Bassenthwaite Lake:
Bassenthwaite / Cockermouth / Keswick
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is one of the largest at 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, but also one of the shallowest (70 ft). It is the most northerly of the lakes, and has no major settlements on its shores. The nearest village is Bassenthwaite village.
The lake is frequently full of sailing boats from Bassenthwaite Sailing Club. There is no boat hire for visitors such as is found on nearby Derwentwater.
Bassenthwaite Lake is the only lake in the Lake District that is officially named as a lake. All of the others are either meres or waters. Bassenthwaite is home to the vendace, a rare and endangered fish species found only here and in Derwentwater.
There is a shore path which runs the length of the west shore, but there is no access to the east side except at Mirehouse.
Bassenthwaite Village
While no settlements are actually located on the lake, the closest is the village of Bassenthwaite. This quiet and serene village is surrounded by natural beauty, nestled between lake and the towering presence of Skiddaw, England’s 4th highest peak. The surrounding hillsides makes Bassenthwaite a start/end point for many tracks making the village popular with walking enthusiasts.
The village is host to one pub, The Sun Inn, which offers local ales and hearty meals. While there are no shops in the village basic supplies can be picked up from the nearby campsite.
The Lakes Distillery
The Lakes Distillery, first opened in 2014, is a prominent whisky distillery located along the River Derwent, just off the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, as is set in a beautifully restored farm. The Distillery produces a range of spirits including its award-winning single malt whisky, gin, and vodka.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours that explore the whisky-making process and eat in the local bistro serving locally sourced meals. A shop is also located on site where you can purchase their spirits and other local products.
Bassenthwaite Lake Station
A real piece of history in the area, The Bassenthwaite Lake Station was a stop on the now closed Penrith to Cockermouth which ran from 1864 – 1972, however the line west of Keswick including Bassenthwaite station closed 6 years earlier in 1966. This station was essential for the local population and visitors travelling between Cockermouth and Keswick and is remembered fondly by users of the railway. The A66 which runs parallel to the station was built on much of the old railway lines and a part of the Keswick to Penrith section has been made into a popular walking and cycle track.
After 53 years of closure the station had become overgrown and had fallen into a state of despair when it was purchased in 2019 and the station and it’s outbuilding painstakingly restored. A French SNAF Class 241 steam train (Used in the 2017 movie ‘Murder on the Orient Express’) was brought to the site and is now a fully functioning restaurant and bar serving cooked breakfast, lunches and afternoon teas offering a truly unique dining experience. This restaurant can get busy and it is often worth booking ahead. The grounds around the station are well maintained with a picnic area, a duck pond and a birdwatching hut.
Mirehouse
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake around halfway down its eastern shore nestled below Skiddaw and Dodd Wood is the historic estate of Mirehouse. The main attraction are the gardens, which are open daily and the house, being a private residence, has restricted access. The grounds feature four adventure playgrounds, vibrant collections of Rhododendrons and Hydrangeas, a secluded Bee Garden, and a traditional orchard. Additionally, visitors can explore a heather path maze, the Canada garden, terraced lawns, and a rare wildflower meadow. The grounds also include a circular walking path through the woods providing access to the Bassenthwaite Lake.
The House has been owned by the Spedding family for over 300 years and is rich in literary and artistic heritage. It features an extensive collection, including portraits and James Spedding’s compilation of Francis Bacon’s works. Additionally, it holds manuscripts from notable figures such as Southey, Wordsworth, Tennyson, Thomas Carlyle, and John Constable, all of whom were friends of the Speddings in the last century.
Tickets are available from The Old Sawmill Tearooms across the road from Mirehouse
The Old Sawmill Tearooms
Immediately across from Mire house are The Old Sawmill tearooms. As the name suggests the tearooms are located on the site of an old sawmill and the history of the mill and of the building are outlined on the walls along with photos from the time.
The cafe serves hot drinks, soups, sandwiches, cakes and scones and can get busy in the summer months.
The car park for the tearooms used to serve the Osprey viewpoint which has since closed however walkers can still visit the point which offers great views over Bassenthwaite Lake
Lake District Wildlife Park
Located just off the northern shore of Bassenthwaite, The Lake District Wildlife Park set in 24 acres of former farmland and is a popular destination especially for families with children. The Wildlife Park has over 100 species of wild and domestic animals housed in in natural and open enclosures and looked after by trained and qualified keepers. Highlights include lively lemur troops, wildebeest from East and South Africa, Lars gibbons, zebras. The park also maintains large bird enclosures housing birds such as American Bald Eagles and Emus.
A recently refurbished cafe can be found onsite offering locally sourced home, cooked food. Serving a selection of hot meals, sandwiches, fresh cakes and scones. the cafe also offers plenty of child’s options.
Silver Meadows
Silver meadows is a tranquil nature reserve located just a couple of hundred metres from the northeastern point of Bassenthwaite Lake. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife habitats including wetlands, meadows, and woodlands. Silver meadows is particularly popular with bird watchers and enthusiasts due to the healthy avian population including oystercatchers, curlews, mallards, teals, tufted ducks, herons, skylarks, warblers, and finches. Roe deer are also regularly spotted around the reserve and badgers, bats and red squirrels also call the reserve home.
The reserve can be accessed through a network of well-maintained paths and boardwalks snake through the reserve, all of which are us wheelchair friendly. There are a number of rest areas and huts along the paths
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Menu:
Related Links:
- The Lakes Distillery
- Bassenthwaite Lake Station
- Mirehouse
- The Old Sawmill Tearooms
- Lake District Wildlife Park
- Silver Meadows
Grid Ref: NY 220290
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Archived Images of Bassenthwaite Lake
Aerial photo by Simon Ledingham.