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.
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest.…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are working with our partner Lakeland Mountain Guides…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
The full Buck moon aligns with the potent & virile energy of the young buck, bringing strength,…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
Brought to you by the National Trust for Heritage Open Days. Come and join us for a rare…
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice. Celebrating the…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
In partnership with the Theatre by the Lake and part of the Fells for All festival, join in on a…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
The ONE 10 is an accurately measured and certified 10 mile road race. The race is sponsored by the…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 174
, currently showing 121 to 140.
Keswick
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to discover. Take a sunset paddle with a picnic dinner or journey to a sheltered hidden bay for a lunch, kayaking is as relaxing or demanding as you like.…
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.
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
Keswick
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to plan and follow a route from a map.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsKeswick
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 reviewsBassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa.
KESWICK
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site for this church commands superb views of the surrounding Lakeland hills.
Keswick
Maple Bank is a magnificent Edwardian residence in the quiet valley of Braithwaite enjoying uninterrupted views across the Derwent Valley towards Skiddaw and Latrigg. We are only 2 miles from Keswick.
Keswick
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and breakfast holiday accommodation.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
966 reviewsKeswick
Welcoming guest house overlooking Fitz Park serving an extensive breakfast using locally sourced products with a Breakfast Award. All prices include breakfast. Home from home, warm and welcoming. Recently refurbished to a high standard.
Lake Rd, Keswick
The world's most famous detective gets a hilarious makeover in this spectacularly theatrical comedy
A terrible murder, a terrifying family curse, a killer on the loose and a gigantic beast on the moor; this sounds like a case for Sherlock Holmes!…
Bassenthwaite
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest. At the shortest day, we take our lead from Mother Nature; slowing down our bodies and minds to the rhythm of the forest.
Cumbria
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…
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.
Keswick
The Disabled Ramblers is a small national charity working to help those with limited mobility to enjoy the countryside.
Cumbria
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be restricted to elite fell runners, so we’ve turned it into an awesome walking holiday by extending the route slightly, so that each day ends in a village with…
Keswick
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set in the middle of the stunning Lake District National Park, Whinlatter offers a fantastic day out for all!
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL