Masham
Masham (pronounced Massam) is a traditional market town at the eastern end of Wensleydale on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It has a variety of shops including antiques, arts and crafts, glassware, clothes and provisions. It also offers pubs serving food, local cafes and restaurants.
There is a good choice of accommodation from a luxury castle (Swinton Park), a local hotel in the market square to good value bed and breakfasts (try the Garden House). All offer a warm welcome and a full English breakfast. Just outside of the town there is a very good touring caravan park and camp site (The Old Station Yard).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 and North York Moors as well as being near to York, Harrogate and Leeds for that extra shopping.
In July a popular steam engine rally is held attracting enthusiasts from all over the country; care should be taken as parking is limited. Masham's importance was built on sheep and in September the Masham Sheep Fair dominates the town and is typical of a real market in action. Livestock are being judged and sold, stalls selling all kinds of country goods are all round the square. It is packed with country folk and visitors enjoying the unique atmosphere.
Masham has two well known breweries, Black Sheep and Theakston's; both have a visitors centre where you can eat in their cafe or sample their ales; and the good news is they are walking distance from each other.
If you feel energetic Masham Golf Club offers a nine hole course close to the town and the nearby Masham Riding and Trekking Centre will train and guide you on a ride through the local countryside.
The surrounding countryside is full of rolling hills, pastures and woodland. There are lots of places to go, either south to York, Harrogate and Ripon or North and West to the Dales.To the east is Thirsk and the North York Moors.
Be sure to take the road to Healey and onwards to Lofthouse and Pateley Bridge in Nidderdale. Nidderdale has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB); the drive past the reservoir and over the moorland is not to be missed but it is a little narrow and steep in places.
To the North is the town of Leyburn from where you can go west on the A684 to Hawes, home of Wensleydale cheese and still be back to Masham in time for a leisurely supper or dinner.
Where to stay? What to do?
