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Masham may be known as the gateway to the Dales but it is also a great place to visit in its own right retaining its old world charms and relaxed pace of life.
The hub of Masham is its vast market place which is edged by beautiful Georgian houses with their warm stone facades. Tourists are not the only ones to have discovered Masham’s unique charms, the town and its buildings are regularly used by television and film crews adding excitement to daily life.
| History abounds in Masham. Things to look out for are the remains of a saxon stone prayer cross in St Mary’s churchyard , dating from the eighth century, and the plaque next to the medieval market cross, which marks the granting of Masham’s first market charter in 1250. |
Masham has a fantastic mix of shops, cafes and pubs. Foodies will delight in the town’s two delicatessens with their array of cheeses, goose eggs and fine chocolates; the two butchers – one of which produces the Masham sausages that are served in the famous Betty’s of Harrogate tea-shops and also the bakery. Children will love the two sweet shops, especially Bah Humbugs which has jar upon jar of childhood favourites.
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Art lovers should make a bee-line for The Gallery which features local artists’ work. Just a short distance away is the Mistletoe Galley, which is also well worth a visit. Walk through the arch next to the imposing Kings Head Hotel and you will find Uredale Glass where beautiful handmade glass products are produced.
| Masham is officially peculiar or at least ‘a peculiar’. Back in the medieval times, the Archbishop of York didn’t much fancy making the journey to Masham and designated the parish, a Peculiar, which meant it had its own ecclesiastical court and governed its own affairs. |
Beer plays an important part in local life with not one but two breweries in the town. Daily tours run at both Theakston’s Brewery (above) and The Black Sheep Brewery where you can sample the award-winning ales and take away a souvenir of your visit.
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out – your only problem is deciding where to go! There are four cafes around the market place all offering something different.
If you are wanting to enjoy a glass of wine or pint with your meal there are several public houses in Masham all offering hearty home-cooked food.
Visitors flock (pardon the pun) to the annual Sheep Fair in September recreating a time when thousands of sheep were traded in the vast market place.
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| Outdoor activities |
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Masham has a large recreation ground and picnic area where lazy summer days can be spent by the River Ure watching the cricketers in their whites. There are also tennis courts, a bowling green, children’s play area and a skate park for the older children.
Just half a mile from the cottage is a picturesque nine-hole golf course and if you continue up the road to Swinton you will find the riding school where you can go pony-trekking in the surrounding countryside.
Fishing is possible at nearby Leighton reservoir between March and October and also at Sleningford Water Mill near Ripon, where you can also canoe. Or try your hand at clay-pigeon shooting at Warren Gill at nearby Fearby.
A host of walks have Masham as their starting point. Stroll down the river bank to Marfield Nature Reserve and watch the dragon flies dancing over the water or follow the Masham Leaves Walk and its sculpture trail – a hit with younger walkers.
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