Before 20th century boundary changes, the village was part of the Settle Rural District, in the historic West Riding of Yorkshire.

[1] Malham lies at the upper end of the valley of the River Aire, known above Airton as Malhamdale, in the Yorkshire Dales.

In May 2006, it was reported that a covert listening device was discovered hidden in the local parish hall, leaving the villagers baffled.

The electronic transmitter was found in a wall socket during a safety inspection at Malham village hall.

[8][9] Beck Hall in the village is England's first vegan hotel, after making over its menu and room amenities to be free of animal products in 2023.

This exposed position[citation needed] means the temperature range is limited, due to little pooling of cold air.

[17] St Helen's Chapel was an ancient religious foundation mentioned in monastic charters from the twelfth century.