Close Attractions

The famous local gathering for steam enthusiasts from around the country. Originating in the field behind the pub 30 years ago  it is now held annually  on the second weekend in September. You can now camp in the originl site for pub £30 per pitch per weekend, or make sure to book your room early!! . Contact the pub for details.

Middleham's contemporary fame is as the largest race horse training centre in the North of England. There are numerous stables in and around the town and horses are trained on both Middleham Low Moor immediately outside the town and on Middleham High Moor approximately 2 miles outside the town. Middleham High Moor is just below Penn Hill & looks down into Swaledale and over to Bolton Castle.

The town has held an annual Stable Open Day on Good Friday for over 25 years to raise money for Racing and local charities. The majority of stables are open from old well established third generation family trainers to the largest and one of the top three training yards in the UK.

Horse racing can be watched throughout the year locally at Catterick Bridge. Thirsk, Ripon & York offer top class flat racing throughout the summer with several weekend evening meetings at Catterick, Ripon & Thirsk. Wetherby, a leading National Hunt track & both Sedgefield & Newcastle can be easily accessed from the nearby A1.

For the racing enthusiast there is both a wide selection of race meetings and the ability to be behind the scenes on the gallops in Middleham or with the Annual Stable Open Days.

Middleham is an historic market township in Lower Wensleydale and standing on the River Ure. Twinned now with Agincourt, Middleham has an historic castle which was once the hunting lodge of Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Later crowned Richard the Third & killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. Richard's remains were recently found in a well publicized archaeological dig in Leicester.

Richard III lived a great deal of his adolescent life in Middleham Castle & some of his later years with his wife Queen Anne & his son Edward. There is now an annual celebration of his birthday and association with Middleham.

Just a few miles away in the next dale is Bolton Castle, originally owned by Richard's Chancellor and later one of the sites Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner when travelling to London and her execution.

The unique folly and adventure garden of The Forbidden Corner, 2 miles outside Middleham & 7 miles from the pub The Forbiden Corner is ideal for children of all ages, although some may not fir through the gap!! Adjacent to the Forbiden Corner, Middleham High Moor offers extensive views towards Penn Hill, Coverdale and into Swaledale.

Probably the largest regional auctioneer, & the fourth largest auction house in the UK, Tennants offer a frequent & specialist range of sales. The auction house is a easy 4 mile drive from The Countryman's. Whenever the sale why not attend the viewing day, stay, relax, enjoy dinner, a leisurely breakfast & a short drive to the sale.

Steam train rides through Wensleydale are available from several local stations, Bedale,( 5 miles) Fingall (2 miles) and Leyburn (5 miles). Check operating dates with Wesleydale Railway

North Yorkshire is rich in history with many interesting sites both in the country and the historic city of York. Of particular local interest are two famous Abbeys, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal has been designated a World Heritage site, the only one in Yorkshire and is about 20 miles distant. More local is Jearvaux Abbey. This ruined abbey is about 7 miles away and is ideal for a relaxing country walk, ending with a site of historic interest. Tea rooms/ Garden Centre.

Rare trees and shrubs in a Victorian arboretum with tea room, birds of prey and animal collections.

Family-friendly farm attraction with animal enclosures, indoor play area and on-site cafe.

The famous Theakstons and Black Sheep Breweries and visitor centres are nearby in Masham. See the beers being made!

Held Annually on May Bank Holiday weekend, the festival celebrates the best of food & drink & farming. The Festival is just 4 miles from The Countryman's. Why not stay & relax for the weekend.

Famous Sheep Fair and Agricultural show in the ancient market town of Masham, also famous for its brewing heritage. Held in September each year, it is a quieter but still pleasant time to enjoy the Dales & its special attractions. Why not combine it with a brewery visit?

Easily accessed by the nearby A1, Leeds & Newcastle offer excellent shopping facilities. York & Harrogate offer both shopping and a number of local attractions. The historic market towns of Richmond and Leyburn are only 6 miles away. Amongst the many attractions of Richmond is the Castle, Easby Abbey, The Station (with 2 screen cinema and cafe showing the latest featured films) Friary Gardens, and the famous Georgian Theatre Royal.