Get to know Bassenthwaite through its lakeside nature, distinctive churches and varied walking routes. Bassenthwaite Lake is a National Nature Reserve. It is also, by name, officially the only lake in the Lake District; other bodies of water are called meres or waters. This gives you a clear choice of themes when planning your trip: you can focus on the reserve designation and the lake’s unique status, or take your cue from the specific walking and cultural attractions.
Nature and walking routes around Bassenthwaite
In the Bassenthwaite area, Dubwath Silver Meadows has firm boardwalks made from recycled plastic bottles. They are accessible to wheelchair users, pushchairs and people with reduced mobility. There is also a 2.5 km circular route, designated as an all-abilities route. The boardwalks and the designated circular route are specific details to help you plan a visit.
Church of St Bega offers a different kind of visit: the church can only be reached via an unpaved footpath. It stands in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake and is a Grade II* listed building. It is dedicated to the Celtic saint Bega. If you plan to visit the church, the footpath as its sole access route is an important practical detail.
Churches and their history
St Bega’s Way, a long-distance trail, ends at Church of St Bega. This makes the church not only a place with a history of its own, but also the expressly named endpoint of the long-distance trail. These two details answer different planning questions: the dedication and listed status offer insight into the building’s character; its connection to the trail is of interest to travellers looking into the route of a long-distance walk.
St John’s Church also has a clearly stated building history: it was built in 1878 to replace the Chapel-of-Ease and is now used as Church Rooms. Its original purpose and current use can be considered separately. For a heritage-focused stay, this change offers another specific perspective on church history, without conflating it with the history of Church of St Bega.
Water and sailing
A permit is required for boating on Bassenthwaite Lake in an unpowered leisure craft or for fishing there. If you plan either activity, take this requirement into account in advance. It applies to the boating and fishing activities mentioned; other uses of the lake are not described here.
The Bassenthwaite Sailing Club offers interested visitors a free taster sailing lesson of about an hour at weekends from April to October. The season and approximate duration help you plan when to take part. Unlike a longer activity, it can be considered a brief, limited introduction to sailing; the duration is approximate.
Literature, gardens and local refreshments
In the Bassenthwaite area, Mirehouse has a walled bee garden, the Poetry Walk, woodland and farmland, adventure playgrounds, and places to relax on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake. The Poetry Walk is an ongoing tribute to Mirehouse’s special literary connections. This brings together an expressly literary theme and a variety of things to do on the grounds; you can decide which are important for your visit.
Another destination in the area is Bassenthwaite Lake Station. From 1865 to 1966, the station served holidaymakers and goods traffic. The station and its outbuildings were restored over the course of two years. Today, breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea are served in the restaurant carriage. Its historic use and present-day dining offer give you two different reasons to include the station in your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Dalston, Winton, Kirkby-in-Furness, Arnside, Kirkby Thore, Kirkby Stephen, Haverigg, Burneside
See the wider travel overview: Cumbria.
