World of James Herriot
World of James Herriot
World of James Herriot
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
We are the REAL home of "All Creatures Great & Small", welcome to the multi-award winning family visitor attraction in Thirsk, North Yorkshire - the World of James Herriot! You’ve probably read the books written by James Alfred Wight or watched “All Creatures Great and Small” on TV. Now come and see where James Herriot, the world’s most famous vet, lived, worked and relaxed. See his home and surgery in Thirsk; travel back in time to what life was like when James was a vet in Yorkshire. See the car he drove, step into the TV set or even try your hand at being a vet, plus so much more!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Tony SMarket Harborough, United Kingdom47 contributionsA lovely trip down memory laneVisited Thirsk as part of our coach trip whilst staying in Skipton . Having read all of the James Herriot books many years ago I was keen to see where it actually happened and I wasn’t disappointed. The rooms were exactly as I imagined they from the descriptions that Alf Wight (Herriot) write Magical experience .Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 October 2023
- louisa pCardiff, United Kingdom94 contributionsA must visit for all ACGAS fansExcellent museum. Full of memorabilia, the house laid out as it would have been. A film about ‘Alf’ Wight is a must. Full of ACGAS sets, not forgetting the Darrowby 385 phone. So glad I went.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 19 October 2023
- BostonJandPBeverly, Massachusetts189 contributionsA glimpse of the pastAt first glance, his house seems rather cluttered, but then upon really looking at it, it does seem that this is how it must have been. The more you go through the exhibit, the more you appreciate his life and times. Toward the latter part of the exhibit, there are some hands on displays as well as displays of many of the tools he actually used. The movie they had was also very worthwhile. Very glad we went.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 November 2023
- Richard LBideford, United Kingdom64 contributionsWell worth it… a complete surprise…Just had an amazing visit to the World of James Herriot - the vet, in Thirsk (Darrowby!). Amazing to walk around the original veterinary practise and see it first hand. There was so much to see, and it all flowed brilliantly together including even the stage props from the original TV series. For anyone with a vague interest go and see this unassuming museum and prepare to have your heart strings tugged when you see parts of the original series that you may only remember when you were much younger. (Boris the scratchy cat, for example). And you’ll learn a lot - I had no idea the TV shows were so successful in the US for example and there’s lots for the kids of all ages… it really is THAT good. I didn’t think it would be so good, but I’ve walked out feeling nostalgically moved…Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 December 2023
- Roger HShrewsbury, United Kingdom59 contributionsExcellent museum. . . Well worth a visit.We went on a wet Saturday in December arriving just after they had opened and so had the museum to ourselves! It really is an excellent attraction giving in depth details of Alfred Wight's (James Herriot) life and work. Really interesting rooms showing how life at home and work was in those days for a vet and film sets from the tv series. There is great room all set up for children to enjoy. All in all a very worth while way to spend a couple of hours . . . rain or shine!Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 December 2023
- Wendz11Birmingham, United Kingdom142 contributionsWell Worth a VisitI am not really a lover of these types of places but the World of James Herriot is a must. It was so interesting and you are drawn into it that I expected Siegfried or Mrs Hall to pop up! It was lovely to see the inside of the house and also the film set where parts of All Creatures Great and Small was filmed with Christopher Timothy. Some of the instruments in the display case looked like instruments of torture! A great place to visit.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 January 2024
- LymeRegisfansManchester, United Kingdom232 contributionsA trip down memory laneThis has been on my to do list and very glad I visited. Allow at least one and a half hours to see it all. The tour starts with a look around where Alf Wight and his family lived. I appreciate it’s staged for visitors but some of the items were unnecessary, out of character and repeated. You look around the stables, history of veterinary medicine, original film set, publicity items, original books, veterinary medicine and even preserved pigs in glass containers. There is a lot to read!! There is a couple of films to watch as well. The first is about Alf Wight and the second is the current actors from the tv series but since this was made the shows story has moved on so a little dated. If mobility is an issue although there is a lift you could have problems viewing all the exhibitions.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 16 January 2024
- sharonmaxim15Surrey, United Kingdom6 contributionsExcellent value for money, you won't be disappointed with your visit.Wow, this place is fabulous to visit. It's so interesting and it's like being transported back to an earlier era, so much nostalgia- a glimpse into a different time but also showing how hard life was. On the upper floor, lots of fun things to try out, so it's good for families too. The staff are very friendly and helpful and my visit was wonderful. Highly recommend you visit if you are in the area, it is excellent value for money, you won't be disappointed.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 24 January 2024
- Dave W20 contributionsGreat museumThis small museum is perfectly formed and presented. I have always been fascinated by Mr Herriot since reading his books in the 1970s. I was taken back to the books and to the films/ TV as I entered Skeldale House. I spent over an hour enjoying the displays and the atmosphere in the building. I thoroughly recommend a visit but take time to appreciate the museumVisited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 January 2024
- Steve GLeeds, United Kingdom4 contributionsFantasticThe most amazing look back in time to a more gentle pace of life. The vets instruments and lotions and potions are wonderful to see. Very reasonable to enter and you can spend hours looking about and interacting with exibits.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,562 reviews
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Hobbit family
Camberley, UK4 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
We were looking forward to visiting but unfortunately found the lack of Covid security a real issue and cut short our visit, not staying to read what looked like interesting information. On arrival we were concerned about the number of visitors being let in and asked about the venue's capacity to be told there wasn't one, they let coach loads in! The first part of the museum is round narrow corridors with doorways into rooms in period setting. The problem was that there was no control over the movement of people so they bunched up together; no regard to social distancing. At one point there were 9 people in a small room with display casing either side and at another point there were 15 people bunched together trying to read display boards - that's when we decided to leave for our own safety. I did speak to the manager on duty but her response was they couldn't control the different speeds people moved round the exhibition. The solution is simple I would suggest, marshalls at the pinch points asking people to wait until an area is clear before they entered. We only saw 2 members of staff in the whole place, the reception lady and the one in the shop. No one checking in the actual place while people opened cupboards, touched exhibits and don't get me started about the hands on interactive activities with no wipes or cleaning material available.
Come on people, this is serious and should be taken seriously. Either do a proper risk assessment and have measures in place to keep visitors attempting to support the local economy safe or stay closed.
Come on people, this is serious and should be taken seriously. Either do a proper risk assessment and have measures in place to keep visitors attempting to support the local economy safe or stay closed.
Written 16 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review on Trip Advisor as it gives us an opportunity to respond to your concerns.
Since your visit on Wednesday where we did experience more visitors than any other day so far since opening again in July, probably due to the excellent new series of All Creatures Great and Small featured on a Tuesday night, but we did not exceed capacity.
We have taken into account all your observations, and where necessary made alterations to make sure all our visitors feel safe and secure. Probably due to all the positive feedback we have received about our social distancing, one way system, our many hand sanitising stations around the museum and regular cleaning, we have overlooked the variation in time it takes visitors to enjoy our museum. One thing that we have always wanted to achieve is that our attraction is to be enjoyed at your own speed, without someone ushering you on all the time. We appreciate the way our visitors have adapted to wearing a face covering whilst in the attraction to make this possible.
I am sure you will agree, tourism has been hit hard like many businesses because of COVID-19 and we have to learn to adapt on a daily basis if this is what is needed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank yourself for visiting and supporting us in these uncertain times. We do appreciate all feedback, both good or bad, as this gives us the opportunity to constantly improve the way we do things and that the World of James Herriot will continue to bring visitors to Yorkshire.
Kate Pawlett
Written 21 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nh1002
Rutland, UK70 contributions
May 2021 • Family
We were extremely fortunate to visit this establishment just after lockdown restrictions were lifted. We pretty much had the place to ourselves, which allowed us to explore each aspect of the experience at our own pace and properly. It was fun and appropriate for individuals of all ages and we particularly enjoyed the activity floor, as it was fun and engaging for our child. If the place was busy, I don’t think we would have seen some of the personal elements (in as much detail) as what we saw on the day. But definitely worth the visit
Written 18 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachael
Northamptonshire, UK176 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Visited the World of James Herriot Museum today with my sister and had an unforgettable experience!!
As a fan of the original TV series All Creatures Great and Small I was looking forward to the experience to walk through where it all started and learn more about the man behind not only the series but also behind the scenes of the sets too.
We were greeted by a lovely, friendly lady in the ticket office/shop who helped us with our admission into the museum which was £8.50 and if you want a little keep sake you are able to buy a brochure of the Museum for £3.
When you pay you then venture outside and take a right into the red door and off into the World of James Herriot you go!!
I was amazed and admired every part of the venture through the Museum and enjoyed not only learning about the man behind it all but also stepping back in time to both his house and the sets which I thought was marvellous!!
Half way through you can watch a small clip featuring the original cast of All Creatures Great and Small who explained more about the Museum and about their time on set which was lovely to see.
I was emotional watching this as it brought back memories and I admired and loved every minute spent inside this magnificent, well kept James Herriot experience. I would highly recommend this experience to any James Herriot fans as its truly a wonderful place to see and time well spent. Worth every penny of the admission fee that you pay. On our exit we were greeted by Neil who asked us about our experience in the Museum and talked to us about both the new and old series and was very friendly and knowledgeable.
The World of James Herriot experience is one not to be missed by any of his fans you will love it!!
As a fan of the original TV series All Creatures Great and Small I was looking forward to the experience to walk through where it all started and learn more about the man behind not only the series but also behind the scenes of the sets too.
We were greeted by a lovely, friendly lady in the ticket office/shop who helped us with our admission into the museum which was £8.50 and if you want a little keep sake you are able to buy a brochure of the Museum for £3.
When you pay you then venture outside and take a right into the red door and off into the World of James Herriot you go!!
I was amazed and admired every part of the venture through the Museum and enjoyed not only learning about the man behind it all but also stepping back in time to both his house and the sets which I thought was marvellous!!
Half way through you can watch a small clip featuring the original cast of All Creatures Great and Small who explained more about the Museum and about their time on set which was lovely to see.
I was emotional watching this as it brought back memories and I admired and loved every minute spent inside this magnificent, well kept James Herriot experience. I would highly recommend this experience to any James Herriot fans as its truly a wonderful place to see and time well spent. Worth every penny of the admission fee that you pay. On our exit we were greeted by Neil who asked us about our experience in the Museum and talked to us about both the new and old series and was very friendly and knowledgeable.
The World of James Herriot experience is one not to be missed by any of his fans you will love it!!
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
471silverlady8
Halifax, UK21 contributions
Mar 2020
Visited the World of James Herriot recently and what a treat it was. I watched all the series on TV and love watching the Yorkshire Vet who have an area dedicated to them. Being in the house took me back to my own childhood home in the 1950s. You can easily spend half a day seeing everything and there are lots of interactive exhibits especially designed for children to take part. I would recommend it without hesitation.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie C
Thirsk, UK6 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
This is a very interesting hands on museum dedicated to the vet Alf Whight who is better known as James Herriot from the books he wrote.
It is a place that can be visited by families, couples, people on their own or bus trips.
Well worth a trip into Thirsk for the day
It is a place that can be visited by families, couples, people on their own or bus trips.
Well worth a trip into Thirsk for the day
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maryvmcgowan
Tamworth, UK14 contributions
Jan 2020
Had a lovely couple of hours looking around this old house. Lots of things on display that reminded us of our early lives and the homes of our grandparents. The museum gave a good account of what the house was like in Alf Wight’s time and lots of memorabilia of the James Herriot tv series all creatures great and small
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathe M
Niagara Falls, Canada134 contributions
Aug 2022
My husband and I have always loved James Herriot's` All Creatures Great and Small and wished to visit his practice in Thirsk. It was so nostalgic stepping back in time for about two hours, which was far too short, seeing all the old rooms and equipment along with the literature outlining how Alf Wight came up with the pen name of James Herriot. There are also the old tv cameras and filming equipment on display here of the original filming of the series. The entrance fee was very reasonable and there was a "pay and display" car park a matter of a four-minute walk away from the museum. If you are going, to read all information on
the walls, desks and interact with the activities you will need about 3 to 4 hours.
the walls, desks and interact with the activities you will need about 3 to 4 hours.
Written 27 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ewencrichton
Dundee, UK417 contributions
Jul 2022
Had a most enjoyable visit. Very reasonable entry cost .Museum is informative, well laid out and relates the the story of James Herriot and the Thirsk vet practice in an enjoyable manner. Visit includes many displays ,interactive games, a short video show and a small gift shop. Well worth a visit.
Written 6 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Von476
York, UK15 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We visited yesterday afternoon, on arriving greeted by the loveliest lady, who very kindly explained the new rules they had to implement. This isn’t our first visit and certainly won’t be the last. It brings back so many memories of Sunday teatimes sat round the TV. Faultless.
Written 17 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisa r
127 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We have visited Thirsk lots of times but never been to The world of James Herriot. We are so glad we visited this time. We spent a good few hours here and would highly recommend, the museum is well laid out and very informative.
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you have concession tickets for retirees, please?
I am also registered carer for my husband
Written 15 November 2024
My wife and I are pensioners and are driving from Wales to Thirsk next August with our two small dogs for a weeks holiday as the wife has always loved the James Herriot stories since a child.. I have seen that dogs are not allowed in the museum,... is anyone who has been on holiday in Thirsk with dogs and visited the museum aware of anywhere that dogs are allowed to be safely cared for during a visit to the museum, I am sure other families have come across this issue?
Written 17 September 2021
I did not see anyone carrying a dog and there are stairs to negotiate for elements of the museum.
Written 19 September 2021
No, it was quiet when we went.
Written 19 September 2021
We are staying in the Premier Inn in Thirsk. Given that some reviews for the James Herriot museum say it can take up to three hours to do the attraction and parking seems to be for two hours would it be best to go in a taxi?
Written 17 August 2019
If the premier inn is the one in the market place no it’s just off the market place you could walk it in 5 mins and isn’t there parking at the back of the pub that would be longer?
Written 1 September 2019
No but there are plenty close by. I would recommend the White Rose cafe and book shop.
Written 16 August 2019
can I get a wheel chair around the attratraction?
Written 5 August 2019
It might be a bit difficult as it’s basically a house with narrow hallways. Best contact the attraction direct
Written 10 August 2019
What is the best way to travel to World James Herriot from the city of York? Thanks!
Written 27 July 2019
I would suggest train, then taxi from the station. The train is quick and economical. Taxi would be fairly inexpensive, but would also offer you the opportunity to get some great local knowledge from the driver.
Written 30 July 2019
Not sure, maybe give them a call or email
Written 20 August 2019
Do I need to pre book or can tickets be bought on the day?
Written 11 May 2019
Hi you buy on the day
Written 20 May 2019
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