Orchard Fields Roman Fort
A historic Roman Fort site transformed into a beautiful, open green space perfect for picnics, dog walks, and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Orchard Fields Roman Fort
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Roman Fort site transformed into a beautiful, open green space perfect for picnics, dog walks, and family fun.
"Great green space for a stroll around and with lots of history too."
Bring a picnic blanket 🧺
Perfect for enjoying the open green space and historical ambiance. Great for families and dog walkers.
Check museum opening times 🏛️
Malton Museum has artifacts; confirm opening dates (e.g., after Easter) for a fuller experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Roman Fort Earthworks
Throughout the field
Explore the visible grassy ramparts and ditches, remnants of a significant Roman Fort and Vicus.
Historical Information Boards
Around the site
Discover the fort's past through well-placed boards detailing its history and significance.
The Orchard Fields Labyrinth
Within the field
A unique feature offering a fun, albeit simple, diversion for visitors of all ages.
North Corner Marker Stone
Near the field's edge
Locate the inscribed stone marking the precise northern boundary of the ancient Roman Fort.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Green Space
Uncover the Roman Past
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a picnic blanket 🧺
Perfect for enjoying the open green space and historical ambiance. Great for families and dog walkers.
Check museum opening times 🏛️
Malton Museum has artifacts; confirm opening dates (e.g., after Easter) for a fuller experience.
Dog-friendly paradise 🐕
Leashed dogs are welcome and will love the open space for walks and play.
Wear comfy shoes :athletic_shoe:
The ground can be uneven due to the historical earthworks, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a picnic blanket 🧺
Perfect for enjoying the open green space and historical ambiance. Great for families and dog walkers.
Check museum opening times 🏛️
Malton Museum has artifacts; confirm opening dates (e.g., after Easter) for a fuller experience.
Dog-friendly paradise 🐕
Leashed dogs are welcome and will love the open space for walks and play.
Wear comfy shoes :athletic_shoe:
The ground can be uneven due to the historical earthworks, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Feed the horses (optional) 🥕
Some visitors suggest bringing carrots to feed the horses often found grazing in the area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Orchard Fields Roman Fort for its beautiful, expansive green space, making it ideal for picnics, dog walking, and casual recreation. The historical elements, including visible earthworks and informative boards, add an interesting layer to the visit, though some note it's primarily a field for enjoyment rather than a structured historical site.
"Beautiful field. We found it via Castle Gardens from steps off Castlegate. Kids enjoyed rolling down the hill and playing with a ball. Dogs loved it. Trees all around 🌳"
Lindsayemma Watson
"Great green space for a stroll around and with lots of history too. Adjoins the Castle Gardens which is worth bobbing into as well. An old Roman Fort was on this site and the grassed ramparts are very evident today. There are several very interesting information boards around the site. Shame Malton Museum is shut until Easter, as it has some of the excavated artefacts in there. There is also a labyrinth at Orchard Fields and a marker stone with inscription to denote the North corner of the Roman Fort. Very interesting and recommended if you are visiting the area - Malton isn't just about food!"
Photos Only as G Maps deletes reviews
"We went on a guided tour of Orchard Fields run by Malton Museum. It's the site of a Roman Fort and Vicus and the tour guides talked through the earthworks and history of the site and of Roman Malton. If you are not on a tour, it's a lumpy field that would be perfect for picnics and playing out"
Margaret Parminter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Orchard Fields is accessible via steps off Castlegate, near Castle Gardens. Parking is available nearby, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, good parking is available near the site, making it easy to access for those driving.
It's easily reachable on foot, especially if you're already exploring Malton or visiting Castle Gardens.
The historical features are spread across the field. Walking around the perimeter and through the center will reveal the earthworks and information boards.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed, Malton itself is served by public transport, and the fort is within walking distance of the town center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Orchard Fields Roman Fort is a public open space and does not require an entrance fee or tickets.
As an open field, it is accessible at all reasonable hours. However, for information boards and the labyrinth, daylight hours are best.
There is no admission fee to enter and explore Orchard Fields Roman Fort.
While the field is open, visiting at night is not recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the historical features and information boards.
No booking is required. It's a free, open-access historical site and recreational area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the Roman earthworks, read historical information boards, enjoy a picnic, play games, walk your dog, and find the labyrinth and marker stone.
Yes, kids enjoy rolling down the hill, playing with balls, and exploring the open space. The labyrinth is also a fun feature for them.
Absolutely! It's a great place for dogs to enjoy a walk and play in the open field.
Specific facilities are not mentioned, but it's adjacent to Castle Gardens, which may have amenities. It's best to check locally.
It's the site of a Roman Fort and Vicus, with visible earthworks and information boards detailing its Roman past.
📸 📸 Photography
The rolling hills with the earthworks provide a scenic backdrop. The information boards and marker stone can also make for interesting historical shots.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour lighting, enhancing the natural landscape and historical features.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws or contact Malton authorities before flying a drone.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography might require permission.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the field and earthworks. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details like the information boards.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical aspects might be more for adults, the open space and playful features make it a hit with younger visitors. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as the ground can be a bit uneven due to the historical earthworks. It's a relaxed environment where children can explore and burn off energy.
🐶 Dog Owners
The historical earthworks add a unique landscape for walks, and the general atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming to pets. It’s a perfect place for a refreshing outing with your dog, combining exercise with a pleasant environment.
🚶 History Enthusiasts
To truly deepen your understanding, plan your visit to coincide with the opening hours of Malton Museum, which houses artifacts excavated from the site. This combination of on-site exploration and museum exhibits will provide a comprehensive historical experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Roman Legacy of Orchard Fields
Informative boards scattered across the site provide context, explaining the fort's layout and the daily lives of its inhabitants. For those seeking a deeper understanding, Malton Museum is a key resource, housing excavated artifacts that bring the Roman era to life. Visiting the museum, especially after exploring the fort, can significantly enrich the historical experience.
Beyond the military aspect, the presence of a Vicus suggests a thriving community developed around the fort, likely comprising traders, artisans, and families. This dual nature – military stronghold and civilian hub – makes Orchard Fields a fascinating microcosm of Roman life in Britain.
Recreational Delights at Orchard Fields
The site also features a labyrinth, adding a unique element of fun and gentle exploration. It's a simple yet engaging diversion that appeals to both children and adults. For dog owners, Orchard Fields is a true paradise, offering ample room for canine companions to roam and play freely, making it a popular choice for dog walking.
Some visitors even mention bringing carrots to feed the horses that are sometimes seen grazing in the fields, adding a touch of rural charm to the experience. The combination of historical intrigue and open, accessible recreation makes Orchard Fields a versatile destination for a variety of visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit