Askham Hall – A Foodie Destination Wedding Venue in the Lake District

Written by Emma Hla
Found in the Cumbrian countryside, Askham Hall is a historic estate with a rich legacy; under the stewardship of the Lowther family since 1724, this hidden wedding retreat embraces an ethos rooted in slow living, sustainability, and a dedicated commitment to preserving the estate’s innate beauty and soul.

Askham Hall is intricately woven into its natural setting. It features ever-evolving gardens and panoramic views of farmland, rivers, and fells, creating an idyllic backdrop for destination weddings in every season.

The heart of the venue lies in its Michelin-starred restaurant, championing a farm-to-table philosophy. Here, the culinary team curates delectable feasts using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, emphasising sustainability and tradition. Beyond a singular-day affair, Askham Hall offers an exclusive, multi-day wedding experience, ensuring privacy, luxury, and personalisation. With versatile venue spaces, including the majestic Bank Barn and 19 elegantly appointed guest bedrooms, this historic estate promises meticulous attention to detail, creating a seamless blend of tradition and individual preferences for an unforgettable celebration.

Keep reading to learn more…

Notes from the Venue

Our Venue + Ethos

At Askham Hall, nestled in the breathtaking Cumbrian countryside, we offer couples (and their family and friends) a rural, hidden wedding retreat where love, nature, and seasonal dining intertwine. The Lowther family, custodians of this historic estate since 1724, are dedicated to preserving its beauty and soul, making it an idyllic setting for bespoke destination weddings year-round.

Our ethos centres around slow living and sustainability, echoing the pace of the natural world. Here, your celebration unfolds over several days in an exclusive event, allowing you and your guests (and dogs!) to settle in, connect, and make the most of the beautiful surroundings. Our commitment to a farm-to-table philosophy also ensures that your dining experience is a highlight, with every dish crafted from the freshest, home-grown, locally sourced ingredients, celebrating the seasons and our dedication to sustainability.

The Setting

The essence of Askham Hall is its deep connection to the land. Our gardens, ever-evolving in colour and fragrance, are at the heart of the estate’s charm. From the pretty blossom and daffodil meadows of spring to the rich palette of autumn, each season brings its own magic to the grounds. The kitchen garden, a constant source of inspiration and ingredients for our Michelin-starred restaurant, reflects our commitment to farm-to-table dining, showcasing the freshest produce in every dish we serve.

Beyond the gardens, the estate extends into the surrounding farmland, rivers, and fells, offering guests a chance to explore the natural wonders of the Lake District. The area’s rugged beauty, panoramic views, and breathtaking lakes provide a picturesque backdrop for your destination wedding.

Farm-to-Table Wedding Food

Our venue’s beating heart is a Michelin-starred restaurant where the true spirit of hospitality is of the utmost importance. Our chefs and catering team design delicious farm-to-table feasts for all our events using ingredients to suit the changing seasons, emphasising the best and most delicious produce, and our sustainable, farm-reared, garden-grown offerings are a signature. From our own herd of Beef Shorthorn cattle and sourcing wild venison from Shap fell to harvesting the kitchen garden that supplies our estate with a selection of fresh, seasonal produce. These ingredients, whether grown and nurtured on our land or supplied by local farmers and producers, are harvested when at their most flavoursome. This locally sourced, seasonal approach is not a trend but our way of life and the ultimate appreciation for sustainability and tradition.

Your Wedding Experience

From the moment you arrive, the estate becomes your very own rural retreat, allowing you and your guests to enjoy our idyllic surroundings in total privacy. With the option to book for a weekend (or longer), we invite you to immerse yourselves in a celebration that extends beyond just one day, offering a unique opportunity to create lasting memories with those closest to you.

Understanding the significance of your wedding day, we tailor every aspect to meet your individual needs, offering a variety of ceremony spaces to suit any preference (or weather eventuality!). Whether you are planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, our versatile venue spaces, including the majestic Bank Barn for your reception, are adaptable to your vision. With its neutral palette and natural textures, Bank Barn provides a romantic and rustic backdrop for any wedding theme. It accommodates up to 150 guests with ample space for dining and dancing under a festoon-lit canopy.

The estate also features 19 elegantly appointed guest bedrooms, each blending the historic charm of the hall with modern luxury. These accommodations ensure a comfortable stay for you and your guests, adding to the overall experience of your multi-day wedding celebration.

Our dedicated team ensures every detail is meticulously managed throughout your wedding experience and on the day itself, allowing you to focus on the milestone occasion. With exclusive hire, luxurious accommodation, delicious menu options, and a variety of spaces available, we promise a destination wedding marked by privacy, luxury, and a beautiful blend of tradition and personalisation.

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