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Spennithorne

Attractions and Places To See around Spennithorne - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Spennithorne include a variety of historical sites, unique follies, and natural landscapes. The region offers opportunities to explore ancient ruins, impressive castles, and vibrant market towns. Visitors can discover a blend of man-made monuments and scenic viewpoints, providing diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best attractions and places to see around Spennithorne

  • The most popular attractions is The Druid's Temple, a man-made monument that is a nineteenth-century folly styled after stone circles. Built to alleviate local unemployment, it remains an atmospheric and intriguing location.
  • Another must-see spot is Middleham Castle, a historical castle. This site is well worth a visit and serves as a significant landmark, being the finish point for the 38-mile Six Dales Trail.
  • Visitors also love Masham Market Square, a historic market square. It is one of the largest in England, featuring elegant Georgian houses and an ancient cross.
  • Spennithorne is known for historical sites, unique follies, and vibrant market squares. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient ruins to bustling town centers.
  • The attractions around Spennithorne are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 130 upvotes and over 120 photos shared.

Last updated: May 6, 2026

The Druid's Temple

Highlight • Monument

Amazing nineteenth century folly.Styled after stone circles and well known prehistoric monuments such as Stonehenge.

The Druids Temple was built to alleviate local unemployment, allowing William Danby, a wealthy landowner of the time to pay workers a shilling a day for their labour.

At less than 200 years old, it is nonetheless an atmospheric and intriguing location.

Despite its origin being common knowledge, myths and rumours of mystic practices have sprung up over its lifetime with tales of Devil worship and harrowing frights experienced by those who have spent the night. It's a bit spooky even in daylight hours!

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Masham Market Square

Highlight • Restaurant

This 4 mile walk - the Masham leaves walk is a route with 6 stone leaves sculptures. The route follows some beautiful stretches of the river Ure and the river Burn.
Masham is a town with two breweries and a top selection of pubs for your post exercise refreshments!

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Middleham Castle

Highlight • Castle

The 'Windsor of the North', Middleham Castle is a striking and evocative ruin. The sight of it is unmistakable and impressive as you approach the market town of Middleham. It was built by Robert Fitzrandolph in the late 12th century and was the childhood home of King Richard III. Today it is owned and operated by English Heritage and requires advance booking should you wish to explore its nooks and crannies.

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Coverdale Descent

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Whether you're coming over Park Rash or turning round to avoid going down it, your legs already aren't speaking to you. They'll get over it. The descent of Coverdale is a delight, even if the Department of Verschlimmbesserung recently chip'n'sealed what was briefly perfect tarmac. And you do have to remember that Yorkshire roads were routed by misanthropes, so although you're trending downwards, there are several kickers to get your legs sulking again.

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Middleham Castle

Highlight • Castle

The Six Dales Trail only launched in 2010. It starts in Otley and meanders across the entire Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to finish here at Middleham. So you are either at the start of the trek or the finish, depending on what direction you are hiking. The trail is 38 miles long (61 km) and is a fully waymarked route with heather moorland, rivers, parkland, and the famous Jervaulx Abbey. Here at Middleham is the fantastic Middleham Castle, which is well worth a visit.

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Tips from the Community

PhilT
September 5, 2025, The Druid's Temple

A hidden gem and interesting story behind the construction of the Temple. Beautiful views and an interesting undulating walk through stunning countryside.

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The Six Dales Trail only launched in 2010. It starts in Otley and meanders across the entire Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to finish here at Middleham. So you are either at the start of the trek or the finish, depending on what direction you are hiking. The trail is 38 miles long (61 km) and is a fully waymarked route with heather moorland, rivers, parkland, and the famous Jervaulx Abbey. Here at Middleham is the fantastic Middleham Castle, which is well worth a visit.

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Masham is a small market town that is built around a large square. It has held a market charter since 1250 and thrived due to the easy access of the flocks of sheep from nearby Fountains and Jervaulx Abbeys. There is still a sheep fair every September where huge numbers of sheep are bought and sold.

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Masham Market Place is one of the largest in England. It has elegant Georgian houses that stand around its periphery and an ancient cross with cobbled area at its centre.

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the drive to the temple was well worth it. You will find a cafe, and family area, before a short walk up to the temple. the set up of the rock formations is mind blowing, but very interesting. a big tick for me to visit again.

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51m
November 16, 2022, The Druid's Temple

This isn't an actual temple, it's a 19th century folly created to provide employment for local people by the wealthy landowner William Danby. It's styled as a smaller version of Stone Henge and although only 200 years old it's still atmospheric and worth a visit.

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Natalie
September 8, 2022, Masham Market Square

Masham (pronounced Massam) has a Georgian market square at its centre, home to many independent business, pubs and the town hall. Both Black Sheep Brewery and Theakstons Brewery are located in Masham, just a short distance from each other. Each year Masham celebrates its rural history with a sheep fair in the market square. Once, over 70,000 sheep would have been sold each year here.

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This was the perfect spot for lunch on this walk, just over halfway round and after the climb. This is an interesting place, my kids loved exploring it and we stayed about an hour before moving on.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly attractions around Spennithorne?

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Druid's Temple is a quirky folly that kids often enjoy exploring. Masham Market Square offers a vibrant atmosphere with independent businesses and is a good starting point for walks. The enchanting Jervaulx Abbey Ruins are also family-friendly, with grounds to explore and seasonal tea-rooms.

What historical sites can I visit near Spennithorne?

The region is rich in history. You can explore the impressive Middleham Castle, a significant landmark and the finish point for the 38-mile Six Dales Trail. The ancient Jervaulx Abbey Ruins, dating back to 1156, offer a glimpse into monastic history. Additionally, The Druid's Temple, though a 19th-century folly, provides an intriguing historical context of local employment initiatives.

Are there any unique or unusual attractions in the area?

Absolutely. The Druid's Temple stands out as a unique 19th-century folly, styled after ancient stone circles. It was built to provide work for locals and offers an atmospheric, intriguing experience, often described as a bit spooky.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Spennithorne?

Spennithorne and its surroundings offer various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the Danby Hall – Cover Bridge Inn loop or the Spennithorne Wood loop. For mountain biking, explore routes like the High Harker Hill Trail. Cycling enthusiasts can tackle challenging routes like the Coverdale, Scar House & Leighton Reservoirs loop. You can find more details and specific routes in the Running Trails around Spennithorne, MTB Trails around Spennithorne, and Cycling around Spennithorne guides.

Are there any good places for a walk or hike near Spennithorne?

Yes, the area is excellent for walks. The Masham Leaves Walk is a 4-mile route starting from Masham Market Square, following the River Ure and River Burn. Many running trails around Spennithorne, like the Danby Moor Wood loop, are also suitable for walking. Middleham Castle is a key point on the 38-mile Six Dales Trail, offering longer hiking opportunities.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Spennithorne?

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. Many enjoy the atmospheric and intriguing nature of The Druid's Temple, especially families. The historical significance and picturesque setting of Middleham Castle and Jervaulx Abbey Ruins are also highly rated. The vibrant community feel and independent businesses in Masham Market Square are also a big draw.

Are there any attractions that are wheelchair accessible?

Masham Market Square is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering a chance to experience the historic town center, its shops, and pubs. It's a good place to start for those seeking accessible options.

Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?

Yes, Masham Market Square is a hub for dining, featuring independent businesses, pubs, and two local breweries (Black Sheep and Theakstons). The Jervaulx Abbey Ruins also have tea-rooms that are open seasonally, offering refreshments after exploring the grounds.

What is the best season to visit Spennithorne for outdoor activities?

While specific seasonal tips aren't provided for all attractions, the region's outdoor activities, such as walking, running, and cycling, are generally best enjoyed from spring through autumn when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. However, places like Jervaulx Abbey Ruins are open year-round for exploration, even if tea-rooms have seasonal closures.

Are there any challenging trails or viewpoints for experienced hikers/cyclists?

For experienced cyclists, the Coverdale Descent offers a fast, winding road with sweeping views, though it includes some challenging kickers. The cycling routes around Spennithorne, such as those involving Buttertubs Pass or Grinton Moor, are generally rated as difficult, providing a good challenge for seasoned riders. Hikers can also tackle sections of the 38-mile Six Dales Trail that passes through the area.

Are dogs allowed at the attractions?

While specific dog policies vary by attraction, many outdoor sites in the region are generally dog-friendly, especially for walks. For example, the grounds around Jervaulx Abbey Ruins are suitable for dogs on leads. It's always advisable to check individual attraction websites for their specific pet policies before visiting.

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