Step inside the real Skeldale House!
The World of James Herriot in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is one of England's most unique and loved visitor attractions — the original home and veterinary surgery of Alf Wight, the man the world knew as James Herriot, author of the internationally acclaimed All Creatures Great and Small series.
Whether you discovered James Herriot through the beloved books, the classic BBC television series, or the hit Channel 5 and PBS MASTERPIECE adaptation starring Nicholas Ralph, a visit to 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, is an experience you will never forget.
What you'll discover:
Step through the door and travel back to 1940s Yorkshire. Explore the authentically restored rooms of the house exactly as they were when Alf Wight lived and worked here. See the original dispensary and surgery where countless animals were treated and countless stories were born. Discover two iconic Austin Seven cars, over 4,000 items of memorabilia, and recreated TV studio sets from both the BBC and Channel 5 adaptations of All Creatures Great and Small.
The interactive children's gallery makes this a perfect family day out, with hands-on activities that bring the world of a 1940s country vet to life for younger visitors. The peaceful garden, home to the Alf Wight memorial statue, is a beautiful place to reflect on the man behind the stories.
A living legacy:
The connection between James Herriot and Thirsk didn't end with Alf Wight. Peter Wright, star of Channel 5's The Yorkshire Vet, trained under Alf Wight himself at the original Skeldale Veterinary Centre — creating a remarkable unbroken line from Herriot's era to the present day.
One of the rooms at the World of James Herriot was also used as a filming location for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, adding yet another layer to this extraordinary building's storey.
A must-visit for fans worldwide:
The World of James Herriot is a multi-award-winning attraction that welcomes visitors from across the UK, the United States, and around the world. Voted Best Small Visitor Attraction 2024 at the Visit York Tourism Awards, it is consistently rated as one of North Yorkshire's finest days out.
Allow 90 minutes to two hours for your visit. A well-stocked gift shop is available on-site, and Thirsk's charming market town centre - with cafes, pubs, and independent shops - is just two minutes' walk away.
Children aged 0–3 are admitted free of charge.
