Located on the north bank of the River Derwent, Malton is a historic market town in North Yorkshire. It was the site of a Roman fort that was occupied for four centuries before a medieval settlement was founded in the 12th century. Today, Malton is considered the “Food Capital of Yorkshire” due to its award-winning markets and restaurants.
Things to do in Malton
In the heart of town is the Malton Museum, which showcases archaeological findings from the Roman excavations at Derventio. In addition to Neolithic stone tools and Iron Age chalk figures, the collection includes a Saxon cruciform brooch and a medieval candlestick. The importance of Malton’s brewing industry is also reflected through antique stoneware and glass bottles.
Occupying a World War II prisoner-of-war camp north-east of Malton is the Eden Camp Modern History Museum, which exhibits objects related to the 1940s conflict. Learn about the 250 Italians who were imprisoned here before German POWs arrived in the summer of 1944. The collection includes three human torpedoes, a motorised submersible canoe and a restored “Super Sherman” tank.
Travelling with kids? On the southern bank of the River Derwent is the Riverside Playground, which has equipment for all ages. A riverfront walking trail extends south-east, ending at the Menethorpe Suspension Bridge in Low Hutton. The trail hugs the fairways of the Malton & Norton Golf Club, which encompasses three 9-hole courses, a covered driving range and short-game practice facilities.
Getting around Malton
Malton is around 25 minutes’ drive from York and an hour from Leeds. Leeds Bradford Airport is just over an hour away and has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Malton railway station and buses travel through the town. The centre of Malton can easily be explored on foot.