Local Area

Attractions

Aside from the numerous walks there are plenty of things for all ages to enjoy in the local area including golf, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, cycling (Le Tour de Yorkshire 2017 and UCI World Championship 2019 passed through the village), climbing, canoeing, kayaking, abseiling, potholing, caving, swimming in Catterick or Ripon and shopping.

The historic market town of Masham in picturesque Wensleydale is only a short drive boasting two famous breweries, Theakstons and The Black Sheep. Take a tour and sample the award winning ales, browse in the shop or dine in the bistro. The town offers a good range of crafts, galleries, shops, delicatessens, tearooms, pubs and restaurants together with a thriving market square (market on Saturday and Wednesday). Masham plays hosts to a number of events throughout the year including its annual Sheep Fair (September), Steam Rally (July), Summer Music Festival, Beer Festival, Autumn Arts Festival and Victorian Christmas Fair. The extensive amenities of Ripon, Harrogate and York are within easy reach.

Discover the history of Middleham Castle and explore one of the country's best preserved medieval castles, Bolton Castle. Visit the Thorpe Perrow Arboretum with its 100 acres of beautiful woodland walks and bird of prey and mammal centre. Explore Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal (a world heritage site) which was founded by Cistercian monks in 1132 and is the largest monastic ruin in Great Britain. Nearby are the ruins of Jervaulx Abbey, an enchanting 12th century Cistercian Monastery in the most tranquil of settings. The stately homes of Newby Hall with its 25 acres of award winning gardens, enchanted woodland walk, miniature railway and adventure gardens and Markenfield Hall, a spectacular medieval house, built mainly in 1310 and completely surrounded by its moat are a short drive away.

Visit How Stean Gorge and its 1km long limestone gorge together with caves and tunnels and challenge yourself on the ultimate outdoor pursuit adventure. Marvel at the weird and wonderful rock shapes at Brimham Rocks or explore Stump Cross Caverns one of Britain's premier show caves.

At Uredale Glass in Masham you can watch the craftsmen in action as they make vases, bowls, paperweights, table-wear and gifts.

For the younger visitors explore The Forbidden Corner, a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises which will challenge and delight adults and children of all ages. Travel on the authentic heritage Wensleydale Railway through the Yorkshire Dales. Spend a day at Lightwater Valley theme park which boasts Europe’s longest roller coaster. Enjoy an ice cream at the Brymor Ice Cream Parlour one of Britain's few genuine on farm manufacturers selling over 35 flavours of ice cream. Take a tour of the Wensleydale Creamery, the makers of the Real Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese including the official 'Wallace and Gromit' cheese. Visit Big Sheep and Little Cow for a unique hands-on farm experience for children and adults, holding and feeding animals.

Enjoy a walk in Hackfall Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, along the banks of the River Ure, rich in bird and other wildlife with waterfalls, grottos, follies and even a fountain. Visitors are welcome and entry to the site is free. Visit the stunning Aysgarth Falls, which although not particularly high are one of Wensleydale's most famous beauty spots (having been featured in the Kevin Costner film "Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves"), with a pleasant riverside walk linking the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls.

And for some well-earned relaxation and pampering you could visit the Spa at nearby Swinton Park.

Horse racing at Ripon, Thirsk, Catterick and York are all within easy reach.

There really is something for everyone.

Local Area & Attractions