Malton
Things to do in Malton, North Yorkshire
Things to do in Malton fall into two halves: a walkable Georgian town with a Roman fort under its playing fields, a museum, a river and a market square; and a ring of large days out within twenty minutes of it, from Castle Howard to Eden Camp and Flamingo Land. Here is what is worth your time, what is free, and what works in the rain.
Market day in Malton town centre, with stalls lining the historic streets.
In the town
Malton Museum tells the story of the town's Roman past, the fort and settlement of Derventio, and holds a collection of real archaeological importance. The fort itself survives as the grassy earthworks of Orchard Fields: banks and ditches rather than standing walls, but a quiet green space with genuine depth to it. Castle Gardens occupies the site of the long-vanished Malton Castle and is now a park. St Michael's Church stands in the middle of the Market Place, with St Leonard's up the hill and St Mary's Priory Church at Old Malton just outside the centre. Gentle walks follow the River Derwent over the town's two bridges, and the racehorse gallops on the surrounding hills are the reason Malton is called the Newmarket of the North. Opening days vary at the museum, so check before a special trip.
Market days and food experiences
A street market fills the Market Place every Saturday, and the Malton Monthly Food Market takes over on the second Saturday of the month from March to November. If you can choose your day, choose one of those. Full details of both, and how they differ, are on our Malton town guide. The Talbot Yard food court is open on most weekdays and Saturdays and makes an easy hour; guided food tours and a cookery school also operate in the town. See where to eat in Malton.
Great days out nearby
Castle Howard is about 15 minutes away, the Baroque house used for Brideshead Revisited and Bridgerton, with extensive gardens. Eden Camp Modern History Museum, set in a former prisoner-of-war camp, is just outside town and covers the Second World War hut by hut. Flamingo Land, the theme park and zoo, sits towards Pickering. Scampston Walled Garden, a contemporary Piet Oudolf design, is a few miles east, and Kirkham Priory is an English Heritage riverside ruin to the south-west. For walking, the Howardian Hills National Landscape begins on the town's doorstep. All of these set their own opening seasons and admission prices, so check each one's website before you travel.
Using Malton as a base
Neighbouring Pickering, about 15 minutes north, adds a Norman castle and the steam railway. Dalby Forest and the wider North York Moors lie beyond, with the coast at Whitby and Scarborough a straightforward drive, and York about 40 minutes the other way.
Things to do in Malton: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Malton?
In town: Malton Museum and its Roman collection, the earthworks of the Roman fort at Orchard Fields, Castle Gardens, the Market Place churches, riverside walks along the Derwent and the Talbot Yard food court. Just outside: Castle Howard, Eden Camp, Flamingo Land and Scampston Walled Garden.
What is there to do in Malton, North Yorkshire, for free?
The Roman earthworks at Orchard Fields, Castle Gardens, the walk along the River Derwent over the town's two bridges, the circular Market Place and its churches, and the Saturday street market all cost nothing. Watching the racehorses on the gallops from a public footpath is another local pastime.
What is there to do in Malton with kids?
Flamingo Land, the theme park and zoo towards Pickering, is the big family day out. Eden Camp works well with older children, and the grounds and adventure playground at Castle Howard suit most ages. Check current opening and admission on each attraction's own website.
What can you do in Malton when it is raining?
Malton Museum, Eden Camp (largely under cover in its former prisoner-of-war huts), the house at Castle Howard and the Talbot Yard food court all work in poor weather, as does browsing the town's independent and antique shops.
How far is Castle Howard from Malton?
About 15 minutes by car to the west of Malton. Check current opening times and admission on the Castle Howard website before you travel.
How long do you need in Malton?
Half a day covers the Market Place, the museum, Orchard Fields and lunch. A full day works if you add Castle Howard or Eden Camp in the afternoon, or if you come on a second Saturday when the monthly food market is on.