You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > 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.
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.
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.
Fun facts and tantalising trivia about Bassenthwaite. Click for more details.
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Reconnect with nature, reconnect with yourself. Lakeland Wellbeing offers a range of relaxing and…
A high-flying adventure for all the family… Raised in the Indian jungle, Mowgli the man cub spends…
A special day requires a special place and at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa we understand this…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Brought to you by the National Trust for Heritage Open Days. Come and join us for a rare…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around…
In the centre of Keswick and with a recently refurbished community room, the Moot Hall is the…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice. Celebrating the…
The full Grain moon marks the beginning of super moon season, where the moon is at her closest to…
The ONE 10 is an accurately measured and certified 10 mile road race. The race is sponsored by the…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 174
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Ireby
An elegant 18th century country house hotel set in its own extensive grounds in the stunning northern Lake District. Luxury accommodation, award-winning food and genuine hospitality. Dogs welcome.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
684 reviewsCumbria
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…
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.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Cumbria
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a challenging guided walk through Great Wood.
Cockermouth
Join us for celestial exploration of flavour for one night only, Saturday 4th May 2024.
To celebrate the launch of Galáxia, you are invited to join us at the distillery for an evening of stargazing and whisky tasting. Co-hosted by local…
Keswick
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 270 dog-friendly cottages.
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
565 reviewsHendersons Yard, Keswick
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is handcrafted in our Keswick workshop. Our beautiful surroundings are a constant source of inspiration and influence in our work.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
29 reviewsKeswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a walk to the inspiring viewpoint at Broomhill Point.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
Keswick
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
565 reviewsA superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that extends north from Carl Side and is separated from the main massif by the deep trench of Southerndale. From a distance the crest of Longside Edge looks…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Beaver Moon is symbolised by busy beavers, preparing for the winter months ahead. It is our last push to get everything in order, before we head within for the winter months. Connecting with our intuition it is an opportunity for deep self…
Braithwaite, Keswick
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice.
Celebrating the release of the dark and return of the sun as from now on each new day grows longer.
Cumbria
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal setting; the epitome of Lakeland. This route is unashamedly easy being mostly on tarmac and with few problems encountered on the off-road sections,…
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Keswick
Ladies from West Cumbria - join Jo from JAG Outdoors for this special free Dark Skies Walk at Ennerdale!
A chance to get outside, explore the local area, and experience the the forest at night.
Keswick
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of quality food & drink retailing. We develop strong relationships with the best local suppliers and we are passionate about giving our customers a taste of…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL