Things to do in Thirsk

"Voted Best Small Visitor Attraction 2024 at the Visit York Tourism Awards" Embark on a remarkable journey through the World of James Herriot family visitor attraction & museum, the original home of All Creatures Great & Small. Prepare to be captivated, and inspired, by this one-of-a-kind museum and family visitor attraction. Explore the very house where James Herriot lived and worked. From the 1940s home to the authentic veterinary surgery, these interactive exhibits and displays bring his stories to life in a way that will captivate visitors of all ages. It's a treasure trove for fans of his books and the TV series. There's truly something for everyone at the World of James Herriot. A 'must-visit' for anyone wanting to learn more about the life and work of the most famous vet in the world.

Join other fans on an All Creatures Great and Small Tour including locations from the latest TV adaptation from Channel 5 as well as sites from the original BBC series from the 1970s. This day tour by mini-coach showcases the culture and beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. It will take fans of the James Herriot books and TV series (both the current and the original BBC series) on a picturesque tour of the dales covering more than 15 locations from the show over the years. Starting from central York your first stop will be a photo stop at the 'World of James Herriot' attraction where you can see the formner surgery and hone of Alf Wright, the worlds most famous vet. The late morning will be punctuated with a short break at the Drovers Arms and a visit to where James proposed to Helen, the Darrowby Bus Stop, where James & Helen married and Darrowby Station – all from the original show. Lunch will be taken at Hardraw where you can stop for lunch at the pub that was actually used as the interior of The Drovers Arms and featured in many of the episodes of the new series. Nearby we will visit locations from the original TV series including Darrowby Church, Darrowby Cattle Market, Darrowby Country Club and Skeldale House, the veterinary practice in which the character James Herriot worked. From here you will head to the remote village that has been central to the latest version of James Herriots’ screen adaptations and doubled as the fictional village of Darrowby. Here you can take refreshments before you go and explore the village. Your guide will take you on a short walking tour to see sites such as the exterior of the Drovers Arms, G F Endleby, Grocers, Handleys Booksellers, Darrowby Cycle Shop, Darrowby Hardwares, Skeldale House and J. A. Dean, Drapers and Hosiery. Your day-long All Creatures Great and Small Tour will be full of scenic countryside and will conclude back in central York.

Thirsk Hall Sculpture Garden is a commercial enterprise offering monumental sculpture for sale in a stunning heritage setting. The Sculpture Garden is situated within 20 acres of garden and parkland belonging to Thirsk Hall, a historic grade II* listed Town House located in North Yorkshire. In addition to the outdoor sculptures there are also two indoor gallery spaces within the garden, The Orangery and Gallery One. Previous exhibitions have included Emily Young, Howard Hodgkin, Jeff Lowe: Sculpture Near Distance, David Hockney Early Etchings & Drawings and Gordon House paintings.