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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

Wine and Whisky Tasting Nights at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…

Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

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

St. John's Church, Keswick

The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…

Bramblewood Cottage Guest House

A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…

Whinlatter Forest

Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…

Tour of Skiddaw

North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…

Go Ape x Winter Adventures 2025

Based in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, just inside Keswick, adventure awaits. Whether you're a…

Watendlath

Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…

Keswick Market

Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.

Whinlatter Walking Trails

Whinlatter is the place to enjoy peaceful forest walks surrounded by stunning Lake District…

Cafe Ambio, Whinlatter Forest

"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…

Skiddaw via Sale How

The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…

Blencathra

Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…

The Lakes Distillery

The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…

Bassenthwaite Lake

Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…

Whinlatter Moon Runner 10k head torch race

The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new…

Skiddaw & Thirlmere

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

Massage Workshops - Lake District School of Massage

Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…

Derwentwater Head 2026

A British Rowing affiliated rowing competition, launching from Keswick Foreshore and racing the…

The Bistro At The Distillery

The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…

Festive edition - dark skies walk

Join JAG Outdoors for a very family friendly festive walk around the forest at night. The event…

The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden

Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…

Tours at The Lakes Distillery

The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…

Rooms36

The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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Rawnsley Centre Car Park, Keswick

Address

Main Street, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NP

KESWICK

Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.

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Dodd Wood

Address

Bassenthwaite, Nr Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QE

Nr Keswick

Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to get some amazing views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will guide you deep into the woodland and onto walking trails leading to the Skiddaw massif. For spectacular views over…

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Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens

Address

Mirehouse & Gardens, A591, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QE

Telephone
017687 72287

info@mirehouse.com

Keswick

Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages. Stroll lakeside paths, explore woodland playgrounds, and enjoy the Poetry Walk or the serene walled Bee Garden. Inside, discover fascinating literary…

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Woodend Brow Car Park, Bassenthwaite

Address

Thornthwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5SJ

KESWICK

A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.

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Hobcarton 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 approx 2 miles to Hobcarton car park on your left (identified by a green…

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Revelin Moss Car Park, Whinlatter

Address

Braithwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

KESWICK

From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Visitor Centre Sign Posts.
Car park with 35 spaces. Pay on exit. Charges apply 24 hours a day. Short walk to Whinlatter Forest visitor…

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Off-road mobility scooter hire at Whinlatter Forest

Address

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

Telephone
017687 78469

whinlatter@forestryengland.uk

Keswick

Explore the woodland and take in the dramatic scenery overlooking Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw in England’s highest mountain forest.
Two Trampers are available daily at the visitor centre from 10:30am onwards for 4 hours.

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Keswick Otley Road Car Park

Address

Otley Road, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5LE

KESWICK

Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.

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Threlkeld Old Station Car Park

Address

Threlkeld, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 4TT

KESWICK

A small free car park with donation box and 8 spaces. Located on the site of the Threlkeld, off the A66. From the A66, turn into the B5322 and take the 2nd left, the car park is on your left.

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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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Afternoon Tea in the VIP PODs at Cafe Hope

Address

Cafe Hope, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DG

Telephone
01768780844

cafehope@mail.com

Keswick

Set beautiful hope park, in the exclusive pods you will be served a classic afternoon tea that is perfect for any occasion, available 7 days a week.

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Café Bar 26

Address

26 Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DQ

info@cafebar26.co.uk

Keswick

Café Bar 26 is a fantastic eatery offering a 100% plant-based menu in the centre of Keswick.

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Swim on the Wild Side

Address

Swim on the Wild Side, Lakeside, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJ

Telephone
017687 85135

info@swimwildside.com

Lake Rd, Keswick

Swimming in the lakes is good for the mind, body and soul. Be at one with nature and join us for a swimming adventure with a coach and safety provision.

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Dining at Embleton Spa Hotel

Address

Embleton Spa Hotel, Embleton, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YA

Telephone
01768776606

Cockermouth

Originally an 18th Century Lakeland farm house, Embleton Spa Hotel is a relaxed, informal hotel with bar, restaurant and delightful en-suite rooms and apartments.

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Cafe Hope

Address

Cafe Hope, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DG

Telephone
01768780844

cafehope@mail.com

Keswick

CA family friendly venue (that includes the dog). Serving coffees, cakes, breakfast and lunch, alongside beautiful gardens and games.

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Wild & Fruitful

Address

Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

sales@wildandfruitful.co.uk

Keswick

Wild and Fruitful creates chutneys, sauces, jams, marmalades, honey and peanut butter – all made with local produce to ensure a great taste.

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Alpaca Walking at The Lingholm Estate with Alpacaly Ever After

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 78328

info@alpacalyeverafter.co.uk

Keswick

Our multi-award winning Social Enterprise Alpacaly Ever After are delighted to offer alpaca walks through the stunning private grounds of the Lingholm Estate.

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Lake Road Brunch

Address

32 Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DQ

lrbkeswick@gmail.com

Keswick

Lake Road Brunch is a popular spot in the centre of Keswick for breakfast, brunch, lunch and cocktails.

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Crooked River Brewing Co

Address

Crooked River Tap, 7 Packhorse Ct, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JB

Telephone
017687 21705

info@crooked-river.co.uk

Keswick

Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in Keswick

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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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