First of all, if you don't want to stand out as a visitor, remember it's pronounced "Massam" (meaning: Massa's ham as in saxon chieftain's farmstead). Masham isn't large but it has an incredible concentration of artistic and cultural activities and people, so much so that locals now consider it to be Yorkshire's most creative community.
Park in the main market square and then head for the small information office in the little market place where you can pick up a map and the trail leaflets for the Acorns Walk, which goes along the river and the Swifts Trail, a sculpture trail in and around the market place.
The same building also houses a small gallery - the Blue Light Gallery, named after its former use as a police station. You'll see a blue plaque on the wall outside the Information & Community Office telling the story of the Viking Bones! More were recently found when the doctor's surgery was extended.
Depending on your interests, you might want to wander around the three other galleries - Masham Gallery, Nolon Stacey Gallery and Uredale Glass, visit the two breweries (Black Sheep and Theakston's) or perhaps go to see the saxon cross at St Mary's Church and the carvings and artwork within the truly beautiful church. The walk down Millgate and around the river back to the square takes about half an hour and is worth doing - you may spot the resident otters and kingfisher.
Many people like to stock up on Masham sausages or pork pies before going home and if you have a sweet tooth you'll enjoy a trip to Bah Humbugs or Jonevas. There's no shortage of places to eat and drink, whether you want a quick snack or more substantial meal in one of the pubs. Please note: many business still close on a Thursday and Mondays in winter.
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.
Park in the main market square and then head for the small information office in the little market place where you can pick up a map and the trail leaflets for the Acorns Walk, which goes along the river and the Swifts Trail, a sculpture trail in and around the market place.
The same building also houses a small gallery - the Blue Light Gallery, named after its former use as a police station. You'll see a blue plaque on the wall outside the Information & Community Office telling the story of the Viking Bones! More were recently found when the doctor's surgery was extended.
Depending on your interests, you might want to wander around the three other galleries - Masham Gallery, Nolon Stacey Gallery and Uredale Glass, visit the two breweries (Black Sheep and Theakston's) or perhaps go to see the saxon cross at St Mary's Church and the carvings and artwork within the truly beautiful church. The walk down Millgate and around the river back to the square takes about half an hour and is worth doing - you may spot the resident otters and kingfisher.
Many people like to stock up on Masham sausages or pork pies before going home and if you have a sweet tooth you'll enjoy a trip to Bah Humbugs or Jonevas. There's no shortage of places to eat and drink, whether you want a quick snack or more substantial meal in one of the pubs. Please note: many business still close on a Thursday and Mondays in winter.
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.
