Abbeys, castles, historic homes and gardens to visit are plentiful in this area. Our fascinating history is evident at every turn. Masham itself has a rich heritage – read about our “peculier” past. We are surrounded by other interesting places nearby.
If you are a fan of our rich heritage, historic places or gardens, here are some local treasures you should explore.
Jervaulx Abbey – 4.5 miles from Masham
Just a few miles up the road is Jervaulx Abbey. The ruins of this, one of the great Cistercian abbeys of North Yorkshire, are open to the public but are still in private ownership.
The 16th-century Dissolution of the Monasteries left the abbey in ruins, but it remains a serene and enchanting place to visit set in a beautiful location. Let your imagination run free while you wander. Take a picnic or enjoy refreshments at the Jervaulx Abbey Tea Room too.
Read MoreHimalayan Gardens & Sculpture Park – 5 miles from Masham
This unique garden and parkland at Grewelthorpe, just a few miles from Masham, brings together beautifully planted woodland gardens, lakes, an arboretum and over 90 sculptures in a stunning natural valley landscape. It houses one of the North’s largest collections of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias, as this elevated, valley garden with natural springs, perfectly mimics the Himalayan climate.
There’s so much to enjoy- rare meconopsis blue poppy and enjoy the mass plantings of hybrids and drifts of spring bulbs providing fantastic seasonal interest.
The gardens are open from April to November and in 2024 they introduced an exhibition of 60 additional sculptures which are for sale and will change every year. The café is also one not to be missed!
Read MoreThorp Perrow Arboretum – 5.5 miles from Masham
Just a hop from Masham, Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Wildlife Park is a mix of meerkats, falcons and the finest private collections of trees and shrubs in the country! You’ll step into a natural wonderland of tree trails, nature trails, lakes and idyllic picnic spots.
Fountains Abbey – 10 miles from Masham
Of course, the magnificent National Trust and UNESCO World Heritage site of Fountains Abbey is just down the road. The ruins of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden make for an awe-inspiring excursion not to be missed when staying in Masham.
Read MoreNorton Conyers House and Gardens – 9 miles from Masham
Norton Conyers House and Gardens is a late medieval manor house with Stuart and Georgian additions that has been in the Graham family since 1624. Located just outside Ripon, it is a must for any Bronte fans, but only open a limited number of days during the year.
Read MoreRHS Gardens Harlow Carr - 25 miles from Masham
RHS Garden Harlow Carr is one of the renowned public gardens run by the Royal Horticultural Society. In Harrogate and only 25 miles from Masham, it is an easy outing and a must for any garden lovers staying here!
Read More