Malton Travel Guide

Originally built in 1942 as a P.O.W. camp to house Italian & German prisoners in WORLD WAR 2, and closed in 1948. Re-opened in 1986 by a local businessman, and has since become an award winning museum with a WW2 theme.

Unfortunately I haven't been able to get round to re-visiting the spot since the late 1980's on a Primary School trip...... but trust me, it's worth it.

Impressive castle from 1699 (designed by Vanbrugh) and still lived in by the Howard family. It is famous for being the location where the TV-series 'Brideshead Revisited' with Anthony Andrews and Jeremy Irons was filmed and has featured in other TV-series too. The house is huge and has its own chapel. Since big castles cost money, the Howards opened up their home to visitors many years ago and even if you don't get to see it all, you can see many of the fantastic rooms with a guide and also visit the grounds. Whatever you do, don't miss the astrology fountain! There is also a Costume Museum in the old stables, showing fashion throughout history.

You have to excuse the lack of photos. I have only seen Kirkham from the train but that convinced me that I have to go back one day to see it properly! Founded some time around 1120 and today in ruins, Kirkham Priory has a wonderfully romantic setting in a forested gorge along the river Derwent in the Howardian Hills. It was founded by Walter l'Espec, Lord of Helmsley not that far away. Contrary to his Cistercian abbeys at for instance Riveaulx nearby, Kirkham was Augustinian. It is thought that it was founded as a memory of l'Espec's son who fell of his horse and died here.

If just passing through, try to avoid the Traffic lights at the crossroads where "Old Malton Road" / "Castlegate" / "Yorkersgate" + "Wheelgate" meet up...... they take what feels like ages to change if they turn red on you..... usually the longest 1.5-2minutes of your life.