Malton Masterpiece by the Moors

Whilst residents of Malton may not still be surviving on pork, cabbage, lentils and garum, this Roman town still pulls in the turba – for both its thriving food scene and wealth of ancient history. Set along the picturesque River Derwent, Malton blends centuries-old heritage with a modern, independent spirit, making it one of North Yorkshire’s most underrated but charming destinations. And the best part? The award-winning Coastliner 840 and 843 routes connect Malton with Leeds, York and the coast, some of the most scenic, unmissable bus journeys in the UK. To find out more, go to https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/coastliner/

East Yorkshire Buses also run the wonderful 81 service from York and Castle Howard to Malton, with delightful views along the way – more of which later…

Malton, or Derventio, began in the late 1^st century AD, when the Romans established a fort here as part of their push to secure northern Britain after conquering the south. The fort sat on a crossing point of the River Derwent, useful for trade, movement and defence. But over time, the fort expanded into a civilian settlement, even after the Romans left. The Norman conquest prompted the construction of Malton Castle in around 1069 to 1071 and by the medieval period, Malton had become a market town – still holding this title nearly 1000 years later.

Today, Malton remains true to its roots, with its lively, convivial Market Place, made up of regular stalls selling local produce, street food, flowers, crafts and more, independent shops and cafes and pubs that spill out onto the street, establishing the town as a buzzing social hub rather than just a place to pass through, whilst soaking up the jaw-dropping Moors scenery.

The top-rated FortySix Restaurant and Bar in Market Place epitomises this – it’s a fantastic venue for both live music and sublime dishes (be sure to try out the sticky chicken!). Ømni Malton is another great nook, known locally for its “Yorkshire Tapas”, which perhaps you can have with wine in true Roman Derventio style (just hopefully not diluted with river water anymore!). The Spotted Cow is a particular favourite, with its wonderful traditional and freshly cooked pub grub, all within an historic Grade II listed building.

The beauty of Malton is not just the stunning North Yorkshire Moors scenery within which it resides, but the plethora of fascinating streets packed with wonderful, somewhat quirky independent shops and eateries. The multi-coloured buildings give a real ‘Wow Factor’ character to this already historic and eye-catching of towns.

If you’re feeling particularly hungry, visit Talbot Yard Food Court, a historic coaching inn courtyard that has been transformed into one of the most delightful spots for artisan eats and drinks. Or, do one better and visit The Cook’s Place, the town’s very own cookery school, hosting courses around Yorkshire’s delicious dishes for cooks at all skill levels.

It’s no wonder that Malton is described as the “Food Capital of Yorkshire” and for several years held a hugely popular annual food festival. However, all year-round culinary lovers throng to Malton to devour its gourmet delights!

The Food Capital of Yorkshire is not the only title Malton’s been dubbed. The town has been referred to as the “Newmarket of the North”, situated right next to one of the largest and most important training centres in British horse racing. Over 1000 thoroughbred horses are trained in Malton at any one time! The town has also produced and been home to high-profile racing figures, including champion jockey Kieren Fallon and leading trainer Richard Fahey.  The Newmarket of the North has truly become an awe-inspiring base for the racing world, as well as a support for the training communities around it. You could say that Malton is a fantastic NEIGHbour!

There’s a great community feel in Malton and no better shown than at the wonderful Milton Rooms, which is a stylish venue and has the most eclectic range of fun-packed shows. From Blues to Gypsy Swing, tributes to The Stranglers and Phil Collins, as well as the Rydedale Dog Rescue Quiz night and ‘Hilarity Bites Comedy Club  – it’s all happening here over the coming weeks, all right, in the heart of the Market Place and a 5-minute walk from the Bus Station. To find out more, go to https://themiltonrooms.com/

Even though Malton Castle no longer stands, the heart of the town’s fascinating history still beats in many of its attractions. The Old Lodge, which sits beside the castle’s previous site, was built around the 1600s and is captivating to stay in or just visit for lunch to get a feel for the medieval layers that Malton’s identity is made up of. The Lodge is a delightful 17th Century Tudor Mansion that stands in nearly 3 acres of idyllic perfectly manicured gardens!

There’s no better place to experience Malton’s history than at Malton Museum, an archaeological museum that focuses on the area’s long past, or at Eden Camp Modern History Museum, just outside of Malton and highlighted as one of the best WWII-themed museums in the UK.

For a grand contrast, visitors can take the 81 bus from Malton to Castle Howard in Henderskelfe, a truly spectacular stately home set within stunning parkland and gardens – check out… https://www.eastyorkshirebuses.co.uk/services/EY/81

Perhaps the cerasum on top of Malton is its fantastic location in relation to the treasure trove that is North Yorkshire. Just a short bus ride away is the striking North York Moors National Park, home to a magnificent coastline and the largest stretch of heather moorland in the UK, which turns deep purple in the summer – it’s both magical and unmissable.

Or, take a bus to Pickering, Scarborough or Whitby, three vibrant and vivacious Yorkshire towns that perfectly compliment Malton’s understated charm. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway evokes a bygone era in Pickering and is one of the most famous heritage railways in the UK, whilst Scarborough Castle is deeply atmospheric and so too the awe-inspiring Whitby Abbey, overlooking the North Sea.

For coastal capers and frivolity, then the arcades, Lunar Park and the many candy floss shops and fish and chip restaurants on the front in Scarborough are delightful. Be sure in the Spring or Summer to get on-board the open top Beachcomber bus which provides the best views of the North and South Bays and also perfect stop offs en route to enjoy all the fun of this classic seaside town!

Back to Malton, though – and who can blame us, as it’s so fantastic and the gateway to thrills, spills and sumptuous scenery! With so much within easy reach, Malton really is the ideal starting point for discovering everything this wonderful part of the UK has to offer. A Scenic Explorer rover ticket is also the best way to explore the Region, offering the freedom of York and North Yorkshire for either 1-day (£10 or up to 5 people for £19) or 3-days (£20 or up to 5 for £38). To find out more, go to…

https://www.greatscenicjourneys.co.uk/the-scenic-explorer/

From Roman fort to food capital, the dynamic yet whimsical Malton has always been a place worth stopping for. Two thousand years on, its legacy continues, inviting travellers to become part of history that is still very much alive in this town’s buzzing markets, familial kitchens, romantic landscapes and cherished community. Raise your glass and say propino to Malton – just as the Romans would have done in Derventio.

So, for a super Staycation or unforgettable day-out then the jewel in the North Yorkshire crown, that’s Malton – a magical moorland masterpiece, really is the ticket and no better enjoyed than with a Scenic Explorer by bus!