The village of Bassenthwaite lies just off the old coaching route from Keswick to Carlisle, now the A591. It is approximately seven miles from Keswick and one mile from Bassenthwaite Lake itself. The village is a mix of farms, private residences and holiday cottages. A triangular village green occupies the centre of the village, which is bounded on its’ northern edge by Dash Beck (also known as Hall Beck). To find the village using SatNav use the postcode CA12 4QP.
Parking in the Village
There is limited parking available in the village. The Sun Inn has its own car park for customers only. Visitors usually park around the village green
Bassenthwaite Village Shop
There isn’t a shop within the village itself, though there is a season shop, at the nearby caravan park on the A591, which sells newspapers and basic groceries such as milk, bread and eggs. For a wider selection of groceries, you will need to visit supermarkets in Keswick (Booths, Lakes & Dales Co-Op) or Cockermouth (Aldi & Sainburys).
Bassenthwaite Pubs
There is a single Jennings pub in Bassenthwaite – the Sun Inn, serving a selection of Jennings ales and the occasional guest beer. There is a restaurant area where pub food is served – reservations advised (017687 76439). Dogs are welcome in the bar area. The pub has an open fire in winter, outside seating and a car park.
Nearby, there are public bars at the Castle Inn and The Pheasant Inn at Dubwath – both have free WiFi, a restaurant and serve bar food.
Bassenthwaite Village Hall
The village hall, also known as the Parish Room, was re-built in 2017 in order to provide a more accessible building for local events and classes. The building is located on School Lane, half-way between the A591 and the village itself. The hall can be hired for private events and group accommodation. Visit https://www.bassenthwaite.org.uk/the-parish-room.html for more information.
Bassenthwaite Things To Do
The Lake District Wildlife Park
For a fun-filled day out, come rain or shine, visit the Lake District Wildlife Park. This rare and wild animal park is more like a zoo. Located adjacent to Armathwaite Hall, the park is open daily and is home to over 100 animals. There are regular events held at the wildlife park and you can even host your own party there. Visit https://www.lakedistrictwildlifepark.co.uk/ for more information.
The Lakes Distillery
Lakes distillery opened December 2014 and is home to a selection of artisan whisky, gin & vodka – all made on the premises. Marketed under the brand name “The ONE”, the spirits have won a selection of taste awards. There are distillery tours, tastings and a shop. There is also a Bistro open daily that serves a varied menu including afternoon teas and cocktails. The Boardroom is available for private dining. Visit https://www.lakesdistillery.com/ for more information.
Mirehouse And Gardens
Mirehouse lies on the eastern shore of Basenthwaite Lake, just across the A591 from Dodd Wood. It is an historic house with great literary and artistic interest. The house itself is open seasonally from April through to the end of October. The house has connections with three poet laureates – Wordsworth, Southey and Tennyson.
The gardens are a mix of formal and wild, and have been described as a “civil wilderness”. There is a Heather Maze, Bee Garden and the Terraced Garden with views towards Bassenthwaite Lake. A children’s adventure playground located in the wood. Within the grounds are a family nature trail and walks in the surrounding parkland to St. Bega’s church and Bassenthwaite Lake.
For more information visit https://www.mirehouse.co.uk/index.php
Bassenthwaite Places Of Worship
St. John’s church was built in 1878 with the support of local families from Armathwaite Hall and Bassennfell Manor. The church is surrounded by a cemetery and is overlooked by the massif of Skiddaw. The church is open daily and services are regularly held.
The Methodist chapel has a service every Sunday and visitors are welcome. The chapel is located in the village, just off the village green.
St. Bega’s church dates from AD 680 and underwent extensive restoration in1878. It is set within the fields and parkland surrounding Mirehouse and has the backdrop of Skiddaw in the east and Bassenthwaite Lake in the west. Services are held regularly at the little church. It is also a popular wedding venue, though aspiring brides and grooms need to be resident in the parish for 8-days to qualify.
Bassenthwaite Walks
There are various walks around Bassenthwaite village, either along the quiet country lanes or across the fields and nearby fells. Bassenthwaite Lake is approximately one mile whilst Dash Beck Waterfall is around 3 miles away.
Bassenthwaite Accommodation
Bassenthwaite Hotels
Armathwaite Hall & Spa is set in approximately 400 acres of parkland. The styling is mock-Tudor and was built in 1881. Previous owners include the Spedding family (of Mirehouse) and Vane family, today’s owner is Charles Graves. A luxury spa has been added to the hall. Further details at: https://www.armathwaite-hall.com/
The Pheasant Inn at Dubwath is across the lake from Bassenthwaite village. The Pheasant was originally a coaching inn and retains a great deal of charm and character. There is a formal dining room as well as a bistro. https://www.the-pheasant.co.uk/
The Castle Inn was originally a licenced farmhouse but now offer accommodation. There is a restaurant and a gym with a small swimming pool. Function rooms are available for private parties and conferences. https://castleinncumbria.co.uk/
Bassenthwaite Cottages
Melbecks Holiday Cottages are situated approximately one mile from the village at the foot of Skiddaw. There are five cottages sleeping 2 – 6 people. All cottages are pet-friendly. There is a shared games room with a pool table and table tennis.
Puddle Duck Cottages are set in the heart of the village, adjacent to Dash Beck.
Holiday Lodges And Caravans
The Lakeside Lodges site is on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. The pet-friendly lodges are available to rent all year round.
Traffords Caravan Park is just outside the village on the A591 and is open from April to October. There are static caravans as well as pitches for tourers, motorhomes and campers. There is a shop onsite as well as a toilet block. |electric hook-up is also available.