The market town of Masham, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and the Nidderdale National Landscape, takes centre stage this month as the host of the first Long Course Weekend Yorkshire, an international, multi-sport festival. But there’s much more to love about this pretty North Yorkshire town. Josie Beszant, owner of Masham Gallery, tells us how a visitor could spend 24 hours in Masham
MORNING
You can easily fill a day in Masham exploring its artisan side. From galleries to glassmakers, craftsmen and artistic makers, there is so much creativity bursting from this small town. Before you begin the day, I would suggest visiting one of Masham’s independent cafes for breakfast or just a coffee and a guaranteed warm welcome from a town that is known for its hospitality. Bordar House Teas and Café on the Square both enjoy lovely views of the traditional Market Square, where the Masham market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. We are also lucky to have many excellent local shops for groceries, butchers, delicatessen, gifts and outdoor clothing.
Explore the many venues housing creative art works for an afternoon filled with discovery. At the Masham Gallery, which celebrates 30 years this year, you will find a showcase of local talent including work by Charlotte Morrison who hand builds delicate ceramic vessels inspired by local landscapes, and Howard Charles whose ceramic figures are reminiscent of L. S. Lowry. My collage work, which is often based on memories and half-forgotten ephemera is also on display, and during September we have exhibitions from Ian Scott Massie and Angela Hall. If you’re lucky you may also bump into local artists and makers, poets and musicians who frequently drop by.
On the other side of the square, Nolon Stacey’s Gallery features his very detailed pencil drawings of British wildlife, dogs and farm animals. Through the archway by the Kings’ Head, you’ll find work by glassblowers, Maureen and Tim Simon at Uredale Glass, and at Swinton Park, Hugh Miller’s studio is now open to the public by appointment. If you are creatively inspired by any of this, you’ll need to head to ArtisOn, which has art and craft workshops throughout the year.
If you take a stroll through town, you’ll come across local stone carver Gaynor Pearson’s work, and there are also two sculpture trails. The Leaves Walk follows a route along the River Ure whilst the Swifts Trail is centred around the market square and roads leading from it. I’d recommend picking up the trail leaflets from the Visit Masham community office, which also has its own small gallery, Flock, which features a changing programme of local artists.
EVENING
As a brewery town, tours of the Black Sheep and Theakston are always popular, along with the Spirit of Masham Gin Experience. Our excellent pubs serve the very best local beer and good food and are a good place to stay. There is also the campsite at The Old Station and off-grid glamping at Swinton Bivouac, both of which have their own cafes, along with several self catering options.
You can experience more creative cooking at Where There’s Smoke and sample food inspired by Mashamshire expertly cooked over coals and embers, or venture further afield to The Terrace and Samuel’s restaurants on the Swinton Estate. The Chef’s Table at the Swinton Cookery School may well inspire you to sign up for a course!
RECOMMENDED READING
- North Yorkshire walk: Swinton Park estate near Masham
- The tale of the Curious Merchant in North Yorkshire
- Meet the chef: Ruth Hansom, Swinton Park, North Yorkshire
A PLACE FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS
As the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, Masham has a huge range of outdoor activities on its doorstep. These include the Northern Fishing School and EJ Churchill Clay Pigeon Shooting School, and extensive walking with the Ripon Rowel and Six Dales Trail nearby. There are also the 200 acres of heritage parkland at Swinton Park, with woodland, lakes and gardens to explore (where wild swimming is available), the mystical Druid’s Temple on the edge of the moors and the lovely Hackfall woodland on the banks of the River Ure.
A PLACE FOR LUXURY
Swinton Park is a luxury hotel and former stately home of the Earl and Countess of Swinton, and recently featured as one of the BBC’s Amazing Hotels. Non-residents are welcome to explore the grandeur and enjoy Afternoon Tea, which is a highlight. It’s also the perfect place to pamper yourself and indulge in the Spa, with thermal suite and treatments, indoor and outdoor pools, spa garden and woodland wellbeing space.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Masham is on the northern tip of the Nidderdale National Landscape, a unique and legally protected landscape home to incredible views and wildlife, with over 800km of footpaths. There are plenty of heritage sites on the doorstep including Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden, Thorpe Perrow Arboretum, Newby Hall & Gardens, Jervaulx Abbey and Brimham Rocks. Not to mention the home of the Yorkshire Vet and the epic moors routes from the Tour de Yorkshire and Tour de France – you and your party won’t be short of things to do whilst you’re here.
For more information about Masham and things to do in North Yorkshire go to: visitnorthyorkshire.com
