A weekend in Malton

Yorkshire's food town, beside Castle Howard

Independent UK guide
Free to use
Affiliate links clearly labelled
Updated October 2026

Malton is a small market town on the River Derwent that has built a name as Yorkshire's food capital. Its delis, butchers, bakers and the Talbot Yard food court make it a favourite for a relaxed, eating-led weekend.

It is also close to Castle Howard, the North York Moors and the Wolds, and is only 25 minutes by train from York.

Best forFood lovers, History lovers, Walkers, Wet-weather days

Best time to goSpring to autumn. The Malton Food Lovers Festival in May is a highlight, and the town is good for food all year.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereYork: About 25 minutes by train, or about 35 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Malton

Plan your weekend in Malton

Top attractions in Malton

Malton Food Lovers Festival

A big food festival held each spring, bringing local producers and chefs to town.

Talbot Yard and the market

Independent food stalls, cafes and shops in a converted yard.

Castle Howard

A grand stately home and gardens, about fifteen minutes away, famous from film and TV.

The Roman fort of Derventum

The site of a Roman fort, with finds at Malton Museum.

The Derwent riverside

Gentle riverside walks and cycling routes.

Best things to do in Malton

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs steam and heritage trains for about 24 miles through the national park between Pickering and Whitby. Allow a half day to a full day.

Afternoon tea in York

York has a long tradition of tea rooms, and an afternoon tea is a favourite part of a weekend there. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

York Minster visit

York Minster is one of the largest medieval Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

More things to do near Malton

Castle Howard visit Near Malton, North Yorkshire

Best areas to stay in Malton

The market place

Handy for shops and restaurants.

Near the station

Convenient if you come by train from York.

Norton-on-Derwent

The village across the river, a short walk away.

Best hotels in Malton

Prices for a double room in Malton typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Malton

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Malton

Spring to autumn. The Malton Food Lovers Festival in May is a highlight, and the town is good for food all year.

Seasons that suit Malton well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Malton

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Malton

From York: About 25 minutes by train, or about 35 minutes by car.
From Leeds: About 1 hour by car.
From Manchester: About 2 hours 30 minutes by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Malton

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The market place.
Saturday: Start with Malton Food Lovers Festival, then Talbot Yard and the market. In the afternoon, head to Castle Howard.
Sunday: Visit The Roman fort of Derventum or The Derwent riverside, then head home.

Packing list for Malton

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Cycling gear

Good to know

Many shops and restaurants close on Sundays or have limited hours, so check ahead.
Book dinner at weekends.
The town is on the York to Scarborough railway line.

Malton weekend FAQs

Is Malton good for a weekend?

Yes, for people who like food and relaxed small-town breaks. It works well with a day at Castle Howard.

Can I visit Malton from York by train?

Yes. Trains run on the York to Scarborough line, and the journey takes about 25 minutes.

More weekend ideas

YorkNorth Yorkshire

Medieval walls, a magnificent minster and cobbled streets

North York MoorsNorth Yorkshire

Heather moorland, steam trains and a dramatic coast

HelmsleyNorth Yorkshire

A pretty market town and the gateway to the North York Moors

ScarboroughNorth Yorkshire

Britain's oldest seaside resort, with two bays and a castle

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from Manchester and the North West · Best weekend breaks in Yorkshire and the North East · Best family weekend breaks in the UK · Best UK weekend breaks by train

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.