Masham Pubs Guide: 6 Awesome Pubs in Masham, Yorkshire

The charming market town of Masham in North Yorkshire is home to many excellent pubs and breweries. In this guide, we’re going to talk about six outstanding Masham pubs to visit, including the small pubs located at the breweries. Additionally, to go that step further, we’ll also tell you about four awesome pubs located just outside of the town. As they say, the more the merrier!

Why Visit Masham Pubs in North Yorkshire

First and foremost, Masham is a gorgeous town to visit. Located in Lower Wensleydale, it’s in fact the North Yorkshire gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. But, you won’t want to simply pass through this quaint town on your way to the Dales. Of course, you’ll have to stop for a visit and why not head to one of its alluring pubs whilst you’re at it?

Personally, after having spent many days exploring the Nidderdale Area of Natural Beauty (AONB), Beck and I would invariably end up in Masham. And, yes, this often meant stopping at one of the pubs in Masham for a pint. From our point of view, Masham is one of the most endearing towns to visit in North Yorkshire. And, the fantastic pub culture in Masham is definitely one of its main drawcards.

Another reason to visit Masham pubs is that they’re all dog-friendly. The only exceptions are the Black Bull In Paradise, where dogs are only allowed in an outdoor area (but at least it’s undercover). And, dogs aren’t allowed in the Kitchen area of the Black Sheep Brewery (but are allowed everywhere else, including in the Bistro and Baa…r).

So, just how many pubs are in Masham?

How Many Pubs Are in Masham?

According to some people, there are only four pubs in Masham. These well-known and easily visible Masham pubs include the Kings Head Hotel, The White Bear, The Bruce Arms and The Bay Horse. But, we also count the pubs associated with two breweries in Masham. These include The Black Bull in Paradise at the Theakstons Brewery Visitor Centre and the Black Sheep Bistro and Baa…r at the, you guessed it, Black Sheep Brewery.

So, all in all, there are six pubs in Masham!

The 6 Charming Pubs in Masham

Let’s talk about these six awesome pubs in Masham starting with The Black Bull in Paradise at the Theakstons Brewery.

The Black Bull in Paradise

The Black Bull in Paradise isn’t your run-of-the-mill standard pub as it’s essentially the Theakston Brewery’s Visitor Centre. Indeed, when you step inside The Black Bull in Paradise, you’ll initially enter the Visitor Centre reception area and Gift Shop. But, just around the corner, you’ll find a splendid bar where you can soak up the historic atmosphere whilst sampling an array of beers brewed on-site at the Theakston Brewery. Mmh, I do love an Old Peculiar!

Personally, Beck and I did the Theakston Brewery Tour, which ended with a beer tasting in The Black Bull in Paradise. Whether you do the tour or not, you’re welcome to head to the bar at The Black Bull in Paradise. Just be warned, they don’t serve meals or any other food here and trading hours are limited. Yes, you were warned, it’s not a standard pub!

Black Sheep Bistro and Baa…r

The arch nemesis of Theakstons Brewery, the Black Sheep Brewery (yes, a family feud led to a second brewery in town), has its own bar too. If you want the freshest Black Sheep Brewery beer, then you’ll have to head straight to the source – the bar at the brewery! In comparison to the Black Bull in Paradise, you’ll find food is served at the brewery’s pub – The Black Sheep Bistro and Baa…r. But, again, given the bar is on the grounds of a brewery, the bar does shut fairly early.

If you want to learn more about the brewery, then consider doing the Black Sheep Brewery Tour.

Kings Head Hotel

Overlooking Masham Market Place (AKA Masham Town Square), the Kings Head Hotel by Chef & Brewer Collection certainly has prime real estate. Given its convenient central location, the Kings Head Hotel is a popular and easy-to-spot pub in Masham.

Inside, the pub exudes a delightful historic character. Better yet, the on-site restaurant serves tasty pub grub crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Beck and I headed to the Kings Head Hotel for a Sunday Roast and really enjoyed it.

This pub is a hit with the locals, so you know it’s one of Masham’s best pubs.

The White Bear Masham

Undoubtedly, The White Bear has a reputation for being one of the best gastro pubs in Yorkshire. Indeed, if you’re looking for one of the best places to eat in North Yorkshire (that’s a pub), then head to the White Bear.

The traditional yet diverse menu ensures a delightful dining experience with locally sourced food. Even if you’re not that hungry, we recommend heading to The White Bear as it’s one of the nicest pubs in Masham to relax and unwind.

FYI – The White Bear is conveniently located next door to the Black Sheep Brewery. That can only mean trouble!

The Bruce Arms

The Bruce Arms is yet another standout pub, renowned for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Indeed, the staff are super friendly. This traditional Masham pub offers a fantastic array of locally brewed ales and spirits, catering to all tastes. Similar to The White Bear, The Bruce Arms is known for its splendid dining, serving up excellent pub grub.

The Bay Horse Masham

When it comes to old Masham pubs, The Bay Horse has to be near the top of the list. The Bay Horse is a true gem with a warm and inviting ambience. This traditional pub has a great selection of locally brewed beers and spirits, whilst offering hearty and drool-worthy dishes made from quality ingredients.

Other Pubs Near Masham

There you have it – those are all of the fabulous pubs in Masham! There are also plenty of other nice pubs nearby. So, if you’re looking for something a little outside the box, we’ve got you sorted below.

Black Swan Inn

The Black Swan Inn is another distinguished traditional pub. The casual 17th-century stone establishment has a remarkable selection of locally brewed beers, whilst serving a highly-rated Sunday Roast!

The Milbank Arms

The Milbank Arms, near Masham, is a hidden gem when it comes to quaint countryside pubs. It’s a small and privately owned pub with beautiful decor and a brilliant menu. Indeed, its extensive selection of locally sourced drinks and well-crafted dishes offers a taste of authentic Yorkshire hospitality.

The Buck Inn, Thornton Watlass

Located near Masham at Thornton Watlass, visiting The Buck Inn is a truly delightful experience. Friendly staff ensure a memorable and enjoyable trip to this pub near Masham. Overlooking the village green, you’ll enjoy lovely countryside vibes and views.

Swinton Estate

Sure, it’s utter nonsense to call The Terrace at Swinton Estate a pub. But, let’s call it our wildcard. C’mon, hear us out.

Basically, the Terrace Restaurant offers a modern and chilled vibe. Unlike some of the more luxurious restaurants on-site, The Terrace offers a more casual experience, offering food and drinks for any occasion, whether it’s brunch or a cheeky cocktail at the bar in the evening.

How to Get to Masham

The most convenient way to get to Masham is to drive there yourself. You’ll find loads of parking in the town square that’s donation-based.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Public Transport

Of course, if you’re heading to one (or many) of the pubs in Masham for a pint (or five), you may not be planning on driving at all. Unfortunately, there is no train station at Masham. The nearest train stations are in Northallerton and Thirsk. From these train stations, you could get a taxi to Masham. Otherwise, there are several bus routes that stop at Masham.

Depending on where you’re travelling from in the UK, you may want to use a combination of Trainline and Google Maps to help plan your journey.

Accommodation: Masham Pubs With Rooms

When it comes to accommodation in Masham, the best option is staying in the rooms offered in the pubs. Certainly, if you’re looking for pubs with rooms in Yorkshire, Masham has you sorted. To that end, all of the pubs mentioned in this guide offer rooms for a pleasant stay (except the brewery pubs).

Now, if you had to press us for the best Masham hotel option, it would be hard to look past the highly rated and highly-reviewed Kings Head Hotel. Without a doubt, it has to be one of the best pubs and hotels in Masham.

Things to Do in Masham (Other Than Pubs)

Other than visiting all of the great pubs in Masham, there are plenty of other things to see and places to visit in the town. For more information about the town, including details about the best restaurants in Masham (that aren’t pubs), you’ll have to read the guide that we’ve linked to below.

Read more: Masham Visitor’s Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Other Things to Do in Nidderdale AONB

Of course, you may be using Masham as a base to explore the Nidderdale AONB and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Below, we’ve listed some of the best attractions to visit in Nidderdale.

• Hackfall Woods
• Druid’s Temple
• Brimham Rocks
• Stump Cross Caverns
• How Stean Gorge
• Fewston Reservoir
• Swinsty Reservoir
• Swinton Estate

Read more: Nidderdale AONB Visitor’s Guide – 20 Awesome Things to Do

Best Villages to See in the Yorkshire Dales

These are other awesome villages and towns to see in the Yorkshire Dales.

• Grassington: Everything You Need to Know About Grassington
• Hawes: The 16 Best Things To Do In Hawes
• Ingleton: 10 Awesome Things To Do In Ingleton
• Buckden: The 5 Best Things To Do In Buckden, Yorkshire
• Keld: The 5 Best Things To Do in Keld, North Yorkshire
• Clapham: The Top 13 Things To Do During A Visit to Clapham, Yorkshire
• Ribblehead: 15 Awesome Things To Do In Ribblehead

We hope you enjoyed this ‘Best Masham Pubs’ guide. To book a table or to access a menu, please head to the pub’s respective website.