Bassenthwaite Lake Monster Sighting
Bassenthwaite Lake has been the site of a most intriguing cryptozoological sighting. In 1961, a creature estimated to be between twelve and thirteen feet long, with a humped body and a head resembling a python, was reportedly seen in the lake. This remarkable sighting was documented in a couple of newspaper reports, which described the creature's unusual appearance. While the creature's existence has not been confirmed, the sighting remains one of the most fascinating and enduring mysteries associated with the lake.
The 1961 sighting is particularly noteworthy as it predates the infamous 'Eachy' hoax, which occurred in 2006. The fact that the creature was described as having a humped body and a python-like head suggests that it may have been a misidentification of a known animal or a genuine unknown species. Unfortunately, there is limited information available about the witness or witnesses who reported the sighting, which makes it difficult to assess the credibility of the account. Nonetheless, the sighting remains a popular topic of discussion among cryptozoology enthusiasts and those interested in the paranormal history of Bassenthwaite Lake.
The sighting occurred in 1961, a time of growing interest in cryptozoology and the paranormal
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Tiny Green People of Piel Wyke
Piel Wyke, Bassenthwaite
Piel Wyke, a small hill in the rolling countryside of Cumbria, is said to be home to a most unusual and intriguing paranormal phenomenon - the Tiny Green People. In the nineteenth century, two children who were digging on the mound claimed to have unearthed a small cottage with a slate roof. However, when they returned a short time later, the construction had vanished into thin air. A few days later, their father saw two small people in green standing on the hill, who promptly vanished into it. This bizarre sequence of events has left many to wonder about the nature of this strange occurrence.
Sir Gawain's Tarn Haunting
Tarn Watheling, Armathwaite
Tarn Watheling, a serene lake in Cumbria, is said to be the site of a legendary jousting match between Sir Gawain and a Scottish knight. This story, rooted in Arthurian lore, questions the knight's worthiness to sit at the Round Table. While there's no specific date or time for this haunting, the atmosphere of the tarn on a misty evening is said to be quite evocative. The stillness of the water and the surrounding landscape seem to hold their breath, as if waiting for the sound of clashing steel and the thunder of hooves.
The Lady in Brown Ghost
Fox & Pheasant Inn Inn, Armathwaite
The Fox & Pheasant Inn in Armathwaite, Cumbria, is home to a rather poignant ghost story. A woman in old-fashioned brown clothing has been seen walking through the closed front door by a previous landlady and her friend. The story goes that this lady lost her children in a tragic coach accident outside the inn, and it's said that her spirit still roams the premises, perhaps searching for them. The atmosphere inside the inn must be quite charged with this history, and it's little wonder that the Lady in Brown has become a local legend.
Giant's Church Stone Haunting
General area, Binsey Fell
Binsey Fell, a rugged and atmospheric spot in Cumbria, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a giant. Legend has it that this enormous being was trying to make amends for a life of sin and violence by helping to build a church. As the story goes, the giant accidentally dropped his apron full of rocks, which landed on the fell, creating the distinctive Church Stones. On misty nights, when the fog rolls in, a large ghostly figure wearing an apron is said to appear, reliving the moment of his mishap.
Jamaican Woman Ghost
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Overwater Hotel in Ireby, Cumbria, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a Jamaican woman. Locals believe she was a victim of a tragic and horrific crime back in the early 19th century. The story goes that Joseph Gillbanks, who purchased the estate in 1814, had an affair with the woman, who then revealed she was pregnant. In a fit of rage, Gillbanks tried to drown her in Overwater Tarn, and when she attempted to escape, he chopped off her arms. Now, her armless apparition is said to appear at the hotel on New Year's Day every year, striking fear into the hearts of those who catch a glimpse of her.
Phantom of Langdale Education Centre
Langdale Outdoor Education Centre, Elterwater
The Langdale Outdoor Education Centre in Elterwater, Cumbria, is home to a reported phantom of a man named John Foxcroft. He died in an explosion at a gunpowder factory that once stood on the site, alongside three other men. The centre, which is now a hub for outdoor education, has had reports of paranormal activity dating back to the 1970s. It's said that Foxcroft's ghostly presence still lingers, a reminder of the tragic events that took place there many years ago.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Bassenthwaite Lake

