Explore the Local Area
Askham Village
Explore the friendly village of Askham, a charming base, which features two pubs, the Michelin starred Allium at Askham Hall and a village shop for picking up the essentials.
Free parking provides a great base for walking and exploring Askham Fell and Pooley Bridge.
Also nearby is Lowther, again, free parking allows you to explore the dramatic ruins, gardens within gardens and miles of walks through woodlands and estate grounds.
Penrith
5 mins drive is the bustling town of Penrith, home to five major supermarkets, catering to all budgets and many pubs and restaurants offering a very wide range of food and drink.
The quieter Eden Valley, is characterised by rich farmland, extensive woodland and meandering becks and rivers, and is perfect for the walker or cyclist.
Pooley Bridge
Only 5 minutes drive away, is Pooley Bridge, which sits at the end of the majestic Lake Ullswater. Here you will find several pubs, restaurants and lovely cafes with picturesque riverside outside spaces to enjoy.
Here paddle steamers transport you serenely along the lake, from Pooley Bridge to Glenridding, which is also steeped in history and is a notable embarkation point for serious walkers to tackle the infamous Helvellyn mountain.
There are other embarkation points along the way eg. Aira Force, Howtown providing walking options along the Ullswater Way.
Keswick
Enjoy a spot of retail therapy at the famous and unusual Rheged shopping centre only 10 minutes drive away. With it’s own cinema, gallery, craft workshops and selection of locally produced artisanal produce, along with a café and soft play centre, there is something for everybody.
Head into nearby Keswick, ‘the capital of the Northern Lakes', only a 20-minute drive away with its weekly market, great pubs and restaurants, museum, minigolf, and park. Set on the shores of Derwent Water Lake, beneath the silhouette of Skiddaw Mountain – Keswick is a must-see town whilst holidaying in the Northern Lakes.
A car is recommended for ease of getting around.
Places To Eat
Tried and tested places we regularly visit:
- Another Place Hotel – The Glasshouse – great pizzas and wonderful location
- Helvellyn Kitchen – fab breakfasts and lunches
- Grant’s Penrith – see below
- Punchbowl Askham – friendly village pub
- The Brackenrigg Inn – great service and fab Sunday dinners
- George and Dragon Clifton – lovely food
- Cranstons Café Penrith – above the shop – handy for lunch
- Horse and Farrier Dacre – see below
For something special - top restaurants near Six Herdwick Barns...
Allium at Askham Hall, Askham
Just a couple of minutes’ drive from the Barn, the seasonal menu is inspired by the produce grown in the estate’s gardens and fields. Dinner is available Tuesday to Sunday and is served in the form of a six-course tasting menu.
Four and Twenty – Penrith
This is a casual, bistro style restaurant which has an excellent reputation with the locals. Their food is flavourful and unfussy drawing on seasonal British and European cooking. They also have a wide selection of wines and cocktails. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.
The Horse and Farrier – Dacre
We love this pub. Just 10 minutes from the Barn. This pub has a cosy bar area as well as a restaurant serving lunches and dinners. The food and service is excellent ( in our opinion). Open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and for Sunday lunches.
Grant’s of Castlegate – Penrith
This is a modern British bistro and bar with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The owner chef has worked in hotels and restaurants around the world and draws on those experiences to produce dishes based around the best local ingredients. It is open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday and the occasional bottomless Afternoon Teas at the weekend.
La Casita – Penrith
Great atmosphere together with an authentic Spanish experience. This restaurant and tapas bar serves great Spanish cuisine. We enjoy popping in here after visiting the many festivals and events in Penrith. Open Tuesday to Sunday evenings.
Foundry 34 – Penrith
A family run bar and restaurant offering meals 7 days a week including takeaway services. They often have live entertainment and bottomless lunches at the weekend.
1863 Restaurant – Pooley Bridge
At this Michelin-recommended restaurant, stainability is at the heart of their ethos. Meat, fish, fruit and vegetables are sourced from northern farmers and producers and many products are foraged. Lunch and dinner menus are offered as three, five or seven courses. Open Thursday to Monday.