East Cowton village and civil parish are in the county of North Yorkshire, England. It lies 7 miles (11k) north west of the county town on Northallerton and is known for its community spirit, the Beeswing Inn, community shop and social activities held in both the village hall and the pub.

The village is mentioned twice in the Domesday Book as Cottune. The etymology of the village name is a combination of the Old English words of “cū” and “tūn” meaning Cow farm. The East is to distinguish it from other Cowton's in the area.The village was also known as "Long Cowton" and before that "Magna Cowton".