Unique Experiences
Unique experiences aren’t over when your holiday ends – they live on in the memory (and on instagram!). So how about one of these – unique, exciting or creative experiences -made in Masham, or nearby.
Blown Away by Glass Blowing!
Glassblowers Tim and Maureen Simon, established their glassblowing studio, Uredale Glass, here in Masham during the 1980’s, now you can feel the heat too!
See work for sale in their gallery just off the Market Square behind the Kings Head.
They offer a unique opportunity to feel the heat of the furnace on your face and have a go at glassblowing. They run half day glassblowing experiences by prior arrangement – a really exciting and one-off experience!
Read MoreHandle Beautiful Birds of Prey
Get up close and learn about these beautiful birds at the Swinton Estate aviary, located at the hotel, and in the surrounding parkland.
The falconry team offer a range of hands on birds of prey experiences for families, groups and individuals. These are educational and fun experiences where you can get to handle, fly and photograph the stunning creatures. A range of options are available and can be combined with other treats too! All experiences are available by arrangement.
Read MoreDrive a Tractor - The Ultimate Power Tool!
Ever wondered what it’s like to drive a tractor? – Quench your curiosity with this epic, real-life experience!
You’ll get 1-1 tuition from an experienced farmer behind the wheel of an iconic 6620 or 6820 John Deere tractor. The stunning hilltop and moorland scenery will really add to the photo ops while you enjoy an interesting insight into farming life. Other Farm Fun available too…
Read MorePicnic on a Private Island
The Swinton Estate Parkland surrounding the Swinton Park Hotel contains a number of lakes. Lake island is a small private retreat that includes a unique heritage summerhouse.
Experience exclusive access to the the island and summerhouse – perhaps a unique intimate celebration or special family picnic. You’ll take a hand-drawn cable ferry across to your own private kingdom. The perfect picnic or afternoon tea experience awaits….
Read MoreCreate Your Perfect Custom-Made Gin
Learn the art of distilling Gin at Spirit of Masham gin distillery. The distillery has created a family of beautifully smooth and flavoursome hand crafted gins – now you can make your own.
They use small batch production in a handmade copper alembic still. Under the guidance of one of the distillers, you can learn the art of distillation and what it takes to produce a well-balanced gin. Choose your own botanicals and use your own personal still to distil your very own unique, personalised gin.
Read MorePeek Inside Our Famous Breweries
Masham’s long history as a brewing town continues today with two well-known independent breweries, both working their magic and proudly offering a range of iconic beers. Find out how with a memorable brewery tour.
Founded in 1827, Theakson Brewery is now controlled and run by the fifth generation, direct family descendants of the founder, Robert Theakston. This makes it one of the oldest established family brewing companies in Britain. Their historic Victorian tower brewery is a fitting place to craft Theakston Old Peculier – a legendary and iconic brew, among many more.
Meanwhile Black Sheep Brewery, overlooking the river as you enter Masham, was established in 1992 by Paul Theakston, who broke away from T&R Theakston when it was sold to a national brewer (now independent once more). This made Paul something of a “black sheep” – the perfect name for his new brewery! Today Black Sheep’s award-winning flock of ales includes stouts, pale and blonde ales and modern, hoppy IPAs as well as traditional ales.
Experience the unique atmosphere, evocative smells and time honoured brewing processes employed in these great breweries by taking a Brewery Tour.
Theakston ‘Black Bull in Paradise’ is the Visitor Centre and brewery tap, located within the brewery complex in the centre of Masham. Tour the brewery, visit the unique Theakston Cooperage and sample any of at least six different beers that are on sale all year round. Find out more about a visit here.
Black Sheep Visitor Centre offers brewery tours, plus a “baa…r” and kitchen serving all the classic Black Sheep keg ales, plus seasonal beers and a changing menu. There is also a “Sheepy Shop” for a range of sheepy gifts and a chance to take home some award-winning beers. More information here.
More About Brewing & Distilling in MashamClay Shooting at E.J.Churchill Shooting Ground
E.J.Churchill are one of the top shooting providers in the world. Their northern shooting ground on The Swinton Estate is just outside Masham and they run taster sessions for novices.
A great experience for beginners and there’s plenty for the more skillfull too. The shooting ground is extensive and offers high towers, a grouse butt simulated area, skeet range, and many sporting layouts for those wishing to improve their shot. For complete novices, you can have a go with a 45 minute taster session or more formal tuition to develop your skills.
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