Explore One of the UK's Oldest Market Towns in Yorkshire
Masham may be one of the country’s oldest market towns, and is known for its popular breweries, but there’s plenty more to see here
Eat...
Bordar House Teas’ lunchtime treats are a winner in our eyes, and they’re always fully stocked with freshly-baked scones. If you’re craving pub grub, head to The Bay Horse, where there’s Theakston on tap and all the classic dishes you’d expect. Love gin? Spend the afternoon at the Spirit of Masham where you can make your own under the guidance of one of their skilled distillers. Swinton Park does it all – whether you choose fine-dining in Samuel’s Restaurant, brunch on The Terrace, Sunday lunch, afternoon tea, lunch in the café-bistro or local beer and woodfired pizza al fresco, there’s always something to keep you satisfied.
Sleep...
In picturesque Fearby, The Black Swan is a cosy pub with rooms (but it also has its own holiday cottage if you prefer more of a home from home). Guests at the Garden House will enjoy modern rooms with a hint of luxury, and brilliant Yorkshire breakfasts. Feathered Nest is the perfect bolthole for couples who can enjoy dining al fresco in summer, and Crab Apple Holiday Cottage (run by a local farming family) also promises a cosy base. Swinton Park Hotel offers a luxurious stay, but they also have holiday cottages (more suited to a group or a family retreat). Swinton Bivouac’s charming tree lodges are hidden away in woodland for a more intimate and rustic stay. Their offering doesn’t end there; there are also eco-friendly meadow yurts and The Loft on the first floor of their converted farmhouse.
Browse...
Creativity is in abundance in Masham, everywhere you look. ArtisOn are a small not-for-profit team providing art and craft workshops, Albion sell Whitby jet jewellery and various fossils, and wildlife artist Nolon Stacey’s gallery is based here. Elsewhere, you can find rescued, repaired and restored cashmere knitwear at Nearly New Cashmere, all your countrywear and accessories at Bentleys of Masham, and fabulous homeware at The Curious Merchant. Head to Joneva for ice cream, chocolates and treats.
Around the corner
Brymor Ice Cream have been making the finest ice cream for more than 30 years. Their parlour and café just outside Masham is where you can stock up on more than 25 flavours of their real dairy ice cream and sorbets. There are play areas, a gift shop and four-legged friends are welcome here too. They’ve recently unveiled four new flavours: coffee mochaccino, banana and vegan vanilla ice cream and zesty orange sorbet. Coffee mochaccino is made from real milk and cream produced by cows which graze in the fields around the parlour, and their vegan ice cream and sorbets are dairy-free.
Don't Miss
The woodland at Swinton Bivouac is home to the Druid’s Temple (in fact not actually a temple, but a 19th century folly). Believed to have been built in the late 1700s by William Danby (owner of Swinton Estate and nearby Swinton Park), it’s the perfect place for walkers, families and bird watchers to stretch their legs.
