Overview
Askham Hall features Grade II listed gardens which are open to the public for visits. The Hall is an award-winning restaurant with bedrooms and a wedding venue.
The gardens are full of stunning features, including colourful terraces, a 230ft long double herbaceous border, unusual species of plants, formal lawns, kitchen gardens, woodland, meadows and ponds. Take in the views down to the River Lowther and enjoy the secluded spots of the garden. You can also buy plants to take home.
There are also family-friendly animal trails with a chance to see shorthorn cattle, rare breed pigs, boer goats, ducks and chickens. For the eagle-eyed, the surrounding area is also a haven for red squirrels, rabbits, badgers and pheasants.
Askham's beautifully remodelled dining area is made up of three exquisite rooms and overseen by renowned head chef Richard Swale. Furthermore there are 15 bedrooms to choose from, each is totally unique and individually named. A Scandinavian influenced private spa is also available.
Opening
March to Easter: Fridays and Sundays, 11am to 4pm.
Easter to October: Sunday to Friday (closed Saturdays), 10am to 5pm.
November to 2 December: Fridays and Sundays 11am to 4pm.
Find us
Askham Hall is situated in a quiet and picturesque village within easy access (about ten minutes drive) from Penrith and junction 40 of the M6. Follow the brown tourist signs signposted Askham Hall Gardens.
It is possible to take a taxi from Penrith station.
- Offers bike storage
Parking
Car park on site
- Free
Admission
Historic Houses members can visit for free.
Garden entry £4 per adult.
Children under 12 are free.
Hotel guests are free.
Accessibility
- Access statement available
- Guide dogs welcome
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
Things to See
Stone griffins from Lowther Castle by the entrance
The Grade II listed terraced gardens
Edible gardens, for the restaurant, cafe and pub
Sandford family crest above the archway
Walks
Askham Hall has a garden route and animal trails around the 12 acre gardens. A hand drawn and illustrated map is available from the cafe.
The Bank Barn
Weddings
Your wedding
An exciting new style of country house hotel and wedding venue. Consisting of 18 bedrooms, a restaurant, private gardens, spa, wedding barn, medieval hall and outdoor pavilion. It is Luxurious, intimate, unpretentious, up-to-date and full of charm. There are also two stunning churches nearby.
The Venue
Winner of Cumbria Tourism’s ‘Wedding Venue of the Year’ and North West Wedding Awards ‘Best Venue Cumbria’ 2016, and also Cumbria Tourism’s ‘Guest Accommodation of the Year’ 2016 and ‘Taste Experience’ 2017 and 2015.
The Bank Barn
A beautiful Grade II listed building 'Bank Barn' has been converted into a first class wedding venue with capacity for c.150 seated guests. Original features such as bare stone walls and a beamed oak ceiling, together with contemporary lighting, stylish décor and large glass doors, make it a truly unique setting.
Catering
A variety of catering options are available, utilising locally sourced produce, grown and reared at Askham Hall itself and on the family estate. Tables, chairs, linen, crockery, cutlery and glasses are provided.
Your style
Couples may decorate the venue as they wish. A variety of florists, hair and make-up stylists, dressmakers, photographers, cake makers, music bands and other services can be recommended.
Licensed Venue
We are licensed for civil ceremonies, both in the barn for larger parties at weekends, in the main house for smaller parties, as well as the outdoor pavilion (weather permitting) and medieval hall.
Churches
St. Peters Church is located a stone's throw away. A romantic walk takes you from the church through the gardens and onto the wedding barn. The 13th-century St. Michael's Church, overlooking Askham Hall and with views of Lowther Castle, is also close by.
Accommodation
With modern furnishings and fresh décor, whilst carefully retaining the charm and character of this historic house, Askham Hall is somewhere you can kick off your wellies at the front door and relax in down to earth, comfortable surroundings.
Tthere are 15 bedrooms to choose from, each is totally unique and individually named. Room rates start at £150 per night including breakfast. A Scandinavian influenced private spa is also available.
All rooms come with flat screen TVs, free wi-fi, bluetooth radios and telephones (calls are chargeable). The Pele Tower rooms also feature mini bar larders and Nespresso coffee machines.
Standard rooms
Smaller but equally as comfortable and still all benefit from wonderful views and stunning design finishes. Overlooking the courtyard and old stable block or the garden spa and River Lowther, original features such as 17th century antique fireplaces are combined with modern furnishings and bathrooms.
Superior Rooms
Situated in the later 16th and 17th century wings of Askham Hall, some with views over the courtyard and old stable block and others with views of the surrounding fields and River Lowther. These rooms ooze character and unique features such as antique fireplaces, oak buttresses in the ceiling and Chinese antique wallpaper make them really special.
Pele Tower Superior Rooms
The more modern rooms in the Pele Tower have been decorated in a more quirky way and they both have south facing garden views. Combining original features such as lead mullion windows together with modern furnishings and bathrooms, these luxurious rooms epitomise the style of Askham Hall.
Pele Tower Master Rooms
The more modern rooms in the Pele Tower have been decorated in a more quirky way and they both have south facing garden views. Combining original features such as lead mullion windows together with modern furnishings and bathrooms, these luxurious rooms epitomise the style of Askham Hall.
The Dining Room
Food is at the centre of Askham Hall, under chef Richard Swale. The cycle of life in the gardens and fields at Askham Hall dictate our menus – we work with the seasons and grow, source and preserve the produce from our gardens and surrounding farms and woodland.
Corporate Hire
Corporate events
Rooms are available for hire for conference/ business uses for any number of people up to 150. We provide a bespoke service, pricing is on request.
School Visits
We offer visits to primary and secondary schools comprising garden tours including the edible gardens and animal trails.
Along the family friendly route there is the chance to see shorthorn cattle, rare breed pigs, boer goats, ducks and chickens. For the eagle-eyed, the surrounding area is also a haven for red squirrels, rabbits, badgers and pheasants.