Bassenthwaite Parish Room is located in the small, Northern Lake District village of Bassenthwaite. The village boasts easy access to many northern fells and Wainwrights—including England’s 4th highest mountain Skiddaw – and an easy, low-level walk to Bassenthwaite Lake.
The village is just 7 miles from the well-known tourist town of Keswick, a mecca for the UK’s climbing, fell walking, and outdoor enthusiasts. Keswick also has a wide variety of pubs, bistros, restaurants, the Keswick Alhambra Cinema and the Theatre by the Lake. Cockermouth—just 7 miles in the opposite direction—also offers a wide range of eateries, shopping, and cultural venues including Wordsworth House and Garden and Kirkgate Arts Centre.
Bassenthwaite Parish Room is a great base for walking, cycling or water-based activities in the northern fells. For inspiration on where to start – here are some ideas for outdoor activities.
The local area offers great bike rides and cycling routes for road cycling, gravel and mountain biking. There are easy walks and mountain hikes from the village itself and across the lake is Whinlatter Forest with hiking, running and cycling trails and adventure play areas.
There are also local opportunities for water sports including wild swimming, paddleboarding and fishing. Please note that permits are required to fish and to take any craft onto the lake.
For local excursions you might like to visit:
If you are staying at the Parish Room and don’t want to cook, you might try:
The Sun Inn – At the heart of the village, The Sun Inn serves excellent food, and offers pub quizzes, dominos and games nights.
The Castle Inn – The Castle Inn Tavern offers food from noon-9pm. Known for its Cumbrian ales, delicious bar bites and Pizza Mondays!
Bassenthwaite Lake Station – group booking customers have recommended their excellent breakfast provided in an Art Deco train carriage or station ticket office.
Bassenthwaite Parish Room has a dedicated website with an up-to-date calendar of activities and events.
Public events at the hall are also publicised via:
There are 3 churches in Bassenthwaite Parish. For details of church services please check the Binsey Link website
St. Bega’s Church
St. Bega’s Church is situated in fields on the East shore of Bassenthwaite Lake. It is dedicated to the Celtic Saint, Bega. The building dates from about AD 950, though the site may be older. It was extensively restored in 1874.
St John’s Church
St John’s Church is located near the village. Built in 1878, St John’s is a large airy church with a spectacular backdrop of Skiddaw.
The Methodist Chapel
The Methodist Chapel is located close to the village green, offering a simple, light, place of worship.
The Mobile Post Office (aka Aladdin’s Cave) visits Bassenthwaite Village every Monday between 2pm and 2.30pm. Look out for it on the village green!
Many post office services are available including:-
* Personal banking withdrawals
* Bill payments
* Mailings
plus a variety of greeting cards, magazines, gift vouchers, chocolate bars, and a few essentials such as toilet rolls and washing up liquid.
If the van can’t get to the village there will be a message on Bassenthwaite Parish facebook page.
The Mobile Post office (aka Aladdin’s Cave) visits Bassenthwaite Village every Monday between 2pm and 2.30pm. Look out for it on the village green!
Many post office services are available including:-
* Personal banking withdrawals
* Bill payments
* Mailings
plus a variety of greeting cards, magazines, gift vouchers, chocolate bars, and a few essentials such as toilet rolls and washing up liquid.
If the van can’t get to the village there will be a message on Bassenthwaite Parish facebook page.
Bassenthwaite has a Group for ordering Kerosene heating oil with Allan Stobart’s Lubricants and Fuels. Ordering as a group can provide savings of 1 – 2p per litre compared to the price for a normal delivery.
More information on Group Fuel Buying is available here.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the group please contact the group’s coordinator Claire Webzell by email: clairewebzell1@gmail.com
Bassenthwaite Primary School is part of the Keswick Multi Academy Trust. The school encourages high standards of learning and behaviour whilst creating a warm, friendly and caring family environment for children from Nursery age through to Year 6. The school offers full wraparound care on site (8am until 5.30pm) and a variety of after school clubs. More information is available on the school website
