All Creatures Great and Small filming locations: Original BBC Series
For the original series of All Creatures Great & Small – Where did they film that?
All Creatures Great & Small
The original BBC series of All Creatures Great and Small brought the beloved stories of James Herriot to life on screen, capturing the warmth of rural veterinary practice against the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales. First broadcast in 1978 and running until 1990, the series starred Christopher Timothy as James Herriot, Robert Hardy as Siegfried Farnon, and Peter Davison as Tristan Farnon. Its enduring popularity owes much to the authentic locations chosen by the BBC, which showcased the beauty and character of North Yorkshire.
Visitors often ask where particular scenes were filmed, and many of these places can still be explored today. Here are some of the most memorable filming locations from the original series…
World of James Herriot
The finest view in England
Darrowby Station
James & Helen's wedding
Darrowby Bus Stop
TV title sequence
Skeldale House
Darrowby Cattle Market
Darrowby Church
Skeldale House
Skeldale House (now a B&B), Main Street, Askrigg, DL8 3HT
In the series, Skeldale House was the veterinary surgery and home of James Herriot and Siegfried Farnon. The exterior shots were filmed at a house on Main Street in Askrigg, which today operates as a bed and breakfast. This picturesque village became synonymous with Herriot’s fictional Darrowby, and its cobbled streets and stone cottages remain a highlight for fans retracing the series.
Darrowby Church
The Church of St. Mary and St. John, Bellow Hill, Hardraw, Hawes, DL8 3LZ
This charming church near Hawes featured in several episodes, providing a quintessential rural setting for weddings, christenings, and community gatherings. Hardraw itself is a delightful hamlet, also known for Hardraw Force, England’s highest single-drop waterfall.
Darrowby Station
Finghall Railway Station, Chapel Lane, Leyburn DL8 5LZ
The station was used for scenes involving train journeys, symbolising Herriot’s travels across the Dales. Today, Finghall Station is part of the heritage Wensleydale Railway, offering visitors a nostalgic glimpse into the golden age of rail travel.
World of James Herriot
The original home & surgery. 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk YO7 1PL
While not a filming location, our visitor attraction celebrates the life and work of Alf Wight (the real James Herriot). Here you can explore the original surgery where Alf lived and worked, discover behind-the-scenes stories from the BBC series, and enjoy interactive exhibits that bring Herriot’s world to life.
“The finest view in England” – Alf Wight
Sutton Bank, Thirsk, YO7 2EH
Beyond the filming locations, Alf himself cherished the sweeping vistas of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. His favourite viewpoint, overlooking the rolling hills and valleys, remains a place of quiet inspiration and a reminder of the landscapes that shaped his writing.
Explore Herriot Country
These filming locations are more than just backdrops; they are part of the living heritage of Herriot Country. Fans of the series can walk the same streets, visit the same churches, and ride the same trains that appeared on screen. Combined with a visit to the World of James Herriot in Thirsk, they offer a unique opportunity to step into the world of All Creatures Great and Small and experience the timeless charm of the Yorkshire Dales.
Whether you are a lifelong admirer of the BBC series or discovering Herriot’s stories for the first time, these locations provide a tangible connection to one of Britain’s most beloved television dramas.