St John's St, Keswick

Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria’s premiere cinematic event bringing the best of international and independent cinema from across the world for those who love films and the beautiful setting of the Lake District.

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The Royal Oak, Keswick

Address

The Royal Oak at Keswick, Main St, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5HZ

Telephone
017687 73135

relax@royaloakkeswick.co.uk

Keswick

The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.

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Skiddaw at The Lingholm Estate

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 74238

stay@thelingholmestate.co.uk

Portinscale

One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house and steeped in history, Skiddaw served as a creative sanctuary for Beatrix Potter in the late 1890s. It was from these bedroom windows that she captured the view for her piece…

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Barn Croft

Address

Applethwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4PN

Telephone
01434 632010

ctmm18@gmail.com

Keswick

Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.

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The Fernery at The Lingholm Estate

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 74238

stay@thelingholmestate.co.uk

Portinscale

The Fernery is the newest addition to The Lingholm Estate, a sophisticated one-bedroom sanctuary designed for ultimate relaxation on the ground floor of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. This is where high-end design meets the quiet calm…

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Spout Force Car Park, Whinlatter

Address

Braithwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

KESWICK

Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.

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Bell Close Car Park

Address

Main Street, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5JD

KESWICK

Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.

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Tythebarn Street Coach Park, Keswick

Address

Elliott Park, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NZ

KESWICK

Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.

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Dodd Wood Car Park

Address

Bassenthwaite, Nr Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QE

Nr Keswick

Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.

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Lakeside Car Park, Keswick

Address

Lake Road, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5DG

KESWICK

Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.

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Derwent Pencil Factory Site Car Park, Keswick

Address

Carding Mill Lane, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NH

KESWICK

Long Stay Car Park (next to the Pencil Museum)
77 spaces, 2 disabled spaces.

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Noble Knott Car Park, Whinlatter

Address

Braithwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

KESWICK

Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on to Noble Knott car park on your left (identified by a green signpost on…

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Bassenthwaite

Culture & Heritage

Surrounding Areas

Did you know?

GLACIAL WATERS

THE BISHOP OF BARF

CELTIC SWORDS

ALFRED TENNYSON

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