The World Of James Herriot image

The World Of James Herriot

Tourist attraction Museum Visitor center

One of the Best Places To Visits in Thirsk


Address

23 Kirkgate, Thirsk YO7 1PL, United Kingdom

Website

www.worldofjamesherriot.com

Contact

+44 1845 524234

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Monday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: visit (15) museum (13) series (8) interesting (8) house (8) veterinary (7) great (6) time (6) amazing (6) room (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Helena C. 1 year ago on Google
    This was better than I thought it would be, s must if you are visiting in or close to Thirsk. We spent nearly 2 hours wandering around and enjoying everything on display. Thirsk is also a great place, we had lunch in the Golden Fleece which is in the main square
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Glenn T. 1 year ago on Google
    We went as we both loved the original All creatures great and small and Yorkshire vet. We weren't disappointed absolutely brilliant. We were advised allow 60/90 minutes and it took us around 80 minutes something for all ages very enlightening.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jane B. 11 months ago on Google
    As a long time fan of both the books and also the two television series I thoroughly enjoyed the authenticity. I had not realized that Thirsk was "Darrowby" and that the museum was actually in the building represented as "Skeldale House" so I found it especially delightful. I will probably be taking more visitors back there!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sue H. 1 year ago on Google
    An amazing original collection of veterinary equipment, sometimes borrowed for filming the TV series about Herriot's life. Interactive room for children. Video about James' life and work. An insight to filming TV series. Rooms set as they were when Alf Wright lived there, including his surgery. Lift to access upper floors for those with mobility issues.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex B. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow what a place I'll admit this was more for my other half as she watched the program but in all honesty it's a brilliant museum very factual and interesting loads on display was surprised considering it's not the biggest of places loved the interactive parts of it too as I felt it broke things up a bit because I feel it can be overwhelming at some museums or places of interest where it's one information board to read after the other. the veterinarian side of things very interesting to see how it's progressed over the years. Oh and as for some other reviews which says 8 pound is a bit expensive for what is it I don't agree with as iv said plenty there really well laid out 👍
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katherine L. 1 year ago on Google
    I have wanted to visit here since watching The Yorkshire Vet and was really excited. It is a wonderful museum with plenty to see, highly recommended if you are in Thirsk. And they even has a Mr and Mrs Green section!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Caroline J. 2 years ago on Google
    Terrific stroll down memory lane. Enjoyed the nostalgia & very informative about the transition vets underwent, between the wars & after as they went from old style virtual witchcraft & potions to to a more modern way of doing things, and the change from horses & large animals practice to treating more pets which was unheard of, back in the day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa M. 9 months ago on Google
    Read the books when I was a kid horse mad and dreaming of becoming a vet. Didn't happen but loved the original series and re-read the books regularly. Delightful to visit where it all happened. Lots to see and really well done.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elle E. 1 year ago on Google
    Fans of All creatures great and small need to visit, from the moment you walk through the front door you're there, it's like being transported back and you can feel the atmosphere. The pharmacy room is fascinating and the kitchen was definitely the hub of the house. I can just imagine the conversations over breakfast! As a veterinary nurse I would have loved working here so James' must have thought he'd fallen on his feet especially as there were so many vets out of work or working for board and lodgings at the time. You walk through the front door and the original theme tune is playing, it makes you well up, fascinating, the whole story it's all here!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Joseph G. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best museums of it's type I have visited. The house is a fascinating time capsule showing how the vets lived and worked. It goes to show how far veterinary science has come over the past 100 years. Hands on exhibits for children of all ages, eg identify fractured bones, and various clips from the original TV series and interviews.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Serena 8 months ago on Google
    This is such a treasure to do, so much more than first thought. Just across the road from the carpark in a quiet street- look for the red banners outside by the doors. You pay and womble outside to a big door where you begin by entering James Wights (Herriots) house. You see every room and get to take as many photos as you desire. Everything is staged to show how the family lived. You follow a one way system so you see everything. There is a movie in a barn filled with the original farm equipment and supplies. Rooms filled with medicine bottles, kitchen area and his garden and car ect .. There's an interactive room where you can do quizzes, help birth a foal, puzzles, and generally have fun. You can see bits of the TV sets, learn a lot about the men themselves the shows, their "real" lives in Yorkshire ect... It's a brilliant way to spend a few hours. Gift shop was very reasonable and the staff are so friendly.

  • 5/5 Laura G. 8 months ago on Google
    Fantastic place! We actually met Peter Wright! So informative and interesting. The kids had a great time.

  • 5/5 Blondie N. 7 months ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing, so interesting. I'm a huge Herriot fan, my partner not so much, but we both thoroughly enjoyed it here. I've been wanting to come here for so long and it definitely fulfilled all my hopes and dreams!

  • 5/5 Avril L. 7 months ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful place to visit. The guide even gave us a pass to park on the street as I am disabled. Very interesting inside all about James Herriot, the rooms, his veterinary surgery also shows you how the programme was made. It was very interesting we were in a good hour from start to finish. Also a gift shop to support the house. Do go it's a wonderful experience.

  • 5/5 Elizabeth O. 6 months ago on Google
    Big surprise behind the house front. Very impressive exhibits, film and interactive displays. Each room was well presented full of memorabilia. Well worth a visit

  • 5/5 Andrew V. 5 months ago on Google
    I always enjoyed the books and the first tv series. So it was really nice to see this museum. It is much larger than it looks. Not only did you see his work areas and learn about him you also have a section on the filming of the initial series with tv sets etc. finally you learn a bit about the history of veterinary medicine. Not a place to miss if you are in the area.

  • 5/5 Derek J. 6 months ago on Google
    Interesting visit with well laid out museum. Plenty of information to hand. Hood value for money

  • 4/5 Gemma H. 5 months ago on Google
    Definitely worth a visit if you like All Creatures Great and Small or just are interested in veterinary care. Lots to do and read, much bigger inside than you would think

  • 5/5 David F. 5 months ago on Google
    Fantastic museum we enjoyed every moment we were there, it’s totally disabled people friendly as there’s a lift to take you upstairs and downstairs, go and enjoy this amazing piece of veterinary history by an amazing man

  • 5/5 Phil S. 5 months ago on Google
    Wanted to go for sometime now. What an amazing place to visit not just for the James herriot experience but for the view of how vets operated in the past

  • 5/5 Rachel W. 9 months ago on Google
    Absolutely fantastic place to visit, not too badly priced and was superb! You can even purchase his books in the shop afterwards!

  • 5/5 Pingu the P. 10 months ago on Google
    Lovely museum, probably the highlight of the town of Thirsk. The house replica at the beginning is lovely and also interesting to see how household appliances looked in the past. There are lots of really interesting exhibitions and there is an interactive area with lots of things regarding vets. There is even a really nice courtyard, and a room with exhibitions regarding the modern remake of All Creatures Great and Small. Plus, all areas of the museum are fully wheelchair accessible. The museum is just done right and has a nice feel to it, and I would definitely go back.

  • 5/5 Pam 1 year ago on Google
    If you're a James Herriot Fan, then this place is a must. It is very easy to get to and plenty of parking nearby. A friendly greeting and very informative on how the exhibition works. I can't say anymore without spoiling it.

  • 5/5 Mike F. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent museum, like stepping back in time. The cinema is in a great setting. Upstairs was fun with all the interactive exhibits - I delivered a calf. Really friendly staff.

  • 5/5 sandra b. 10 months ago on Google
    I was so thrilled to have been able to visit this amazing place. Very well worth the cost of the entry, I would have paid more. There is so much to see all around the house. There are so many original features to see. There is one area set up as it would have been in the tv studio. Lots of interaction things for children/adults. Car parking was very easy. Would highly recommend a visit here,especially if you're a fan of All creatures great and small. I will also mention the very helpful lady working in the shop who also explained all about the museum and what would see. Thank you.

  • 5/5 TREVOR T. 1 year ago on Google
    Well worth a visit. And if you belong to the Camping and Caravan club 2 people go for 1. So much to see inside and the history of this man and family and the old Vet Instruments make you glad you was not an animal in them early days.

  • 5/5 Tess C. 1 year ago on Google
    The museum is large once you go inside and It is definitely worth the £8.50. The adults and children in our group thoroughly enjoyed themselves and learned alot about his life and career. The TV set for All Creatures Great and Small was also in the museum. Would definitely recommend visiting.

  • 5/5 Claire H. 1 year ago on Google
    As a lifelong fan of James Herriot, this was an experience I have waited a long time to visit. It certainly was well worth waiting for, what a wonderful experience. To walk in the house where it all started really is something I will never forget. It has been extremely well curated. I hope to visit again one day. The lady at the desk was very welcoming too. Can't wait to come back!

  • 5/5 deb g. 1 year ago on Google
    Just had to see it in person. It only takes moments to go around. £8.50 per adult. The Little shop was nice to Look around to. Lots of Staff/Volunteers to assist you. Free parking just further along the Road its in.

  • 5/5 jane e. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to visit, whether or not you are a fan of the TV series. The rooms are a living memory of 1940s living with the added bonus of 1940s vets practice and all the old instruments etc. Also of interest are the TV sets.


Call +44 1845 524234 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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