[3] The village is named in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Magna Pamptune, probably meaning "farmstead by a hill".

Remains of a mid-Bronze Age round barrow cemetery were discovered between Great Ponton and Sproxton in 1959.

[10] Great Ponton railway station opened in 1853 and closed for passengers on 15 September 1958.

Due east, it crosses Ermine Street (B6403) south of Ponton Park Wood.

It follows the road, south of Pasture Farm,[14] to the west of the East Coast Main Line road bridge,[15] and from the bridge runs due west to the A1 at North Lodge Plantation, and meets Cringle Brook, which meanders alongside the A1 northwards to the village.

The hamlet of High Dyke lies 1 mile (1.6 km) south-east of Great Ponton, where the East Coast Main Line bridges High Dyke, a stretch of Roman road forming part of Ermine Street.

The school benefits from large expansive grounds including a variety of equipment and facilities such as astroturf play area, separate sports and football field, book nook reading shed and climbing equipment.

[20][21] The Ponton Plod is an annual long-distance walk and run that raises money for charity.

The former Blue Horse public house facing the south-bound carriageway has been converted into flats.