Askham lies below rolling fells that sweep gently down towards the River Lowther. The far bank, thickly wooded is crowned by the towers and turrets of Lowther Castle, a romantic ruin. There are memorable views from the top of the village over the rooftops to the castle and the distant majesty of the highest Pennine peaks.

There are good walking footpaths leading westwards over the hills to Pooley Bridge and Ullswater.

Askham is built around two greens separated by a central crossroads and buildings which include the 19th-century village school. The lower green beneath scattered trees, is very broad and rises steeply on one side.

Many of the cottages in Askham are of whitewashed stone and date from the 17th century. Near the Queen’s Head, is an arts centre and base for walking tours. The upper has impressive views.

The Church of St Peter at Askham, stands just above the Lowther a short distance from the village and was built in 1832 on the site of an earlier building. Inside is a chapel dedicated to the Sandford family of Askham Hall, who settled in the village in 1373. Parish records in Askham list vicars since the 12th century.

The hall at Askham is set back behind a wall at the foot of the village, was built in medieval times but was substantially altered at the end of the 17th century.