Things to do in and around Masham
Masham is famous for its two breweries, The Black Sheep and Theakstons. It’s also becoming known for its thriving artistic community. The Masham Gallery, and Nolon Stacey Gallery showcase the work of local artists and makers. Uredale Glass was established 30 years ago and glass blowing still takes place there. Visitors seeking to explore their own creativity can enrol in a workshop at ArtisOn, a vibrant arts centre.
Masham boasts the largest market square in the Yorkshire Dales and much of the town’s life is centred on it. There is a twice weekly market and it is the site of the popular autumn Sheep Fair. Vehicles from the annual Traction Engine Rally and Steam Fair also parade to the square for visitors and residents to admire.
St. Mary’s Church dates back to medieval times. Visitors come to see the ancient Saxon Cross in the churchyard. Not far away on the hills is Druids Temple, a folly near Ilton and now home to Bivouac, part of the Swinton Estate which also includes Swinton Park Hotel with its award winning restaurant and cookery school.
Masham is situated on the banks of the river Ure offering lovely riverside walks including along the Ripon Rowel to nearby Hackfall Woods with its historic follies, waterfalls and fountain.
Don’t leave Masham until you’ve…
It's worth staying longer! Here are our recommended places to stay in and around Masham:
Bank Villa Bed and Breakfast in a Georgian house with a beautiful garden has 5 immaculate rooms and offers a delicious Taste of Yorkshire breakfast. You can also take over the whole house for your own private house party when Liz will also prepare a special dinner.
The Bivouac at Ilton: comfortable and cosy woodland shacks, yurts and bunkbarn with a quirky cafe attached. The Bivouac is set in a hidden setting just outside Masham and is perfect for families
Swinton Park is a country house hotel in acres of parkland, with a cookery school, new spa, bistro and excellent restaurant. You can also visit for afternoon tea in one of the beautiful and opulent lounge.
PS. we recommend you don't book through one of the big booking sites. They may seem to offer a bargain but you can often get an equally good rate by calling the accommodation to book direct. You'll often getting a better room or service by booking direct. It's better for you and the accommodation provider!
Masham boasts the largest market square in the Yorkshire Dales and much of the town’s life is centred on it. There is a twice weekly market and it is the site of the popular autumn Sheep Fair. Vehicles from the annual Traction Engine Rally and Steam Fair also parade to the square for visitors and residents to admire.
St. Mary’s Church dates back to medieval times. Visitors come to see the ancient Saxon Cross in the churchyard. Not far away on the hills is Druids Temple, a folly near Ilton and now home to Bivouac, part of the Swinton Estate which also includes Swinton Park Hotel with its award winning restaurant and cookery school.
Masham is situated on the banks of the river Ure offering lovely riverside walks including along the Ripon Rowel to nearby Hackfall Woods with its historic follies, waterfalls and fountain.
Don’t leave Masham until you’ve…
- Been to the Masham Community Office to pick up a leaflet and followed the Leaves Trail around Masham, spotting the stone sculptures along the way
- Visited Masham’s galleries and glass makers
- Had a wander around the Swinton Park Estate and enjoyed afternoon tea in one of the lounges at Swinton Park
- Been to Marfield Wetlands Nature Reserve, hidden in a hide and watched the wetland birds
- Had a coffee and met some locals in Suncatchers Café
- Lounged around the market cross, eating an ice-cream from Bah Humbugs, Joneva or Bordar House
- Watched a game of cricket on the recreation ground by the river
- Eaten a meal in Vennell’s award-winning restaurant
- Looked for the Lost Cemetery and found the site of the 58 skeletons dating from pre-Norman times
- Been on a tour of both breweries and enjoyed a local beer in one of the pubs
- Popped into Jamesons Country Store for country clothing, gifts, gardening and farming supplies
It's worth staying longer! Here are our recommended places to stay in and around Masham:
Bank Villa Bed and Breakfast in a Georgian house with a beautiful garden has 5 immaculate rooms and offers a delicious Taste of Yorkshire breakfast. You can also take over the whole house for your own private house party when Liz will also prepare a special dinner.
The Bivouac at Ilton: comfortable and cosy woodland shacks, yurts and bunkbarn with a quirky cafe attached. The Bivouac is set in a hidden setting just outside Masham and is perfect for families
Swinton Park is a country house hotel in acres of parkland, with a cookery school, new spa, bistro and excellent restaurant. You can also visit for afternoon tea in one of the beautiful and opulent lounge.
PS. we recommend you don't book through one of the big booking sites. They may seem to offer a bargain but you can often get an equally good rate by calling the accommodation to book direct. You'll often getting a better room or service by booking direct. It's better for you and the accommodation provider!