Masham cottages

Self-catering holiday accommodation in Masham

Masham is a thriving market town that sits about halfway between Nidderdale and Wensleydale. Its handsome old Georgian-style buildings gather around a cobbled square, one of the largest and finest in England.

Set on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales, there’s a wealth of places to explore throughout the area and in Masham itself. Enjoy a read through our Gorgeous guide to Masham to get to know this pretty country town.

Things to do in Masham

It’s known as a foodie town and the beautiful square at its heart is famous for its sheep sale where in the past, as many as 70,000 sheep were sold every year! The popular Masham Sheep Fair is held in September each year and commemorates these times.

If you love your food, why not plan your trip around your dining? There’s an excellent fine dining restaurant, a host of lovely cafes, a top-notch wine shop and several very good butchers. And if you enjoy a tipple or two, it's also home to two award-winning breweries, Theakston and Black Sheep. Both have visitor centres where you can take brewery tours, sample their ales, enjoy excellent food and perhaps take a few bottles home to your holiday cottage in Masham for later too!

A nine-hole golf course also awaits if you fancy a round on the green, while just 1 mile north of Masham, the Marfield Wetlands is a serene place for birdwatching or a tranquil walk. Get up close to magnificent birds of prey at the beautiful Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Birds of Prey Centre.

Explore Yorkshire further

South of Masham lies the impressive Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a region that’s well-worth exploring during your getaway with a host of pretty towns and villages. Follow rural trails and take the family pet along on walks through this picture-perfect region – if you would like to bring the dog along, take a look through our dog-friendly Masham cottages.

Why not explore the delightful market town of Bedale? This is just the place for families as it’s home to the delightful Big Sheep & Little Cow farm park, while history buffs can pop by the museum and see the pretty Bedale Leech House.

Meanwhile, the city of Ripon is a hub of activity set in rural Yorkshire. Visit the medieval Ripon Cathedral, a magnificent building hiding a Saxon crypt; thrilling rollercoasters at Lightwater Valley Theme Park; and Newby Gardens where youngsters can hop aboard a miniature railway.  

From luxury retreats to cottages with gardens, romantic stays to family-friendly getaways, Masham has a delightful choice of places for everyone. Escape to Masham for a memorable holiday with friends and family today.