From Newcastle To North Yorkshire: A Stay at The Kings Head, Masham
If you’re looking for a countryside escape to beat the January and February blues, Masham in North Yorkshire really surprised me recently and was an ideal short break away from the norm. I was invited by Chef & Brewer to stay in one of their dog friendly pubs, and after reading what they’re all about – authentic pubs located in scenic landscapes, comforting food and fireplaces, and quintessential British hospitality it sounded exactly the type of thing me and Arthur would love. We went to The King’s Head Masham, a Chef & Brewer pub in North Yorkshire.
Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration with Chef & Brewer, we received a complimentary stay at the King’s Head Masham with dinner and breakfast included in return for social media coverage. Our itinerary and this blog was my own choice and as always all opinions are my own.
Preparing for Our Stay
The King’s Head in Masham, somewhere I hadn’t actually visited before but it is very near Ripon and Richmond, so I knew the drive wasn’t far. I packed an overnight bag for me and Arthur, but based on the descriptions on site and a bit of research of things to do, I also packed my wellies and a towel for Arthur so we could explore the area.
Day 1: Arriving & Exploring Masham
Our journey from Newcastle to Masham was very straightforward and took just over an hour. We drove through gorgeous little Yorkshire villages on the way, including Bedale, and Northallerton isn’t too far either if you wanted to stop off there as part of your trip.
Arriving in Masham I immediately loved it. I saw people walking their sheepdogs, Land Rovers ploughing through the snow on the streets, locals picking up fruit and veg from the store, and a number of little cafes and boutique type shops lining the square. As soon as we arrived, the town’s quaint charm was immediately apparent. Masham is known for its local breweries, independent shops, and welcoming atmosphere and it definitely gave off that first impression.
There is a big car park right in the town centre that’s also used as the market square on market days (Wednesdays and Saturdays). It’s sign posted as only 2 hours but the staff said it’s not monitored and fine to park, there is an honesty box for donations. We checked into The Kings Head, which is right on the main square – very handy for me carrying mine and Arthur’s stuff.
This historic inn is part of the Chef & Brewer collection, a group of over 150 pubs celebrated for their warm, rustic interiors, inviting dining spaces, and quintessential pub charm. I’d say that was a very accurate description even just from check in – you could see the fires going in both the dining room and the pub area. Staff were so nice, got us checked in and we went along to our room which was in one of the converted buildings out the back.
Room 24 at The King’s Head Masham
We were in Room 24 which had big archway doors, and was a split level room with a seating area, TV and coffee station, as well as the bathroom downstairs. It had a bath and an overhead shower. Upstairs was the bedroom, a desk and dressing area with wardrobe and mirror. A really nice dog friendly room.
After settling in and giving Arthur his dinner we set off to explore the town.
Exploring Masham
It’s a really quaint, and very friendly Yorkshire town. Most dogs were off lead and trotted along after their owners, the cafe on the corner of the square was packed inside, and as we walked past I made a mental note of the little shops I wanted to go to the next day – most of them close early at 4ish so weren’t open.
I didn’t realise it at the time but we passed the little school which has one of the leaf sculptures that make up the Masham Leaf trail. If this is a walk you want to do, you can find plenty of guides and info online, or visit the town hall for a map and guide. It looks a really good one, a circular walk that takes in plenty of the nearby scenery.
We also found the Theakston Brewery, which was founded in Masham back in 1827. It’s now being run by the fifth generation, and you can visit the visitors centre and pub. Sadly it was closed for a January facelift during my visit but it looked great and very dog friendly.
As golden hour approached, we head back towards the hotel, and walked through the churchyard for sunset. It was so pretty, with reindeer in the adjacent field, and a beautiful spired church above the village skyline.
Countryside to Fireside: Dinner at The King’s Head
By this point I was ready to warm up and have some food, so we made our way back to The King’s Head. It is every but the definition of a cosy British pub. We found an armchair spot by the fire, dog blankets, water and treats are provided so Arthur sprawled himself out, and I enjoyed a post walk drink by the fire. I felt very content.
The atmosphere inside was just as welcoming as the town itself and a lot of the locals would come and say hello to Arthur and have a bit of a chat. The food menu was exactly what you want for the time of year, proper British pub grub so I ordered the steak and ale pie with mash and gravy. I said at the time on my Instagram it was good enough to rival the award winning ones I have at a local pub at home, really good. I’d go back just for that.
Day 2: Breakfast and a Trip to Richmond
The next morning, after a very comfortable night in our room, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the pub before heading out for one last stroll around Masham. The King’s Head serves a continental breakfast buffet, and hot food to order. I had coffee and a croissant while Arthur was fussed by the staff.
Sadly, the Masham market day wasn’t on during our visit, so we had another wander round the town, and paid a visit to some of the shops that had been closed when we arrived. I did consider doing the Masham Leaf Trail, but instead decided to visit Richmond as part of the drive home instead.
It was less than half an hours drive, and we took the scenic country route rather than the motorway. We’ve visit Richmond before and enjoyed the town itself, but this time I parked at the bottom of the hill right by the river. We strolled along the river by Richmond Falls, and he had a bit of a run and splash in the water. It was the perfect way to round off our weekend before heading back to Newcastle.
Why Choose The Kings Head?
The King’s Head is definitely more than just a pub. Like all Chef & Brewer locations, it has a lot of character, charm, and countryside hospitality unique to the town it’s in. Our room was perfect for a dog friendly stay without compromising quality and there was plenty room, and great walks nearby. Our room wasn’t in the main pub building so that made it easier for going in and out with muddy paws.
Here’s why I’d recommend it for your next getaway:
• Dog-Friendly Comforts: Blankets, treats, and a welcoming atmosphere for dogs. It was very dog friendly.
• Prime Location: Situated in Masham’s main square, with easy access to walking routes, breweries, and nearby towns like Harrogate, Thirsk, and Ripon.
• Rustic Interiors: Think open fires, cosy dining spaces, and traditional pub vibes.
• Delicious Food: From pub classics like steak and ale pie to chef specials, the menu delivers on flavor and comfort. I will be going back for that steak pie again!
• Stunning Surroundings: With walking trails, countryside views, and attractions like Fountains Abbey and the Yorkshire Dales nearby, the area offers plenty to explore.
Plan Your Visit to The King’s Head Masham
The Kings Head is the perfect base for exploring North Yorkshire and I’d really like to go in the summer and make use of the beer garden and better weather for walks. It’s far enough from the hustle and bustle for a change of scenery but close enough to Newcastle for a quick and easy escape. I really enjoyed our visit. You can find more details, and book directly on the Chef & Brewer website here.
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