Two historic houses that border the Lake District National Park – Askham Hall and Lowther Castle – have teamed up to offer a new groups package to coincide with the Year of the English Garden.
For the first time ever, groups of 10 to 25 people can book a combined visit to both the houses.
A recommended itinerary suggests first a visit to Askham Hall, where groups can enjoy a one and a half hour guided tour with one of the resident gardeners.
Groups will then be welcome to explore the grounds – viewing the River Lowther, experiencing the animal trail with rare breed cattle, and spotting a restored gypsy caravan.
Lunch can be taken at Askham’s Kitchen Garden Café, which serves fresh and seasonal dishes made with produce grown onsite.
Group and seasonal menus are also available, including a variety of salads, wood-fired pizzas, homemade cakes and hot drinks.
For the second part of the package, visitors can visit Lowther Castle and Gardens where they can explore more grounds at their own pace. Along the way, groups can view the late 17th century castle remains, or explore the limestone escarpment nearby.
The remains of the castle preside over 130 acres of lost historic gardens and recently became one of Europe’s largest reclamation and restoration projects.
Entry also includes admission to a temporary exhibition showcasing trinkets loaned by the Lowther family.
Both Askham Hall and Lowther Castle are linked with the Earls of Londsale with history dating back hundreds of years.
Askham’s 12 acre, Grade Two listed gardens boast formal lawns, woodland and meadows, whereas Lowther Castle’s gardens are coming back to life as part of a long-term project celebrating seven centuries of gardening innovation.
For more information visit www.askhamhall.co.uk or www.lowthercastle.org.
