Bassenthwaite Lake
Lake Lake in England's Lake District within national park
One of England’s Lake District lakes, Bassenthwaite shores offer birdwatching, canoeing and views of Skiddaw; walkers use lakeside paths and nearby villages as bases.
Bassenthwaite Lake is a freshwater lake in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England, and is one of the larger lakes in the district. It is a recognised area for birdlife and wetland habitats and forms part of the national park’s protected landscape.
Shoreline paths, roadside viewpoints and nearby car parks provide access for short visits and allow visitors to observe the lake and surrounding fells. The lake is often visited for wildlife watching and for views of adjacent hills such as Skiddaw.
The lake is a natural feature of the Lake District and has been managed within the park for conservation and recreation; its shoreline supports reedbeds and wetland habitats that are important for birds.
Bassenthwaite sits north of Derwentwater and near the town of Keswick in northwestern England, within the central area of the Lake District National Park.
- Wildlife: It is one of the principal water bodies in the Lake District National Park and supports notable birdlife and wetlands along its shores.
- Access and views: The lake lies close to the town of Keswick and provides views of surrounding fells including Skiddaw, making roadside viewpoints convenient for short visits.
How to Get to Bassenthwaite Lake #
By car, Bassenthwaite Lake is reached via the A66/A591 roads; from Keswick it’s about a 10-20 minute drive. Nearest rail link: nearby stations at Workington or Penrith with onward bus/taxi; local buses serve villages around the lake in summer.
Tips for Visiting Bassenthwaite Lake #
- Walk the lakeshore at dawn for mist and light on the water; the west shore gets the best sunrise views.
- Birdwatchers should bring binoculars - the lake attracts migratory wildfowl and osprey in season.
- If driving, take the A66/M6 route to Keswick and follow signs to Bassenthwaite Lake; roadside parking is limited in summer.
Best Time to Visit Bassenthwaite Lake #
Best visited late spring through autumn; for solitude and birdlife, aim for early morning or autumn months.
Weather & Climate near Bassenthwaite Lake #
Bassenthwaite Lake's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1275 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (141 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
