Masham is famed for its two breweries, large market square and its annual sheep fair. It’s also one of North Yorkshire’s most creative market towns, home to many artists and makers, with two galleries and several places to learn new skills such as ArtisOn and Happy House Masham.

Located in Lower Wensleydale on the River Ure, Masham is pronounced ‘Massam’. The market place dates backs to the days when 70,000 sheep were sold there every year. To mark this heritage, the Masham Sheep Fair takes place annually on the last weekend in September. An annual Steam Engine Rally is also held every July.

You can take a tour of Theakston’s and Black Sheep Breweries to learn about the market town’s brewing heritage and see how beer is now made.

Masham is an excellent base, with plenty of pubs, cafes and award-winning Where There’s Smoke Restaurant. Nearby is Swinton Park Hotel and the Swinton Estate where visitors can meet birds of prey and learn about falconry, try their hand at clay pigeon shooting or fly-fishing or learn to cook.

There are numerous well-established walking routes passing through and around Masham. A good selection of guides, maps and route suggestions is available from Masham Community Office in Little Market Place.