For hundreds of years, the area around Malton has been at the centre of what is known today as Ryedale.

The site of the fort built by the Romans can been seen at Orchard Fields, and the original Malton, Old Malton, is just to the north.  Here, ancient stone buildings surround the only remaining Gilbertine Priory in England, the church of St Mary's.

Today, Malton houses the headquarters of the Ryedale District Council.

Malton is a busy market town, hosting a popular street market and three livestock markets each week.

Besides many local and national shops, Malton is home to the Malton Brewing Company, and also boasts a fine Museum housing many locally found Roman artefacts.

Malton has good transport links, being approximately midway between York and Scarborough by both railway and road.