Askham Hall
A family home in Askham, Cumbria, home to the Michelin-starred Allium restaurant, offering accommodation and wedding celebrations in the Lake District.
About Askham Hall
Askham Hall, Michelin-starred restaurant and accommodation in the Lake District
Askham Hall is a family home located in the village of Askham, in Cumbria, which operates as a restaurant with rooms and as a venue for weddings and events. The property has belonged to the Lowther family since 1724 and is home to Allium, the estate's Michelin-starred restaurant. The house presents itself as a historic building with a lived-in, relaxed character, with well-worn flagstone floors, big squashy sofas, books and the family's art and antiques.
Allium, seasonal cooking and home-grown produce
The Allium restaurant is led by Head Chef Richard Swale and by Nico Chieze, described as 'Maitre de Maison'. Its approach is based on seasonal and local produce, and includes dishes made with ingredients grown and reared on the estate itself. The establishment has one of the most extensive and varied wine lists in the UK, according to its own presentation. Allium welcomes both resident guests and non-residents.
Accommodation and stays
Askham Hall offers bedrooms for overnight stays and various guest spaces, including a library with a fireplace, a drawing room for aperitifs and gardens. The house also offers short breaks and multi-night programmes, such as the three-night break linked to the Beaujolais dinner planned for 19 November 2026. The accommodation welcomes families and dogs.
Weddings and private events
The property is offered as a venue for country weddings, with a medieval hall, a rustic barn and gardens and grounds. Each wedding is conceived as an exclusive event tailored to the clients' wishes, with the possibility of accommodating guests on the estate. Askham Hall can also be booked exclusively for celebrations and private events, and includes the organisation of special events and the 2026 festive season.
Surroundings and access
The house is located in a quiet village about a ten-minute drive from Penrith and junction 40 of the M6, with Ullswater and the Lake District nearby. Access is signposted with brown tourist signs under the name Askham Hall Gardens. The first entrance, marked 'House Guests and Restaurant', serves restaurant and accommodation guests; the second, signposted as free village parking, corresponds to Bank Barn.
CIEL HOTELS group and other establishments
Askham Hall is part of CIEL HOTELS, along with other establishments such as The Queen's Head and The George and Dragon, the latter a pub located nearby. The property also offers complementary services such as gift vouchers, virtual tours and documentation on accessibility and sustainability.
Practical information
The Allium restaurant accepts table and room reservations, which can be arranged by phone or by email. The website warns that the Kitchen Garden Cafe and the Askham Hall gardens are no longer open to the public.
Location and contact
Askham Hall, Askham, Near Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2PF · Phone: 01931 712350
Michelin-starred restaurant and accommodation