Herriot Country is a real place — not a fictional landscape — and it’s every bit as charming, scenic, and heart‑warming as the stories that made James Herriot a household name. For fans travelling from the United States, this guide gives you everything you need to plan the perfect visit to the Yorkshire locations that shaped the books, films, and TV series All Creatures Great and Small.
What Is Herriot Country?
Herriot Country refers to the area of North Yorkshire where Alf Wight OBE – the real James Herriot — lived, worked, and wrote his bestselling books.
It centres on Thirsk, the market town where he worked as a veterinary surgeon from 1940 onward.
The region includes:
- The North York Moors National Park
- The Yorkshire Dales National Park
- Market towns and villages such as Thirsk, Great Ayton, and others
- Filming locations from both the classic BBC series and the modern Channel 5/PBS remake
It’s a landscape of rolling hills, stone villages, dry‑stone walls, and sweeping moorland — instantly recognisable to anyone who has watched the series.
The World of James Herriot – A Must‑Visit
Address: 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PL. This award‑winning museum is located inside Alf Wight’s original 1940s home and veterinary surgery.
Visitors can explore:
- The restored consulting room and dispensary
- The family living quarters
- Original manuscripts, letters, and memorabilia
- Exhibits from the BBC TV series
- Interactive displays for all ages
It is the only place in the world where you can step directly into the real James Herriot’s working life.
Filming Locations to Explore
Herriot Country is filled with filming locations from All Creatures Great and Small across different eras.
Classic BBC Series (1978–1990)
Many scenes were filmed around the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, including villages and farms that doubled as fictional Darrowby. The series ran for 90 episodes and was a Sunday‑night favourite for millions.
Modern Channel 5 / PBS Masterpiece Series
While the new series uses a purpose‑built set for Skeldale House, the surrounding countryside — especially Swaledale — is real and accessible.The sweeping valley landscapes seen in the show are filmed in Swaledale, part of the Yorkshire Dales.
The Landscapes That Inspired the Books
Herriot Country includes:
- Two National Parks — the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales
- Two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Sutton Bank, with panoramic views described by Alf Wight himself
- Great Ayton and surrounding villages connected to the wider Herriot story
These landscapes are ideal for:
- Gentle walks
- Scenic drives
- Wildlife spotting
- Photography
- Visiting traditional Yorkshire pubs
How US Visitors Can Get Here
Nearest Airports
- Manchester Airport (MAN) – approx. 1 hr 45 min drive to Thirsk
- Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) – approx. 45–60 min drive
- London Heathrow (LHR) – 3.5–4.5 hours by train to Thirsk (via London Kings Cross → York → Thirsk)
Train Travel
Thirsk is on the East Coast Main Line, with direct connections from:
- London
- York
- Edinburgh
Where to Stay
Herriot Country offers a wide range of accommodation, including:
- Country inns
- Boutique B&Bs
- Farm stays
- Holiday parks
- Hotels in Thirsk and surrounding villages.
What to Eat
Yorkshire is known for:
- Traditional pub meals
- Local ales
- Yorkshire puddings
- Farm‑fresh produce
- Hearty comfort food
Many pubs and restaurants in Herriot Country offer menus inspired by local ingredients.
Suggested 2‑Day Itinerary for US Fans
Day 1 – Thirsk & The World of James Herriot
- Visit the museum / family visitor attraction
- Explore Thirsk’s market square
- Lunch in a traditional Yorkshire pub
- Walk or drive to Sutton Bank for panoramic views
Day 2 – Filming Locations & Countryside
- Drive through the Yorkshire Dales
- Visit Swaledale filming locations
- Explore villages used in the BBC series
- Enjoy a scenic walk or afternoon tea
Listen Before You Visit
The James Herriot Podcast is the perfect companion for your trip, featuring:
- Jim Wight
- Rosie Page
- Peter Wright
- Stories from the real Herriot family
- Behind‑the‑scenes insights into the books and TV series
It brings Herriot Country to life before you even arrive.
Why US Fans Love Herriot Country
American visitors consistently say they come for:
- The nostalgia of the books
- The charm of the TV series
- The warmth of Yorkshire people
- The beauty of the countryside
- The authenticity of the museum and locations
Herriot Country feels like stepping into the pages of the stories… because it is the place where they were born.
