Set in lovely rolling countryside, the small market town of Masham is built around a large square. It has held a market charter since 1250 and thrived due to the easy access of the flocks of sheep from nearby Fountains and Jervaulx Abbeys. There is still a sheep fair every September where huge numbers of sheep are bought and sold.
Highlights
- Independent shops and cafés set around a large cobbled square
- Annual steam rally and sheep fair
- Two traditional breweries
- Galleries, glass blowers, and hand-made gifts
Breweries
The town is also famous for having not one, but two, family-owned breweries to visit - Theakstons and Black Sheep - who both produce highly rated beers. Arts and crafts is strong in the town and there are plenty of galleries to explore or you can event take a crafty course at Artison.
Places to eat, places to stay
There are plenty of welcoming pubs, cafés and places to eat. Nearby is Swinton Park which has luxury accommodation, an award winning restaurant and trekking centre. For something a bit different up above the town you will find Bivouac with its woodland shacks and meadow yurts to stay in and plenty of space to roam.
Getting here
Masham is easily accessed from the A1 and can be reached by limited bus service from Ripon, Leyburn and Bedale.
