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.

Stay Where the Legends Live

Why just read about legends when you can walk in their footsteps?

At Cumbrian Cottage Holidays, we offer beautiful self-catering cottages in the heart of the Lake District’s most legendary locations — whether you want to wake up near magical lakes, explore misty stone circles, or stargaze over mythical hills.

Perfect for:

• Family adventures (bring the kids Tizzie-Whizie hunting!)
• Couples looking for magical escapes
• Solo explorers following ancient trails

Start Your Mythical Getaway Today

Step into a world of monsters, magic, and mystery — and make your base in a warm, welcoming cottage with character and comfort.

Book now with Cumbrian Cottage Holidays and discover the Lake District’s most enchanting side — where myths come alive, and legends are just around the next bend.