Things To Do
Culture & History
Lowther Castle & Gardens Just minutes from Askham Hall, explore the dramatic ruins of Lowther Castle, its beautiful gardens, woodland and walking trails. Dalemain Mansion & Historic Gardens A historic country house near Ullswater with beautiful gardens, period interiors and centuries of family history. Wordsworth Grasmere & Dove Cottage Visit William Wordsworth’s former home and museum, then explore the picturesque village of Grasmere and its famous gingerbread. Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s Farmhouse Visit Beatrix Potter’s beloved 17th-century farmhouse, preserved with her personal belongings and surrounded by the landscape that inspired many of her stories and illustrations. Castlerigg Stone Circle One of Britain’s oldest and most spectacular stone circles, dating back approximately 4,500 years and dramatically situated among the mountains just outside Keswick.
Hiking & The Outdoors
Aira Force One of the Lake District’s best-known waterfalls, surrounded by woodland and scenic walking trails overlooking Ullswater. Askham Fell & Heughscar Hill Walk directly from Askham village onto the fell for sweeping views across Ullswater and the surrounding countryside. Ullswater Way A beautiful walking route following the shores and surrounding countryside of Ullswater. Choose a shorter section for an easy outing or take on a longer stretch for a day on the fells. Gowbarrow Fell A rewarding hike above Ullswater with panoramic lake and mountain views, easily combined with a visit to Aira Force. Moor Divock & The Cockpit Stone Circle Walk across the open fells above Askham to discover prehistoric monuments and the secluded Cockpit Stone Circle, a wonderfully atmospheric hike from the village.
Lakes, Villages & Sightseeing
Ullswater & Ullswater Steamers Explore one of the Lake District’s most beautiful lakes aboard the historic Ullswater Steamers, with stops at villages and walking routes along the shoreline. Pooley Bridge A charming village at the northern end of Ullswater with traditional pubs, cafés and beautiful lake views. Keswick & Derwentwater Explore this lively market town, browse its independent shops and cafés, then wander down to Derwentwater or take a boat trip across the lake. Glenridding & Patterdale Picturesque villages along Ullswater surrounded by some of the area’s most dramatic mountain scenery.
For a Full Day Out
Ambleside & Kirkstone Pass Take the spectacular drive over Kirkstone Pass to Ambleside, surrounded by dramatic mountain and lake views, then spend the afternoon exploring the town and surrounding countryside. Windermere & Bowness-on-Windermere Explore England’s largest lake, take a boat cruise, wander through Bowness and enjoy lunch overlooking the water. Hadrian’s Wall Head north to explore this extraordinary Roman frontier, its ancient forts and archaeological sites set against sweeping countryside.
Destination Dining
Allium at Askham Hall Right at Askham Hall, Michelin starred Allium celebrates the landscape and produce of the surrounding Lowther Estate, with seasonal menus shaped by ingredients grown in the kitchen gardens, reared on the estate and foraged locally. The Dog & Gun, Skelton A Michelin starred village pub near Penrith pairing the warmth and character of a traditional Cumbrian inn with seriously accomplished modern British cooking. Relaxed, unpretentious and one of the area’s standout destination meals. The Old Stamp House, Ambleside A Michelin starred restaurant deeply rooted in Cumbria, drawing inspiration from the region’s farms, lakes, coastline and culinary traditions. A particularly special stop for anyone spending time around Ambleside. Lake Road Kitchen, Ambleside An intimate Michelin starred restaurant known for ambitious, ingredient-driven tasting menus and a creative approach to seasonal produce. Well worth planning ahead for.
Pubs and Pints
The Old Crown, Hesket Newmarket An 18th century, community owned village pub with the Hesket Newmarket Brewery behind it. Come for locally brewed ales and proper Cumbrian pub culture. George & Dragon, Clifton A historic country inn tied to the Lowther Estate, serving estate reared meat, local game and produce grown at Askham Hall. Come for a pint; stay for the excellent food. Dockray Hall, Penrith A centuries-old inn with oak panelling, huge fireplaces and layers of local history. An atmospheric spot for a proper pint. Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater A traditional Lakeland inn beneath the fells, with local ales, hearty food, old beams and a quintessential country pub atmosphere. Kirkstone Pass Inn A historic mountain inn nearly 1,500 feet above sea level, often called the highest pub in Cumbria, with spectacular surroundings. The Queen’s Head, Askham A historic village pub just a short walk from Askham Hall, with old world character and local ales, perfect for an evening close by.