Masham

Yesterday we visited the small market town of Masham in North Yorkshire.

A wonderful array of independent shops are set around a large market square and it's a wonderful place for a day out. Set in rolling countryside, it has links to both Fountains Abbey and Jervaulx Abbey through the sheep trade. An annual sheep fair is still held in Masham to this day.

Masham has held a market charter since 1250 and markets are still held in the market square on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There's a really good array of stalls: fruit & veg, baked goods, clothing, footwear, fabric, jewellery, handicrafts, artwork to name but a few.

One of my favourite shops is The Curious Merchant, listed in House & Garden 50 best independent shops 2025.

Inside is a treasure trove of homewares, French antiques and haberdashery. It's absolutely packed full of so many useful items as well as decorative beauties you just can't resist. It's always a joy to visit.

Right next door is Masham Gallery, another beautiful Georgian building housing a selection of British art and craft. There's lots of treasures to discover here.

If it's art you're interested in then don't miss the sign which directs you to Nolon Stacey's gallery. It's tucked away behind one of the cafes facing the market square and definitely worth visiting. Nolon's artwork depicts native wildlife and beautiful landscapes. He uses pencil and charcoal and I've actually got two pieces of his art on my own walls.

I always love an old fashioned sweet shop and I do try to support independent shops, but sadly, I found the prices in Bah Humbugs extortionate. There's a gift shop across the market square which sells the same sweets at a fraction of the price of those being sold here. I wouldn't grumble for the odd twenty or thirty pence per 100g more, but really, they were almost double the price!

There aren't that many bricks and mortar yarn shops to be found these days so it's wonderful that there's one in Masham. Through the Looking Glass sells not only yarn and knitting notions but supplies for other crafts, such as embroidery and needle felting, too.

We recently watched a TV documentary series called Our Yorkshire Shop in which the community of Masham restored an old grocer's shop to its former Victorian glory. Unfortunately, Peacock & Verity closed down just as soon as it opened as fundraising is continuing to extend the restoration. The aim is to provide a heritage centre, a Post Office counter and four rental flats for local people. Such a worthwhile venture.

Just off the market square is St Mary's Church. Mainly Norman, there were additions in the 16th and 19th centuries. There's archaeological evidence that the site has been used for Christian worship for over 1400 years.

It's a beautiful church and felt very welcoming.

There's lots of side streets and snickets to explore. Can you see what you can find down this one. Yes, a brewery tap.

Masham actually has two breweries. Theakston is an independent, family-run brewery which was established in 1827. The direct descendants of the founder, Robert Theakston, are still in charge today.

I just love this dog hydration station in the beer garden.

Black Sheep Brewery was established in 1992 by Paul Theakston, the Black Sheep of the Theakston family.

Both breweries offer tours and each have their own bar and shop. Quite a few bottles travelled home with us, a good selection from each brewery.

This is just a taste of what Masham has to offer. We've visited many times but it's one of those places you can visit again and again and never get bored with. Such a lovely day out.