Falling In Love with Mashamshire

A Yorkshire Love Story..

Set entirely within a few square miles of the remote, wild and rugged Yorkshire Moors. It is no surprise that one of the greatest love stories of all time – Wuthering Heights was written by a Yorkshire Curate’s Daughter – Emily Bronte. Those who have read this timeless novel (or listened to the immortal lyrics of Kate Bush) will already know that the moors play an important role in the story.

Not only as a backdrop for their tempestuous and tragic relationship, but also as a metaphor for the personalities of the two main characters. However, as wild and desolate as the moors are portrayed in the novel, catch them on an early Spring Day as the frost evaporates on a bright morning and there is no better way to enjoy the great outdoors!

So, if you are checking out the film this March, why not visit the surrounding moorland near Masham to find out just how easy it is to fall in love with the North Yorkshire Moors!

Whilst you are in the mood for reminiscing about ‘days of yore’, why not take a trip to Fountains Hall at Fountains Abbey. This stunning property has been the backdrop for several period drama’s and the abbey, grounds and water garden have played host to the odd fantasy adventure series. Whilst tackling the task of film set spotting, take in the breathtaking abbey ruins, stunning Georgian water garden, deer park, and riverside walks. This is one of Yorkshire’s most iconic locations and within easy reach of Masham.

For the Love of Leeches!
On the road out to of Bedale to Aiskew, a small castellated Georgian box can be seen perched on the banks of Bedale Beck.

Built of brick and approx. 10ft x 10ft, it’s a curious sight. In fact, it’s one of the most unusual Georgian buildings in Britain and though empty now, would once have been a real asset to the town. It was constructed by an apothecary on the estate of the Beresford-Peirse family of Bedale Hall, specifically to store medical leeches for bloodletting by local doctors in the late 18th and 19th centuries.

Here leeches were kept in special containers of moist turf and moss, with a flow of fresh water from Bedale Beck, ensuring their health and readiness for use by local apothecary. It is the only surviving example of a “leech house” in the UK.

A Most Peculier History..
The Peculier Walking Tours of Masham invite you to stroll through the stories, characters, and moments that have shaped this remarkable town—from Saxon saints to Victorian ambition, civic oddities to wartime resilience. Uncover the tales carved in stone, brewed in barrels, and whispered through winding lanes, you’ll see how Masham’s peculier past lives on beneath every step.

As Mad as a March Hare…

The unpredictable behaviour in March of the Hares during breeding season includes some strange antics such as boxing and leaping – which can appear quite erratic to onlookers. The expression was popularised by another famous novelist ‘Lewis Caroll in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ where the Mad Hatter is characterized with this behaviour. Lewis spent many years of his youth in Ripon near Masham where his father served as a Canon at Ripon Cathedral.

Visit Masham in March to discover just how mad the hares can get in the surrounding countryside. These fantastically manic seasonal displays of hares boxing are often assumed to be the ritual courting behaviour of the males, eager to prove themselves as a worthy mate.

Dig a little deeper and you will discover that these usually solitary creatures are actually the female hares standing on their hind legs and boxing like champions to give the undisputable message of ‘No Thank You’ to the amorous males.

Feast of Fiddles
If you have never seen an energetic band of fiddlers playing classical folk, rock and just joyful music – then why not come along to the historic Town Hall in Masham on 7th March to enjoy this truly mad experience with a ‘fiddling supergroup’.

A Celestial Mystery…

The Thornborough Henges are aligned in a northwest to southeast alignment, which is believed to have been intentional, reflecting the natural alignment of the sun and stars. particularly the constellation of Orion’s Belt. This alignment suggests a deep understanding of astronomical phenomena by the ancient people who built these structures

The Thornborough Henges are believed to have been a significant site for ritual and worship during the Neolithic and Bronze Age. They were likely used for ceremonies and funerary rituals for at least 2,000 years, serving as important social spaces for trade and worship. The henges are thought to have been part of a ritual landscape comparable to other ancient sites, indicating their ceremonial importance. Their association with astrological significance, aligning with celestial bodies, may have contributed to their worship.

Known as the Henge of the North, if you visit during the Spring Equinox in March you can experience for yourself what a truly magical and mysterious place this is. Hop on a free tour of the Henges with an English Heritage Volunteer..

Stunning Geology
Brimham Rocks is a stunning geological site located just 15 miles from Masham in North Yorkshire. Known for its unique and bizarre rock formations sculpted over 325 million years by natural forces such as ice, wind, and rain. The site is of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, and picnicking. Explore the heather moorland, home to various plant species and wildlife amidst uninterrupted panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Join a National Trust volunteer guide for a free 90 minute walk to learn just how Brimham Rocks came to be.