Acklam is a small village situated 6½ miles south of Malton, nestling at 400ft (120m) above sea level in a narrow valley in the western foothills of the Yorkshire Wolds with superb views of the Vale of York towards the Pennines in the distance.

The parish of Acklam, or East Acklam, includes Barthorpe (Bottoms) and comprises 2360 acres.  The soil is sandy loam; subsoil various.  A strong spring coming out of the hillside near the churchyard was once the main water supply to the village.  For about 45 years, after a reservoir was built, the spring also provided water to another four villages until the late 1970s.

On Acklam Wold there are large earthworks that are generally supposed to have been created by ancient Britons.  In the village was a motte and bailey. 

The church was dedicated to St John the Baptist.  The public house is the ‘Half Moon Inn’.

The highlight of the year is the annual Acklam Sports and Gymkhana, held on the last Saturday in May.