Explore Malham - Places to Stay, Walks & Things to Do in North Yorkshire
Malham is a village located in North Yorkshire, governed by North Yorkshire Council (formerly Craven). It has a population of 238 and falls under the BD23 postcode area. Known for its stunning limestone scenery, Malham is part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, attracting visitors for outdoor activities and geological features like Malham Cove.
Malham is a captivating village that draws nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike with its breathtaking limestone landscapes and rich geological features. Situated within the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park, the village is home to iconic sites such as Malham Cove and Janet's Foss, both of which offer spectacular views and excellent walking opportunities. Whether you're exploring the picturesque trails or enjoying a leisurely stroll around Malham Tarn, you'll find plenty of ways to connect with the natural beauty surrounding you.
With a population of just 238, Malham retains a charming, tranquil atmosphere that makes it perfect for a getaway. The village also boasts England's first vegan hotel, Beck Hall, which adds a unique touch to your stay. For those looking to dive deeper into what Malham has to offer, be sure to check out the local walks in Malham to fully appreciate the area's scenic routes and hidden treasures.
Stay in Malham
The Lister Arms
The Hayloft at Tennant Barn
Things to Do in Malham
Giggleswick Memorial Bridge
Discover the tranquil Giggleswick Memorial Bridge, offering scenic river views amidst beautiful Settle.
Skipton Castle
Explore Skipton Castle, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress where centuries of history unfold around every corner.
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Food & Drink
The Secret Garden Bistro
Located in the picturesque village of Kirkby Malham, The Secret Garden Bistro offers a delightful dining experience with a fully vegan menu and a charming atmosphere. While enjoying the culinary delights, visitors can conveniently park at nearby pay-and-display facilities, making it an accessible stop for those exploring the scenic beauty of Malham and its surroundings.
Game Cock
Located in the picturesque village of Austwick, the Game Cock offers convenient parking for visitors exploring the charming surroundings and enjoying traditional British cuisine with a French/Mediterranean twist. Ideal for those visiting nearby attractions like Ingleborough Caves, this facility ensures easy access to the delightful pub experience.
The Punch Bowl
Located in the charming village of Thornton in Craven, The Punch Bowl offers convenient parking options for visitors. Ideal for those looking to explore the local area, this facility provides easy access to the pub and restaurant, making it a great stop for a meal or a drink. Enjoy the scenic surroundings and the warm hospitality of Yorkshire.
Interactive Map
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Geographic Facts
This village is geographically within the following regions:
- Population
- 238
- Postcode
- BD23
- Administrative area
- North Yorkshire Council (formerly Craven)
- Dialing code
- 01729
- Website
- malhamdale.com
Data sourced from Wikidata and verified public records
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Walkshire in Malham
More Walks in Malham →
Walk: The Lister Arms, Malham
Venture out into the lesser-visited side of the Malham countryside, topping it off with a recharge at The Lister Arms. The Route what3words for start point: ///optimists.requiring.grove Start / Finish Point: The Lister Arms, Malham, Skipton BD23 4DB Distance: 6 Miles GPX Route Map walkshire-malhamlisterarms-2Download Walk Description Starting at The Lister Arms, turn left down Finkle Street, then immediately left again to follow the Pennine Way. After a short while, look for a footpath on the left, and turn down that path. This exits on Cove Road, where you find the public footpath straight across and carry on down that. At the end, ignore the farm access on the left, but veer to the left and then turn right to walk down the track. Follow the track around to the right, and then at the fork in the tracks, veer to the right and follow it until the dual walled track opens into a field. Follow the clear path on the ground to reach Cove Road. Turn right and then take the first footpath on the left into the field. Head to the gate in the wall to the left, and go into the next field. Ahead, there are three trees - head to the right of the middle tree to the stile, then take the stile in the wall slightly to your right. Ahead across this field, finding the stile again slightly to your right. Head across two more fields, finding the stiles in the walls as you go. In the next field, just walk slightly to your right away from the road, which is on your left and you’ll find another stile in the wall. Here, walk straight ahead to the corner and then turn left to follow a wall on your right. This reaches Cove Road again, by a cattle grid. Cross over the road and take the footpath straight ahead. The footpath follows the line of the wall, but you can take the track off to the left if you wish. Just after the wall, the tracks split, and here, turn left. Follow this track into three fields and then alongside a wall on the left. At the junction of paths, turn left and follow the clear track. Just as the landscape gets rather rocky on the right hand side, find the clear path on the ground to turn right, and find the stile in the wall coming in on the left. Follow the clear path on the ground to eventually walk with a wall on your left. Follow this line to the gate in the wall ahead, then continue on, to head for the barn straight ahead. Go through the gate and to the right after the trees, to see a road ahead. Take the stile and join the road, as it turns to the right and eventually meets up with the track split from earlier in the walk, where you went right, instead of left. Now retrace your steps back into Malham to The Lister Arms.
Walk: Malham Tarn
Malham Tarn is a glacial lake, very rare, in the Yorkshire Dales, with an abundance of plants, trees and bird life along its shores. Some of the walk is through protected landscape. The Route what3words for start point: ///unto.processor.expect Start Point: Malham Finish Point: Malham Distance: 5 Miles GPX Route Map malhamtarnDownload Walk Description Begin your journey amidst the sweeping landscapes that have captured imaginations on the small screen, parking at Streetgate. This location, a mere mile from the bustling hub south of the tarn, sits quietly on the ‘Herriot road’, famed for its appearance in the beloved recent TV series adaptation of James Herriot's tales. This starting point offers a reprieve from the popular paths and ushers you into the heart of Yorkshire's undisturbed beauty. As you depart from Streetgate, take the northwest path. The route, a well-maintained farm track, guides you gently towards the serene expanse of the lake. With each step, the cacophony of daily life fades, replaced by the symphony of nature that crescendos upon reaching the water's edge, where you will merge with the path that runs intimately alongside the lake. The path soon whispers you into a wooded embrace, leading you into the sanctuary of the Malham Tarn Field Centre's protected grounds. Here, amidst the dappled light and the sheltering arms of ancient trees, you are invited to commune with nature. The nature reserve is a treasure chest of ecological wonders, offering an up-close experience with the rich tapestry of wetland birdlife that dances along the lake's shores. Continuing on, the northwest corner of the lake marks a change in your journey. Here, you transition onto one of the area's hushed byways, an inviting road that weaves around the water’s edge to complete your circuit of the tarn. The surrounding drystone walls, a patchwork of Yorkshire's craft and geology, stand as silent sentinels over a landscape that breathes tranquility. The native limestone, etched by time and elements, serves as a natural canvas, showcasing the unique topography that cradles Malham Tarn. For those who seek an unhindered experience of this tranquil circuit, the Field Centre offers an accessible option—hire a Tramper. These all-terrain mobility scooters provide a way for everyone to partake in the beauty of the reserve, ensuring that the soothing calm of the tarn and its surroundings can be enjoyed by all, regardless of mobility. This walk is more than a physical journey; it is a passage through time, a walk through living art, where every corner turned is a stroke of nature’s brush, every sound a note in an earthy melody, creating a landscape of peace that lingers with you long after the walk is concluded. More like this: try a longer form of this walk found at the Malham Cove Walk.
Malham Cove Walk
This walk takes in two beauty spots in the Yorkshire Dales National Park - Malham Cove and Malham Tarn. The Route what3words for start point: ///chew.afflict.voltages Start Point: Malham, North Yorkshire Finish Point: Malham, North Yorkshire Distance: 9 Miles Getting there Travel by car - there is a sizeable car park just off Chapel Gate at the South end of the village, which includes a charging point. GPX Route Map malhamcoveandmalhamtarnDownload Walk Description This circular walk to the cove and the tarn is one of the most popular walks in Yorkshire. Malham Cove was put on the global scene as it was used as a filming location in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1). The walk begins in the village of Malham, following the Pennine Way to the formidable Malham Cove. The cove is 260 feet high and was formed by a waterfall carrying meltwater from glaciers following the Ice Age over 12,000 years ago. Embarking on the Malham Circular Walk is a venture into a landscape steeped in both geological wonder and cinematic lore. Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, the walk is a symphony of nature’s grandeur, spanning a robust 9 miles that begin and end in the charming village of Malham. The walk's starting point, pinpointed by the what3words coordinate ///chew.afflict.voltages, hints at an adventure as electrifying as the words suggest. Travelers reaching Malham by car will find the practicality of modern life in the form of a spacious car park located just off Chapel Gate. It’s a thoughtful amenity, including an eco-friendly charging point for electric vehicles, symbolizing a bridge between nature’s past wonders and the future's sustainability. As you set off from the village, the walk takes you along the well-trodden paths of the Pennine Way, a route trodden by countless boots and hearts seeking the tranquil beauty that only the English countryside can offer. The initial stretch meanders through the village, where quaint stone cottages and the welcoming smiles of locals are a prelude to the natural marvels ahead. The approach to Malham Cove is nothing short of dramatic. The limestone amphitheater-like cliff formation looms ahead, standing as a 260-foot high testament to the raw power of nature. One cannot help but feel humbled by its enormity, which dominates the landscape. Its sheer face, akin to a stone curtain, reveals the history of Earth’s climatic shifts. The cove, carved by a colossal waterfall from melting glaciers over 12 millennia ago, is today silent, devoid of the thunderous water, but echoing with the whispers of its dramatic creation. Following the base of the cove, a series of stone steps invites you to ascend. The climb, while rigorous, rewards with every step; each rise unveils new vistas of the cove’s curvature and the sweeping valley below. Upon reaching the top, the limestone pavement stretches out like a natural mosaic, each clint and gryke telling a story millions of years old, a habitat for rare plants and creatures that have adapted to this unique environment. The walk doesn’t stop at the marvel of the cove. It beckons onwards towards Malham Tarn, England’s highest freshwater lake. The path to the tarn invites a contemplative silence, with the landscape opening up to rolling hills and fields dotted with grazing sheep and the occasional flash of a peregrine falcon in flight. The tarn itself is a serene mirror reflecting the sky, edged by reeds and wetlands, a vital oasis for birds and wildlife. With each step around the tarn and back towards Malham, the walk offers a meditative rhythm. The sights, from the occasional quaint farmstead to the swathes of wildflowers and the limestone cliffs standing sentinel in the distance, are a patchwork of nature’s finest. By the time you find yourself returning to the village, the circular journey feels like a closing of a loop, yet the experiences gained are far from circular. They spiral within you, a helix of stories, encounters, and vistas that have left an indelible mark. In this long walk around Malham, what begins as a simple trek becomes a pilgrimage through time, elements, and the undying beauty of Yorkshire. Refuelling Once you've finished your walk, why not stay for dinner at The Buck in Malham?
Walk: Gordale Scar
Located just out of Malham is an easy access route into the towering cliffs of Gordale Scar. This walk is for anyone and everyone who wants a simple walk with great views. The Route what3words for start point: ///shunning.hopeless.landlords Start Point: Gordale Ln, Skipton BD23 4DL Distance: 1 Miles GPX Route Map drawaroute-3Download Walk Description An easy access route into the towering cliffs of Gordale Scar. This 600m footpath runs from Gordale Bridge to Gordale Scar. The route is well surfaced and level and has a general width of 100cm. Whilst walking the route, look out for peregrines and dippers.
About Malham, North Yorkshire
Malham is a village located in the upper valley of the River Aire, within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With a population of approximately 238 residents, it is known for its stunning limestone scenery and outdoor activities. The village is famous for geological features such as Malham Cove, Malham Tarn, and Gordale Scar, making it a popular spot for visitors seeking natural beauty.
Where Is Malham?
Malham is in North Yorkshire, approximately 9 miles northwest of Skipton and 14 miles northeast of Whitby. The village is part of the former Craven District and is surrounded by picturesque countryside, with nearby villages including Hanlith just 0.9 miles to the south and Kirkby Malham about 1.2 miles to the northeast.
What Is Malham Known For?
Malham is home to England's first vegan hotel, Beck Hall, established in 2023, showcasing the village's commitment to sustainable tourism. The village features St Helen's Chapel, built in the twelfth century, which serves as an ancient religious foundation. Additionally, Malham was part of the Craven District until 1974 and is now administered by the unitary North Yorkshire Council.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Malham's landscape includes notable landmarks like Malham Cove and Janet's Foss, which attract walkers and nature lovers alike. Visit the Wikipedia page for Malham to learn more about its unique features.
Exploring Malham and Nearby Yorkshire
With 8 walking routes available, Malham offers a variety of trails for those looking to explore the stunning natural environment. The village also has 11 hotels for visitors seeking accommodation, making it a convenient base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales.
For those looking to discover more, nearby Airton is just 2.2 miles away, while Cowgill is located 2.4 miles to the west. Malham's scenic surroundings make it an ideal location for outdoor adventures and geological exploration.
How Far Is Malham from Skipton?
Malham is approximately 9 miles northwest of Skipton, which can be reached by car in about 20 minutes via the A65 road.