Askham combines a clearly recognisable historic village layout with a rural setting and a circular walk that climbs Askham Fell. When choosing a holiday rental for your stay, you can weigh up local history, a specific walking route and wildlife observation. The Lowther Castle Loop brings together parkland, riverside paths, meadows, village streets and open countryside. The village’s appearance reflects a medieval planned settlement and buildings dating from several centuries.
Village history and architecture
Askham developed as a medieval planned settlement associated with Askham Hall, which is believed to have originated as a residential tower in the 14th century and is listed Grade I. The village is characterised by a linear settlement pattern: almost continuous frontages of farmhouses, barns and cottages dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries face each other across the village greens. The 44 listed buildings, together with other historic buildings, contribute to Askham’s distinctive character and appearance.
St Peter’s Church is also part of the village’s architectural history. It was built in 1832 and designed by Sir Robert Smirke. The Queen’s Head is a village pub that has retained much of its 17th-century character. Together, these buildings show different facets of Askham’s history: from the medieval origins of the settlement to rows of houses spanning several centuries and a 19th-century church.
Landscape and wildlife
Askham lies in a rural setting between Askham Fell and the River Lowther, on the western side of the Lowther Valley. Open fields surround the village to the north and south. The open countryside offers a contrast to the linear village layout. Wildlife is another aspect of Askham’s natural environment: more than 300 bird species have been recorded here, and deer and red squirrels are also found in the area. When planning your trip, local history and wildlife observation can therefore provide different focuses for your stay.
Walking, cycling and getting around
The Lowther Castle Loop is a 12-kilometre circular walk through the estate’s parkland, riverside paths, meadows, village streets and the open countryside of Askham Fell. The route climbs the fell, where it opens up wide views of Ullswater and the Helvellyn Range. You can factor the distance into your day’s plans as a walk in its own right. Check the path conditions and rights of way before setting out. For orientation, the main entrance to the Lowther Castle estate is accessed from Askham via Askham Bridge.
Another option is off-road cycling. Moor Divock and Askham Fell are criss-crossed by an extensive network of bridleways, suitable for mountain biking on surfaces that are mostly not very technical. Unlike the named 12-kilometre circular route, this activity covers a large network of paths. This gives you two different ways to plan some activity: a specific circular walk or mountain biking on bridleways.
Dining as a separate part of your plans
The Allium restaurant at Askham Hall welcomes both overnight guests and visitors who are not staying there. You can therefore plan a visit without staying overnight at Askham Hall; check availability for non-residents in advance.
Discover more destinations: Torpenhow, Haverthwaite, Bowness-On-Windermere, Waterhead, Seascale, Wheyrigg, Watermillock, High Harrington.
For the broader travel overview: Cumbria.
