Thirsk Tourist Information
Thirsk North Yorkshire, situated on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park is central hub for all things James Herriot and Herriot Country. The original James Herriot, alias Alfred Wight, lived and worked as a vet in Thirsk (although he was born in Sunderland). The surgery where Wight worked as a vet is now the acclaimed 'World of James Herriot Centre' with reconstructed sets from the tv series 'All Creatures Great and Small' within alongside rare film footage interview with the author and more.
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Thirsk is an attractive base serving as gateway into the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. One of the Moors' main information centres is just to the east of the town at Sutton Bank. Thirsk offers ample amenities including a charming centre with a choice of B&Bs, country pubs, specialist shops and the historic Ritz Cinema. The town also boats the Thirsk Racecourse and local history museum.
Thirsk & The World of James Herriot Centre
Thirsk on the south west edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park is James Herriot country. Country vet and writer Alfred Wight, alias James Herriot, lived and worked as a vet in Thirsk North Yorkshire. Thirsk pays due tribute to its local hero, who never let fame go to his head, at the The 'World of James Herriot Centre' in the town. The centre is situated in what was Alf's original vet surgery at No 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire.
The James Herriot Centre recreates living areas of the 1940s and 1950s derived from the TV series 'All Creatures Great and Small'. For fans of the series 'All Creatures Great and Small' and the many James Herriot books, this museum will be somewhat of a pilgrimage with specific sets from the series recreated and gems on-site such as the original Austin 7 car that featured.
Alongside the recreated sets there's some fascinating film footage here, with narration by Christopher Timothy (James Herriot in the TV series) and a rare interview with the author himself captured on film. The World of James Herriot, 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 1PL. Tel. 01845 524234.
Thirsk Racecourse & The White Horse of Kilburn
Thirsk also has its own race course, offering flat racing with fixtures between April and November. Also on offer in Thirsk are many real ale pubs and a beautiful little independent cinema - the Ritz.
Thirsk Racecourse, Station Road, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1QL. Tel. 01845 522276. See Thirsk Racecourse webguide right for fixtures.
Nearby in Kilburn is the famous landmark - the White Horse of Kilburn. You can see this from the A1, A19 and the East Coast Mainline by train. Thomas Taylor was the original artist of this landmark in 1857.
Thirsk Tourist Information
Thirsk Tourist Information Centre, 49 Market Place, Thirsk YO7 1HA. Tel. 01845 522755. Checkout the Herriot Country Tourist Webguide right for comprehensive details on attractions in Thirsk and Herriot country.
Just east of Thirsk sits one of the North Yorkshire Moors' main information points at Sutton Bank. This North York Moors Centre is particularly acclaimed for its spectacular views of the park - another superb introduction to the North York Moors. On-site are walking and cycling trails, park information maps and leaflets, a wildlife watch area, a 'Window on the Park' exhibition, a National Park video and shop with books and local crafts. The Moorbus park and ride service stops at Sutton Bank. For details see the public transport section on the North Yorkshire Moors National Park webguide linked right. Sutton Bank National Park Centre, Sutton Bank, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 2EH. Tel. 01845 597426. Open April-October, daily, 10am to 5pm. November, December and March, daily, 10.30am to 3.30pm . January and February - Weekends, 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Facing the World of James Herriot Centre in Thirsk is the town's museum set within the house of Thomas Lord founder of Lord's Cricket Ground. Well worth a call in, this little local history museum has numerous local history artefacts and photography on display and includes a Herriot Room.
Thirsk Museum, 14-16 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 1PQ. Tel. 01845 527707.
Deer Shed Festival
If you're after an amazing weekend away with the whole family you should definitely look into attending the Deer Shed Festival, held in Baldersby Park in Topcliffe on 22nd - 24th July 2011. You'll have a fun filled weekend away at this music and arts festival and kids can take part in loads of different activities - comedy workshops, nature trails, face painting and more. The music line-up always features a number of well known bands and you can also see some great circus acts and cabaret performances. The onsite campsites are big enough to hold thousands of festival goers and a family ticket can cost as little as £150, camping included.
