Malton has a rich history that started with an Anglian settlement, then a Roman fort north of the River Derwent called Derventio, followed by a Viking village that grew into Malton. Today it is a busy market town with a street market on Saturdays and a twice-weekly livestock market. An eclectic mix of architectural styled shops, inns and tearooms surround the market place, in the middle of which stands St. Michael's church.

The adjoining town of Norton lies south of the River Derwent, and was linked to Malton as early as Roman times by a 5 meter wide bridge. Today it is noted as a centre for racehorse training, and horses can often be seen on their way to and from nearby gallops.

A visit to Malton Museum gives a good insight into the town’s foundations, with displays of archaeological finds including many Roman artefacts found locally, whilst a visit to Eden Camp, situated on the site of a former prisoner of war camp, transports visitors back to wartime Britain.