A Visit to Masham

Masham, a charming market town, is the very essence of rural North Yorkshire, with plenty of picture-perfect old Georgian buildings surrounding a cobbled market square. Masham is famous for its annual most unique sheep sale as well as providing a host of great places to eat, local shops, a popular wine shop, and several great local butchers.

Vennells restaurant, The Bruce Arms, and The White Bear which adjoins the brewery are all good options for dinner. In the daytime seating with coffee and cake at Johnny Baghdad’s Cafe on the Square is a must.

A fantastic range of Yorkshire stallholders who are all extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their produce offering farmhouse baking, bread, cured meats, organic veg, hand-made fudge, plants, handmade walking sticks, soaps, honey, cheese, herbs and lots more. Come and eat seasonally inspired dishes sold by inventive ‘kitchens’. Music and family activities make Masham Market a great event for visitors of all ages.

What day is the market on in Masham?

Takes place every 1st Sunday of the month from April to October.

Of course, this town is the home of Yorkshire brewing, with its two award-winning breweries: Theakston’s and Black Sheep. Take a brewery tour, sample their ales and enjoy some good food at either of the breweries and make sure you pick up a bottle to take home as well (call it a souvenir)

After an evening sampling Yorkshires finest ales, why not dust off the cobwebs the next day and explore the intriguing landscape beyond, with Hackfall Woods nearby, full of curiosities and follies with hidden structures that have been scattered throughout or the mystical stones of the Druids Temple, one of Yorkshires quirkiest 19th century follies tucked in to the woods by the nearby village of Ilton.

There are plenty of walking and cycling trails alongside the most tranquil picnic spots, with stunning views over the Leighton reservoir, surrounding moorland and the Yorkshire Dales landscape. The kids will enjoy a days adventure in the woods, followed by a treat at Brymor Ice cream, while the adults may prefer a spot of grandeur at the nearby Swinton Estate, where you can relax and enjoy an award winning afternoon tea, a wellness massage or learn to cook at their cookery school.

Only a short drive from Masham is the award-winning Forbidden corner, one of our favourite Yorkshire Dales attractions. With tunnels, chambers, and follies to explore across four acres of countryside, it’s a weird and wonderful day out for all the family, full of surprises around every corner. After you have tired yourself out exploring, head next door for more weird and wonderful at The Saddle Room. Once a racehorse stables, you can now stay cosy by the fire whilst enjoying the fabulous menu of local food and ales.