Location
Our Masham holiday cottage is just a short 20 minute drive from the A1. Situated on the bank of the River Ure in Wensleydale, Masham is a small market town based in the Harrogate district of North Yorkshire. Masham presents itself as an ideal base to explore the close surrounding countryside and other nearby towns such as Thirsk, Richmond and the cathedral city of Ripon.
Masham
Masham life is set around the pretty market place, which is bordered by many independent cafes and gift shops nestled between Georgian houses and St Mary's Church. It is also home to Masham market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with the original sheep market dating back to the middle ages.
Masham is also incredibly famous for its beer! In Masham you will find four charming pubs and two working breweries, The Black Sheep and Theakstons. Both breweries have a visitors centre and offer brewery tours.
If you are looking for something a little more active, Masham also boasts a 9 hole golf course, tennis courts, a cricket field and a children's play park.
1. Park Street Cottage 2. The Bay Horse 3. Vennell's Restaurant 4. Co-op Supermarket 5. Theakston's Brewery 6. Black Sheep Brewery 7. The White Bear 8. Tennis Courts 9. Play Park 10. The Bruce Arms 11. Masham Community Office 12. St Mary's Church 13. Masham Market Place 14. The King's Head
Explore
Masham offers a whole range of experiences to suit all ages and interests. If it’s outdoors you’re wanting then Masham will not disappoint. Whether you like to saunter, ramble or set yourself a challenge, you can find various walking routes in the Community Office.
Love cycling? There is some excellent cycle routes all around Masham. Even the Tour de France passed through here in 2014! Why not give the route a try?
Hackfall Woods and Druids Temple are ideal if you enjoy the peace and quite of woodland life, or experience the private Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park with natural springs and lakes.
Masham is surrounded by history. Locally you will find Jervaulx Abbey, a beautiful Cistercian monastery (the café here makes great savoury crumpets) and also three castles, Bolton, Middleham and Richmond. If you head further south you will find Fountains Abbey, Ripon Cathedral and Newby Hall.
Other nearby activities include:
Children
There’s plenty to keep the young ones entertained too. The majority of places mentioned above have play areas however we found with our children the Abbey’s were the most enjoyable as there is so much space to run around and is great for hide and seek! There is also a good sized children’s play park in Masham situated down by the tennis courts, opposite the cricket field.
Just on the doorstep there is some lovely walks too; down by the River Ure for stone throwing and also a wonder around St Mary's Church, both are not too far for little legs.
Other local family friendly ideas:
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The Forbidden Corner (must be booked prior to going)
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Big Sheep Little Cow – Farm visit, animal feeding etc.
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Brymor Dairy – Fantastic ice cream & children’s activity/play area
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Aysgarth Falls – Longer drive but worth a visit
