Masham

Home > Masham

Masham (pronounced Massam) is a traditional market town at the Eastern end of Wensleydale. It has a variety of shops including antiques, arts and crafts, clothes and provisions. It also offers pubs serving food, local cafes and restaurants. There is a good choice of accommodation from a luxury castle, a local hotel in the market square to good value guest houses and bed and breakfasts. All offer a warm welcome and a full English breakfast. The town still has a market day on Wednesdays and Saturdays where local produce and crafts are sold. Masham is ideal as a base for exploring the Dales as well as being near to York, Harrogate and Leeds for that extra shopping.

Masham's importance was built on sheep, so much so that the town gave its name to a breed of sheep. In the town the local brewery, Black Sheep has a visitors centre where you can eat in their Bistro or sample their ales. If you feel energetic Masham Golf Club offers a nine hole course close to the town and nearby Masham Riding and Trekking Centre will train and guide you on a ride through the local countryside.

Swinton Park is the luxury castle hotel mentioned earlier and is two miles from Masham. Situated in its own parkland with lakes and gardens, it offers superior accommodation, a fine restaurant and a host of activities for the guests. It is the home of the Cunliffe Listers who have carefully restored the castle to its former splendour. Masham is an interesting place to visit, you can watch glassmaking and buy hand made jewellery. In July a popular steam engine rally is held attracting enthusiasts from all over the country.

The surrounding countryside is full of rolling hills, pastures and woodland. There are lots of places to go, either East to York, Harrogate and Ripon or North and West to the Dales. Be sure to take the road to Healey and Pateley Bridge; the drive past the reservoir and over the moorland is not to be missed. To the North is the town of Leyburn, another market town. From here you can go on to Hawes, home of Wensleydale cheese and still be back to Masham in time for a leisurely supper or dinner.

If you would like some help in planning your holiday or wish to place your business on our site, e-mail us with your enquiry on