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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.
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
A guided town walk with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide will take you off the beaten track, down…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest.…
Large Victorian house with private car park, situated in a quiet position approximately 3 minutes…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Our 26th Keswick Beer Festival will take place on the 7th and 8th June 2024.
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
The full Grain moon marks the beginning of super moon season, where the moon is at her closest to…
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests…
Join our crafty team in the Visitor Centre for free drop in craft activities. A great way to finish…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 174
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KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Keswick
An all-terrain Tramper mobility scooter is now available for hire at the Theatre by the Lake, on the shores of Derwentwater.
The Tramper allows those with limited mobility to join these walks and explore the stunning scenery of the Lake District.…
KESWICK
Non-hired bikes can be charged for half an hour if they have been PAT tested and display the sticker at Cyclewise bike shop.
Electric Bike Charging Point, located at Cyclewise, Whinlatter Forest
KESWICK
Electric bike charging point, located at The Wild Strawberry, Keswick.
A £1 donation to Another way environmental charity is requested for use of this facility.
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
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…
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.
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
KESWICK
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
KESWICK
Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.
Keswick
A Pay on Exit system operates in the main car park.
Buy a Discovery Pass for Grizedale and/or Whinlatter forests and enjoy free car parking all year plus a range of other great discounts for you and your family.
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
COCKERMOUTH
2 electric bike charging points, located at Bassenthwaite Lake Station Cafe. Charging facility is provided free to paying customers only, in exchange for a donation to a chosen charity which will change each year.
Bassnthwaite
Country pub located in the heart of Bassenthwaite Village. Large beer garden with views of Skiddaw. Serving excellent food and real ales. Dog friendly. Awarded CAMRA Summer Pub of the Season 2023.
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