Askham Hall Hotel

Located in the picturesque village of Askham, this newly opened hotel is set in a glorious 13th century former stately home just ten minutes drive from Penrith, perfect for a stopover when travelling north or south on the M6. The sense of history about the place may have overwhelmed some, but owner Charlie Lowther has done well to successfully marry the antique and the modern to ensure the place oozes charm and character. Large double rooms retain original features, such as sleigh beds and canopied bathrooms. A spa and outdoor heated pool are perfect for unwinding after a day out walking in the hills. The gardens are Grade II listed, offering fantastic views to the River Lowther, plus rare breed pigs, goats, chickens, ducks and shorthorn cows are kept on the 40 acres attached to the property. Make sure to eat in the restaurant with its seasonal menu and ingredients reared and grown on the estate. Service is low key and rather relaxing for it. The perfect balance between luxury and comfort in the heart of the Lake District.

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
The antithesis of the traditional country house hotel found in the Lakes, Askham Hall is really a bohemian-style home from home, with tremendous history and style. Open roaring fires, comfy sofas and intimate areas create a warm, relaxing and luxurious feel. Charming original features compliment stylish fittings and design. The food, much of it home grown and reared at Askham Hall itself and on the 800 year old family estate, is as delectable as the surroundings.

What is there to do in the area?
Askham Hall is situated in the heart of the Cumbrian countryside, in a beautiful lesser known part of the Lake District. The surrounding mountains, rivers, lakes, wildlife and history make this an idyllic spot to visit. Askham Hall is the perfect base for walking, running, cycling and other outdoor activities and sports such as fishing, deer stalking or shooting.
Nearby Lowther Castle and Gardens is a fascinating restoration project with strong family connections. (The owners of Askham Hall's ancestors lived here).

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
Our breakfast is highly rated and examples include:
Porridge with cinnamon and bananas
Full English breakfast – sausage, bacon, black pudding, egg of your choice, tomato and mushrooms
Fluffy apple pancakes with Askham berries, maple and agave syrup and Greek yoghurt
Eggs royale – toasted English muffin with smoked salmon, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce
Eggs benedict – toasted English muffin with local ham, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce
Brougham Hall smoked kippers

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
Dinner at Askham Hall. Lunch, tea or morning coffee are available in the Kitchen Garden cafe during opening times, and lunch and dinner is available at our sister property the George and Dragon in nearby Clifton (ten minutes drive).

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
The Superior Pele Tower rooms, in the oldest part of the house with spectacular south facing garden views. Combining original features such as lead mullion windows together with modern furnishings and bathrooms, these luxurious bedrooms epitomise the style of Askham Hall.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ?
We can provide private dining facilities for a family if they prefer in the Old Pantry dining room. Up to two extra beds fit in the larger Pele Tower rooms, one extra bed or a cot in some of the smaller rooms. Cots are free of charge extra beds are £30 per bed per night.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
Come and see for yourselves!