Why we love… MALTON

By BETHAN ANDREWS

Since 2019 Malton, which can be found in the North Riding of Yorkshire, has been well-known as the ‘Food Capital of Yorkshire’ – and for good reason, too. Visitors can expect a quintessential market town combined with chic boutiques, a thriving foodie scene, and hip and happening festivals.

Rich History

Malton’s roots date back to Roman times, with the earliest established building in the town having been erected in the late first century AD. In the 11th century, a large timber Norman castle was built in what is now known as Castle Garden.

According to Visit Yorkshire: “Malton has existed on two other sites prior to its current location. The town has been the historic centre of Ryedale since Roman times, originally with a fort established on the northern bank of the River Derwent, at what is now Orchard Fields. The village of Old Malton, however, an Anglian settlement, was developed as the original town around a Gilbertine Priory, fragments of which remain in the Church of St Mary's. The present town of Malton is a busy market town with a street market on Saturdays and a twiceweekly livestock market. Monthly markets are also held regularly. An eclectic mix of architectural styled shops, inns and tearooms surround the market place.”

There are plenty of historic places to enjoy, too. One is Birdsall House and Estate, an English country house which dates back from the late 16th century, hosting truly bespoke weddings and events in a fantastic setting. There are stunning views up to the Yorkshire Wolds as well.

Beauty And Amenities

To enjoy the history and architecture of the town, take a walk through the winding streets and immerse yourself in the old-fashioned market square, perfectly punctuated with new businesses to the backdrop of St Michael’s Church. From here, meander down Market Street, now thriving and one of the most loved destinations in Malton, packed with quirky and buzzing shops and cafes. While you’re here, don’t miss out on visiting McMillans of Malton for some specialist gin or whisky, pop into the wonderful vegan cafe The Purple Carrot, head to Hare and Wilde if impeccably curated interiors are up your street, or the jewellery boutique By Elise, at 2 Yorkersgate, whose collection consists of necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets.

For a real taste of the rich history and architecture available in the small town, Saville Street takes you back in time, despite it now being full to the brim with great interiors, food and fashion. The street is lined with beautiful converted Congregational and Methodist chapels, and well worth a mooch through. To fuel up on your whistlestop tour of Malton, pop into The Patisserie and fill up on deli treats, good co ee and pastries galore. If cycling is your thing, and you want to explore the surrounding countryside, it’s worth a visit to Northern Ride, too. Once done on Saville Street, take a walk to The Shambles. Once a street of bustling butchers shops in the 18th century, it’s now home to a vibrant and eclectic mix of independent shops, including Rickshaw Bazaar for ethicallysourced gifts and homewares, The Drunk Candle Company, and The Country Cobbler.

Back to our history tour, in 1713 the Borough of Malton was purchased by Thomas Watson Wentworth and from the outset the family invested heavily in the town, as they still do to this day. They made huge advancements in making sure the river made Malton navigable to the town, worked hard on making sure roads led to the town and invested heavily in factories, schools and public buildings. Due to this, Malton survived the industrial revolution and was able to become the success story of a rural market town that it is today. Twelve generations later, much of Malton is still owned by Thomas Watson Wentworth’s descendants, the NaylorLeylands, who hold the Fitzwilliam Malton Estate and were responsible for turning it into the foodie destination you see now.

Foodie Fever

With Tom Naylor-Leyland pouring so much time and love into celebrating artisan produce in Malton, one thing’s for sure, you will never be short of eating and drinking in this quaint town, and the independent businesses are second to none. Taking over the streets of Yorkshire’s Food Capital, the Malton Food Lovers Festival will make its grand return on 27-28 May 2023, ahead of the spring bank holiday. The festival is then scheduled to return once again over the August bank holiday weekend, on 26-27 August 2023. Malton Food Lovers Festival is a celebration of Yorkshire's finest produce and cooking, boasting a number of artisan stalls, delicious street food, live talks from local celebrated chefs, tastings and delicious demonstrations, as well as a festival bar, live music, children’s fairground rides and family entertainment. And, because the festival is uniquely placed in the town centre, visitors can also browse the fantastic range of independent retailers and artisan makers who call Malton home all year round.

Talbot Yard and the regeneration of this area sits at the very heart of the o ering, where you’ll find six artisan food producers located in a charming converted coaching yard. With a butcher, baker, gelataria, co ee roastery, distillery and macaroon maker, the destination allows you to taste, explore and see how artisan products are made in Yorkshire today. Florian Poirot, the macaroon maker, is none other than the UK Pastry Champion, while Rare Bird Gin Distillery is award-winning, too, and both Bluebird Bakery and Roost Espresso Bar attract people from all over the county. If you want to dive deeper into the food scene in Malton, why not book onto one of the town’s Guided Food Tours. For somewhere to both stay and eat, The Talbot, a beautiful historic building looking over the town, is a great place to head.

Tom Naylor-Leyland is the director there, and the Fitzwilliam Estate has invested in The Talbot as one of the main drivers behind the food town with 26 beautifully designed rooms, a restaurant and the York House wedding venue. In July, The Talbot also plays host to Meadowfest, Malton’s popular boutique music festival set within the lovely riverside meadows.

Perfect Situation

Speaking of lovely meadows, enjoying a picture perfect situation on the edge of the Howardian Hills, Malton certainly does beauty very well indeed. Despite having so many wonderful shops and eateries, and a great feeling of hustle and bustle, there are plenty of options for escaping into the countryside right on the doorstep. The Howardian Hills that border the town are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and there are numerous walks you can do straight from Malton to really enjoy this area. Stay at Box BNB, which is perfectly situated just outside the village of Thornton-Le-Dale for an escape from the hustle and bustle to peace and tranquillity. If you want to combine both the foodie atmosphere and the countryside idyll, Malton’s unique Gourmet Wineathon takes you on the “tastiest 10k” around some of the best surrounding rural pathways. For walking and cycling, Malton spoils you. Why not make the most of the many nice footpaths that there are to follow through Malton Castle Gardens and along the River Derwent? Start your walk in the town centre and head east past the Lodge to the Malton Castle Gardens and the Roman Fort. The lovely five-acre gardens have a number of interesting flowers, plants and trees to see. After exploring the Roman Fort, you can cross the river and pick up a footpath along the Derwent. The Centenary Way long distance trail runs through the town for some longer walking routes, or you could follow the trail south along the River Derwent to the atmospheric ruins of Kirkham Abbey. Following it east will take you over the river to Norton-on-Derwent and then through the countryside to Settrington.

Or, if you’ve still not had enough of history and architecture, the famous Castle Howard is only a short drive away from Malton and makes for a wonderful afternoon out. Known as one of Britain’s finest private residences and stately homes, there are beautiful gardens to explore, the house to look around, as well as exhibitions, too. If you wanted to make it part of your Malton trip, you can do the lovely five-mile walk from the town, taking in the scenic countryside on the way.