A Visit to Mirehouse, Keswick

What do William Wordsworth, Alfred Tennyson and Thomas Carlyle all have in common — besides being giants of English literature? They all spent time at the same lakeside house on the shores of Bassenthwaite.

Are you looking for a hidden gem near Keswick?

Mirehouse combines everything that makes the Lake District special: stunning lakeside scenery, rich literary history, and beautiful gardens to explore.

Just four miles north of Keswick, Mirehouse is one of the Lake District’s true hidden gems: a 17th-century manor house with gardens running down to the water, and a guest list that reads like a syllabus of Victorian literature.

This historic manor house on Bassenthwaite Lake has welcomed famous writers for centuries—and now it’s waiting to welcome you.”

At a Glance

Location: Bassenthwaite Lake, 4 miles north of Keswick
Built: 1666, as a lodge for the 8th Earl of Derby
Home of the Spedding family since: 1802
Literary connections: Wordsworth, Tennyson, Carlyle, Southey, Edward Fitzgerald, Francis Bacon
Open: April–October, house Wednesdays & Sundays 2–5pm; gardens daily 10am–5pm
Admission: around £9 (house & gardens), £6 (gardens only)
Dogs: welcome on leads in the gardens and woodland, not inside the house
Refreshments: the Old Sawmill Tearoom, by the car park

The History of Mirehouse

Mirehouse is situated just 4 miles outside Keswick and is the home of the Speddings, a family who have all kinds of literary connections including William Wordsworth, Alfred Tennyson, Thomas Carlyle, Francis Bacon and Edward Fitzgerald. The house was sold to the Greg family in 1688, passed to their descendants the Storys, and came to the Speddings in 1802 — who still live there today.

In fact, Thomas Carlyle was one of the most regular visitors to Mirehouse and the lifelong friend of Thomas Spedding.

The grounds have a walled garden, wildflower meadow, and bee garden.

The waymarked nature walk allows visitors to wander and enjoy the lakeside scenery. This trail is the only east-shore walk on Bassenthwaite.

The Lakeland landscape is dramatic. With views across to Dodd Wood, Skiddaw and Broom Fell.

Inside this historic house is a collection of furniture, portraits and original letters of their family friendships with their literary friends.

The central part of the house was built in 1666 by the 8th Earl of Derby as a lodge for his visits to his Cumbrian estates.

In 1688, The Earl sold the house to his agent Roger Gregg and their kinsmen the Storys.

After the passing of Thomas Story in 1802, the house was left in his will to John Spedding of Armathwaite Hall at the north end of the lake.

The Georgian Gothic bays were added in 1790. In 1830, the south side of the house was demolished and new higher rooms were built under the direction of London architect, Joseph Cantwell.

The Chapel, which protruded to the south of the house was pulled down by the Speddings in 1965 as it was full of dry rot.

Gardens, Walks and Wildlife

Outside, Mirehouse‘s grounds are just as rewarding as the house.

There’s a walled garden, a wildflower meadow, and a bee garden to wander through, plus a waymarked nature trail — the only walk on Bassenthwaite‘s east shore — with views stretching across to Dodd Wood, Skiddaw and Broom Fell.

With five miles of lakeside and woodland paths in total, and adventure playgrounds (including a “Living Willow” structure) for younger visitors, it’s an easy place to fill a few unhurried hours.

Once you’ve had your fill of the house’s furniture, portraits and literary letters, it’s well worth continuing on foot: the car park at the Old Sawmill sits right at the foot of Dodd, making the climb up an easy and scenic follow-on to your visit.

Mirehouse Opening & Parking

Mirehouse is open to the public from April to October. Tickets can be bought at the Old Sawmill at Dodd Wood where you can obtain refreshments and park your car.

Stay in the Lake District

If you’re looking for pet-friendly holiday accommodation in Grange-over-Sands, we offer you a beautiful holiday cottage in Kents Bank.

It’s around an hour’s scenic drive from Mirehouse and Keswick — well worth it for a day trip out.

Contact us: 07785944194 or enquire here.

How to Book Kents Bank Holiday Cottage

Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage takes just minutes. Simply visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or call us on 07785944194.

Our friendly team answers your questions and helps you find the perfect dates for your Lake District holiday. We make the booking process easy, so you can focus on planning your relaxing getaway.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) What is Mirehouse and where is it located near Keswick?

Mirehouse is a historic manor house situated on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, approximately 4 miles north of Keswick in the Lake District National Park. This beautiful 17th-century house has been home to the Spedding family since 1802 and offers visitors a unique glimpse into literary history and lakeland heritage. The estate features stunning gardens, woodland walks, and adventure playgrounds, making it an ideal day trip when staying at Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in the Keswick area.

2) What are the opening times and admission prices for Mirehouse?

Mirehouse typically opens from April through October, with the house open on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons (2pm-5pm) and the gardens and grounds open daily during the season from 10am-5pm. Adult admission to the house and gardens is approximately £9, while gardens-only tickets are around £6. Children’s tickets and family passes are also available. It’s advisable to check the official Mirehouse website before your visit from Kents Bank Holiday Cottage, as opening times can vary seasonally and for special events.

3) Why is Mirehouse famous and what literary connections does it have?

Mirehouse is renowned for its remarkable literary connections. The house was visited by Alfred Lord Tennyson, who was inspired by the nearby landscape to write several poems. Thomas Carlyle was a frequent visitor, and the house contains manuscripts and memorabilia related to both writers. The estate also has connections to the poet Robert Southey, whose family lived nearby.

4) How far is Mirehouse from Keswick and how do I get there?

Mirehouse is located just 4 miles north of Keswick town center, making it easily accessible from Kents Bank Holiday Cottage by car.

5) What can I see and do at Mirehouse?

Mirehouse offers a diverse range of activities for all ages. Inside the house, you’ll find beautifully preserved rooms with original furniture, family portraits, and literary manuscripts. The gardens feature herbaceous borders, old-fashioned roses, and a bee garden. Children will love the woodland adventure playgrounds, including the unique “Living Willow” play area. The estate also boasts 5 miles of lakeside and woodland walks with stunning views of Bassenthwaite Lake and the surrounding fells. After a day of exploration, you can return to the comfort of Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands.

6) Are dogs allowed at Mirehouse?

Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome at Mirehouse but must be kept on leads at all times.

Dogs are allowed in the gardens and on the woodland walks but are not permitted inside the house itself.

7) Is Mirehouse suitable for families with children?

Mirehouse is exceptionally family-friendly and offers excellent facilities for children. The estate features multiple adventure playgrounds, including the unique “Living Willow” play structure and traditional wooden play equipment set within the beautiful woodland.

There are nature trails, opportunities for pond dipping, and wide open spaces for children to explore safely.

The house tours can be engaging for older children interested in history and literature.

8) Can I have afternoon tea or refreshments at Mirehouse?

Yes, Mirehouse has a tearoom called the Old Sawmill Tearoom, which serves homemade cakes, scones, sandwiches, and hot and cold beverages. The tearoom typically operates during the main season when the gardens are open. It’s a lovely spot to enjoy refreshments while overlooking the gardens and lake views. Light lunches are also available.

9) What other attractions are near Mirehouse when staying in Keswick?

Mirehouse is ideally located near several other Lake District attractions. Bassenthwaite Lake, England’s only official “lake,” is right on the doorstep and offers opportunities for water sports and wildlife watching, including ospreys.

The nearby Dodd Wood has excellent walking trails and viewpoints. Whinlatter Forest Park, England’s only true mountain forest, is just minutes away with its treetop adventure and hiking paths. Keswick itself offers museums, theaters, and the famous Derwentwater lake.

10) Is Mirehouse accessible for visitors with mobility issues?

Mirehouse is fully wheelchair accessible, with disabled parking available directly in front of the house. The gardens have some accessible paths, though the terrain can be uneven in places, and the woodland walks include some steeper sections that may not suit visitors with significant mobility challenges. Staff are on hand at the tearoom to advise on accessibility for your visit.

Plan Your Visit to Mirehouse

When staying at Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in Grange-over-Sands, Mirehouse makes for a perfect day trip combining history, literature, natural beauty, and family fun. Its proximity to Keswick and position on the quieter northern end of the Lake District provides a more tranquil alternative to some of the busier tourist attractions, while still offering rich cultural experiences and stunning lakeland scenery.