Lake District Myths of Monsters, Fairies and Mysterious Beasts
Bownessie and The Bassenthwaite Eachy
You've heard of the Loch Ness Monster, but Cumbria has its own lake monsters to keep an eye out for. Bownessie, said to live in the deep waters of Lake Windermere, is a huge, fast-moving, amphibious creature with sightings dating back decades. Not to be outdone, Bassenthwaite Lake is said to be home to the Eachy — another serpentine beast that surfaces in local tales. Could these creatures be more than just stories? A lakeside cottage stay might just bring you close enough to spot one…
The Fairy Clans of Cumbria
The Lake District has long been considered a home to the fae. From enchanted hills to ancient Roman roads, their presence is still whispered about today.
Castle Howe Hillfort, on the shores of Bassenthwaite, is said to be a fairy stronghold, where shimmering figures are sometimes seen — only to vanish instantly.
King Eveling, Cumbria's 'Faery King' and Celtic god, is believed to dwell along the Hardknott Pass — a remote and atmospheric road that winds through time.
Near Whitehaven, Fairy Rock at Saltom tells the tragic tale of a fairy queen who fell in love with a human.
And if you're feeling brave, search for the secret portal into the fairy realm at Elva Hill — but don't get lost in the land of fae!
Tizzie-Whizies – The Windermere Wonder
Unique to Windermere, these mythical creatures are a sight to behold — if you're fast enough! With the body of a hedgehog, wings of a dragonfly, bee-like antennae, and a giant squirrel's tail, the Tizzie-Whizie is as charming as it is elusive. Locals say if you spot one, you'll be blessed with good luck (and maybe a few puzzled glances too).
Legends That Echo Through Time
Long Meg and Her Daughters
Near Little Salkeld sits a Bronze Age stone circle steeped in mystery. Legend tells that Long Meg, a witch, and her daughters were turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath. Locals say no one has ever counted the same number of stones twice — an eerie trick of ancient magic… or something more? The site is just a short trip from many of our cottages — ideal for a mystical day out.
King Arthur and His Lost Treasures
Could Camelot have been in Carlisle? Some believe so. It's said that Excalibur, Arthur's legendary sword, rests beneath the dark waters of Bassenthwaite Lake, waiting for the once and future king to rise again. And on the edge of Eamont Bridge, Arthur's fabled Round Table is said to remain — an ancient earthwork linked to countless Arthurian myths.
Adam Bell – The Lake District's Robin Hood
In the forests north of Penrith, Adam Bell was a skilled outlaw and master archer. Like Robin Hood, he stole from the rich, lived in the woods, and became a local hero. Offered a pardon if he could shoot an apple from his own son's head, Adam didn't hesitate — and hit his mark. A tale of bravery, loyalty, and legendary skill that still echoes through Inglewood Forest today.
Reuben Ingram and Dan — Descent of Raven Crag East Face
It is said that sometime in the early 21st century, eager young lads, Daniel, Ingram and Reuben, were the first (and last) to descend the sheer east face of Raven Crag. After a poor sleep the night before, waking up at the break of dawn, they were ready to get back down and onto the trail. However, this quick decision proved to be poor. With a steepness well over 80 degrees, the descension quickly ended in nightmare. With the boy in the back of the group – Daniel, eventually falling as a result of his 100 litre backpack weighing down on his tired legs. He quickly tumbled into the other two members of the posse, and they all fell to the foot of the hill. At which, they were left for dead, only being picked apart by scavenging ravens, never to be seen again.