Thirsk
Thirsk is a delightful North Yorkshire market town, sitting between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. Its attractive cobbled market place, historic buildings and traditional shops make it a pleasant place to explore, but for many visitors there is one particular reason for coming here: James Herriot.
Thirsk was the real-life home and workplace of veterinary surgeon Alf Wight, better known to millions of readers as James Herriot. His fictional Yorkshire town of Darrowby, immortalised in All Creatures Great and Small, was based largely on Thirsk and the surrounding countryside.
James Herriot's Thirsk
The principal attraction is The World of James Herriot, housed in the former veterinary surgery where Alf Wight lived and worked. The building has been preserved to recreate the world of the books and gives a fascinating insight into both the man and the extraordinary popularity of his stories.You can see the original surgery, living quarters and memorabilia, while fans of the books and television series will recognise many of the characters and situations that made the stories so popular.
The great thing about Herriot's Yorkshire is that you don't need to be a devoted fan to appreciate it. His stories captured the people, animals and eccentricities of rural Yorkshire with warmth and considerable humour.
And, of course, once you leave Thirsk and head into the surrounding countryside, it becomes remarkably easy to imagine yourself in Darrowby.
The Market Place
Thirsk's large market place remains the centre of the town and is surrounded by attractive Georgian and older buildings. It is a good place to stop for a coffee, browse the independent shops or simply watch the world go by.The town has retained much of its traditional market-town character, which makes it considerably more appealing than somewhere that has allowed itself to become nothing more than a collection of chain stores.
The verdict
Thirsk is an excellent little town in its own right, but James Herriot gives it an extra dimension.
For fans of All Creatures Great and Small, a visit to the real Darrowby is almost compulsory. For everyone else, Thirsk still offers an attractive market square, plenty of history and a convenient base for exploring some of the finest countryside in North Yorkshire.
Just don't be surprised if, while wandering around Thirsk, you find yourself looking for Siegfried, Tristan and Mrs Pumphrey — and wondering where on earth they've parked the veterinary car.
(prices quoted correct as at August 2026)
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