The lovely little market town of Masham (pronounced mass-um, not mash-am nor mas-ham) is at the heart of beautiful Wensleydale. There has been a settlement here since at least Saxon times, indeed the church of St Mary’s has a few Saxon elements in it, though mostly it is Norman and later medieval. The Vikings who briefly ruled in the area damaged the original 7th century church, though they did leave a lasting legacy in the form of sheep farming. Because Masham was difficult for the Archbishop of York to get to, it was given the status of a peculiar many centuries ago, that is it had its own ecclesiastical court, and even today the vicar retains a certain independence from the archdiocese of York. Granted its market charter in 1250 Masham became an important centre for sheep-dealing, the huge area of its market place explained by its function as a livestock market. Around the market place, and elsewhere in the town, there are some very elegant Georgian buildings that will delight those with an interest in architecture, and provide a stylish backdrop to the stay of those who are there to focus on the town’s other claims-to-fame – its two breweries, not bad for a town of just 1,230 residents according to the 2001 census. The older of the two breweries is Theakstons, around since 1827 when Robert Theakston began his business. The other, The Black Sheep Brewery, was started in 1992 when one of the Theakston family decided to set out on his own during a period of major corporate changes at the family business. The beers made at both breweries are full of character and well worth trying. It is probably just as well not to ask for an ice-cold cider in Masham, better to try Theakstons Old Peculier, or Black Sheep Bitter, though the ranges on offer are far wider than that.
Camping
Cottage
One Button Hideaway
Rowan Lodge
Spruce Lodge
Doctor
Golf Club
Inn
Bay Horse Inn
Kings Head Hotel
Pub and Bar
Black Sheep Brewery
Kings Head Hotel
The White Bear
Restaurant
Black Sheep Brewery
Kings Head Hotel
Samuel’s Restaurant
The White Bear
Vennells Restaurant
School
Solicitor
Shops
Antiques
Places to Stay near Masham
Bay Horse Inn (0.05 miles)
Bank Villa (0.10 miles)
At the entrance top the market town of Masham this immmaculate 4 Star
Guest House is in a perfect location.
Walking distance from the market square, Black Sheep and Theakstonss
breweries as well as scenic drives from Ripon, ... More
Kings Head Hotel (0.15 miles)
The King's Head, Masham, is a fine Georgian building dating back to the 18th Century, situated in the Market Square of the picturesque town of Masham. From the outset The ... More
Swinton Park (1.03 miles)
Set in 200 acres of parkland, lakes and gardens, this splendid castle hotel is a real treasure. Only 8 miles from the A1, and two and a half hours by train from London, Swinton ... More | visit website
Castle Arms Inn (3.31 miles)
The Old Coach House (4.61 miles)
Blue Lion (The) (5.87 miles)
The Queen's Head (6.08 miles)
Lodge At Leeming Bar (6.37 miles)
Situated next to the A1, this lodge with restaurant is an excellent place to stay whether travelling north or south and is ideally placed for the Yorkshire Dales, Bedale, York, ... More
The George at Wath (6.54 miles)
Surrounded by fields in the beautiful North Yorkshire village of Wath, yet located less than 3 miles from the cathedral city of Ripon and only two miles from the A1, ... More
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