THE tantalising smells of ripe blue cheese and truffle Cheddar drifts through packed market stalls in the historic town of Malton. Locals and visitors alike are queueing up for treats by the walls of the stone church as a brass band plays a symphony. It is the town’s first food festival of the year and […]
THE tantalising smells of ripe blue cheese and truffle Cheddar drifts through packed market stalls in the historic town of Malton.
Locals and visitors alike are queueing up for treats by the walls of the stone church as a brass band plays a symphony.
It is the town’s first food festival of the year and the sun has reared its sleepy head for the occasion. At the edge of the market square, a shack sells local oysters and to its left, freshly scorched pork scratchings are dished out.
Dubbed the food capital of Yorkshire, at the edge of the North York Moors, Malton takes its foodie credentials seriously.
And so do its visitors. It is barely lunchtime and further along the street a queue has formed outside the Purple Carrot, a new-ish vegan cafe.
“The cake is unbelievable,” the couple next to me grin. It must be, as they drive from York every month to stock up.
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The couple next to them have travelled from Sheffield on say-so of friends.
It is easy to miss if you do not know it is here. But that’s the beauty of Malton.
I am staying at Box BNB, a gem of a glamping site a few miles from the town centre. I tracked it down through The Wanderlist, an online directory that features some of the country’s quirkiest, coolest places to stay.
Box BNB is a trio of refurbished shipping containers that look out across a peaceful farming field patrolled by pheasants. Inside, there is a modern kitchen, sofa and lounge area with board games and a log burner, as well as a bathroom and bedroom.
The real standout is the glass wall running from the living room to the bedroom, looking out over dewy fields.
You need not leave your bed to soak up the views.
For guests visiting in warmer months, there are bifold doors that lead onto a decking area.
Visitors can opt for fresh farm breakfasts to be delivered to their fridge before arrival, although when you are in foodie heaven, you will probably want to head out.
The site is a 30-minute drive from the coastal resort of Whitby, famed for its fish and chips and quirky shops.
In the other direction, you will reach York, with its incredible cathedral.
It has a Bettys, part of a legendary chain of tea rooms that dish up delicate fondant fancies, scones and fresh brews in traditional silver pots.
Winding through the swathes of purple heather, the hilly roads of the North York Moors are a treat in themselves.
It was on these roads that I found Beacon Alpacas, a breeding farm that offers alpaca walk experiences — an hour or so of strolling, plus a feeding session.
My walking partner, a white furry male named Cosmo, was less fazed than I was, as I guided him along the well-trodden path at the back of the farm.
Cosmo is a pro, I soon learn. He leads the herd on most of its walks and is accustomed to strokes and cuddles from strangers. He even attended a wedding last year . . . though he decided to roll down the aisle mid-ceremony, I’m told.
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The fact that beautiful coastlines and historical cities are all a short drive away is just the icing on the (delicious) cake with Malton.
And if the food is not enough of a draw, the prospect of a cuddle with Cosmo might have you al-packing your bags.
STAYING THERE: Box BNB glamping boxes sleep four and cost from £125 per night, with a minimum two-night stay. See thewanderlist.uk.
OUT & ABOUT: Alpaca walks at Beacon Alpacas cost from £27 for one adult walking one alpaca or £33 for one adult and two children sharing one alpaca. See beaconalpacas.co.uk.
