Masham

Masham is a historic market town in Lower Wensleydale, set on the western bank of the River Ure. It boasts charming Georgian houses and Yorkshire's largest market square, home to one of the UK's oldest markets with a charter dating back to 1250.

Market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays. Both the fine houses and the size of the market square are reminders of the town's historic importance as a sheep market, with annual sales of over 80,000 head at its peak. The monks of yesteryear used to keep large flocks at nearby Fountains Abbey and Jervaulx Abbey. The association with sheep continues today with the Masham Sheep Fair each September.

On the third Saturday in July, Masham hosts its Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally. Masham is home to two traditional, real-ale breweries. Theakstons was founded in 1827 and is famous for its Old Peculiar ale and the Black Sheep Brewery, founded much more recently in 1992, quickly forged a reputation for its beers. Both have excellent visitor centres within walking distance of each other and, of course, you can sample their fine brews.

Nearby attractions include the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Leighton Reservoirs and Druids Temple at Ilton, a Stonehenge-inspired folly built in the nineteenth century.