Gardens & Historic
Abbeys, castles, historic homes and gardens to visit are plentiful in this area. Fascinating history is evident at every turn. Masham itself has a rich heritage and are surrounded by other interesting places nearby. Here are some treasures you should explore.
Jervaulx Abbey
4.5 miles from Masham
Just a few miles up the road into Wensleydale is Jervaulx Abbey. This ruin, one of the great Cistercian abbeys of North Yorkshire, is in a beautiful natural setting. It is open to the public but is still owned privately by the Burdon family who rely on donations to maintain this magnificent ruin.
The 16th-century Dissolution of the Monasteries left the abbey in ruins, but it remains a serene and enchanting place to visit. 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, parkland and arboretum at Grewelthorpe, brings together beautifully planted woodland gardens, lakes, an arboretum and over 90 sculptures in a stunning natural valley landscape. If you like a hike, you can incorporate the gardens in a circular walk from Masham too!
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 addition to the permanent sculptures, each summer sees the installation of additional sculptures exhibited which are for sale.
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. There is also a cafe and plant centre.
Read MoreFountains Abbey & Studley Royal
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 attracts more than 400,000 visitors a year.
The breathtaking ruins of the 12th Century abbey and the landscaped Georgian water garden packed with statues and follies and surrounded by deer park was acquired by the National Trust in 1983. It was designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1986 and makes 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!
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