Bassenthwaite Lake
Bassenthwaite Lake
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Bassenthwaite Lake and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
14 within 3 miles
Attractions
51 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
359 reviews
Excellent
242
Very good
91
Average
17
Poor
7
Terrible
2
Trekwise
Kidderminster, UK169 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
This is one of the most tranquil and beautiful places l have experienced.
We parked at Dodd Wood opposite Mirehouse. Next to Mirehouse entrance is a public footpath which leads down to the lakeside and the delightful St Begas church, a small Norman church which is open to the public, fascinating…
We spent a sunny afternoon just taking in the peace and beauty of our surroundings. I am not surprised this lake inspired poets such as Tennyson and Wordsworth!
We parked at Dodd Wood opposite Mirehouse. Next to Mirehouse entrance is a public footpath which leads down to the lakeside and the delightful St Begas church, a small Norman church which is open to the public, fascinating…
We spent a sunny afternoon just taking in the peace and beauty of our surroundings. I am not surprised this lake inspired poets such as Tennyson and Wordsworth!
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luke T
Shrewsbury, UK213 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Obviously a beautiful lake but it is difficult to access. We struggled between the private sections and the boggy sections. Would recommend a visit if you fancy the challenge of accessing it but would probably recommend one of the other bodies of water in this area!
Written August 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PTW7
247 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Stunning and quiet. Hardly anybody there. Great for a paddle and a cuppa. Only negative was somebody decided to leave a large dog poo and not pick it up! We started our picnic and put it away after smelling something foul, then realised what it was. How people can behave like that I don’t know. The lake is stunning though.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marty & Pippa
Chorley, UK202 contributions
Jul 2023
We enjoyed a short walk along the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake during a weekend away in Keswick after heading out towards Cockermouth. Really charming lake with lots of character. Spotted a man swimming out in the middle by himself in very choppy conditions - crazy! Rather him than me, ha.
Written July 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison
Manchester, UK46 contributions
Apr 2022
A perfect setting and view, we parked at Dodd Wood for £3, we crossed the road and took the public footpath through the gate just past the entrance to MireHouse. Then followed the lane down to St Bega's church, and then straight down to the lake edge.
Here you can get right up to the water and the views are stunning.
Here you can get right up to the water and the views are stunning.
Written April 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suratrichard
Surat Thani, Thailand2,451 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
After the crowds around Derwentwater and Windermere, the peaceful nature of this lake and the surrounding countryside is a welcome relief.
I can remember Bassenthwaite when the nearby A66 was the single track railway line to Keswick but whilst there’s far more traffic nowadays, the lake retains its calmness and peacefulness.
Watch out, though, for the average speed cameras on the A66 or it could be an expensive visit!
There’s some good walking particularly on the other side of the lake including areas like Dodd wood.
There a cafe ( the old sawmill) near Dodd wood and a short walk down to the old church is worth the effort.
Well worth visiting and exploring the countryside.
I can remember Bassenthwaite when the nearby A66 was the single track railway line to Keswick but whilst there’s far more traffic nowadays, the lake retains its calmness and peacefulness.
Watch out, though, for the average speed cameras on the A66 or it could be an expensive visit!
There’s some good walking particularly on the other side of the lake including areas like Dodd wood.
There a cafe ( the old sawmill) near Dodd wood and a short walk down to the old church is worth the effort.
Well worth visiting and exploring the countryside.
Written May 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy G
37 contributions
Jul 2023
Top of the lake (N) has some nice wild water swimming points where you can get in safely. Derwentwater was silty but Bassenthwaite had a good solid bottom.
Comparatively quiet for "The Lakes" and perhaps not so spectacular.
Comparatively quiet for "The Lakes" and perhaps not so spectacular.
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScottyGee81
Manchester, UK746 contributions
Jun 2021
Called at Bassenthwaite whilst passing, very quiet and peaceful.
Beautiful views of the lake from the bottom end, great spot for a picnic or just relax.
Parked on the National Trust car park over the carriageway, not sure how much other parking were available.
Beautiful views of the lake from the bottom end, great spot for a picnic or just relax.
Parked on the National Trust car park over the carriageway, not sure how much other parking were available.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DAVID H
Preston, UK6 contributions
Aug 2020
We went on a river trip and canoed into this lake. What a place to visit, such a lovely lake which was clean enough to swim in, it is one of the shallower lake so much warmer. It also helped because we has wonderful sunshine.
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne
Essex, UK7 contributions
Sep 2020
I like things that aren't too touristy and off the beaten track. We were driving along, and seeing the lake, pulled into the lay-by (Woodend Brow), parked free for two hours. We brought our picnic blanket and read for a couple of hours, soaking up the scenery and taking photos, hardly anyone there! (We went on a Monday).
Written September 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, good to read your review of cycling around Bassenthwaite Lake. We are staying northern end of the lake, i'm an ok cyclist with only a reasonable fitness. Please could you tell me if the cycling you are referring to is road or off road, relatively flat or hilly? We really want to avoid any road riding at all. Which side of the lake at the northern end is do-able? Is it bridleway? Thank you for you help!
Written July 26, 2015
Hello, I'm sorry you have been misinformed, we didn't cycle round Bassenthwaite lake. Just had a brilliant stay at the Armathwaite Hall Hotel.
Written July 27, 2015
Showing results 1-1 of 1
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingScroll back to Bassenthwaite Lake information