Step inside the World of James Herriot
Visit the original home of ‘All Creatures Great & Small’
Multi-Award Winning James Herriot Museum & Family Visitor Attraction in Thirsk, North Yorkshire
We are the real home of All Creatures Great & Small!
The 1940s Home
The Original Surgery
Interactive Children’s Area
Housed within the original home and surgery of Alf Wight, the real James Herriot
Welcome to the World of James Herriot museum – the award-winning family visitor attraction based in the original home and veterinary surgery of Alf Wight in Thirsk, North Yorkshire. This is the authentic place where the much-loved All Creatures Great & Small stories were inspired, written, and brought to life.
If you are looking for memorable things to do in Thirsk, planning a day out in North Yorkshire, or are a fan of the books or television series, a visit to the World of James Herriot offers a warm, engaging, and truly unique visitor experience.
Open Today!
9:30am – 5:00pm
Ticket Prices
Adults: £10 | Child: £5 | 0-3yrs: FREE
Allow
1 – 2 Hours
James Herriot Museum: A unique Family visitor Attraction in North Yorkshire
Housed within the beautifully preserved 1940s home and veterinary surgery on Kirkgate, the World of James Herriot invites visitors to step back in time and discover what life was really like for a rural vet in Yorkshire.
Every room has been carefully restored using original furnishings, tools, and period details. Visitors can explore the consulting rooms, dispensary, living quarters, and garden exactly as they would have appeared during James Herriot’s working life.
Unlike a traditional museum, this is an immersive visitor attraction that brings together history, storytelling, and hands‑on exhibits. You are free to explore at your own pace, following the remarkable journey of James Herriot and the everyday people, animals, and stories that inspired his books.
What you’ll see at the James Herriot Museum
A typical visit to the World of James Herriot takes around one to two hours, making it an ideal stop during a day exploring Thirsk or the surrounding North Yorkshire countryside.
Some highlights include:
Every exhibit is designed to appeal to lifelong fans of James Herriot as well as visitors discovering his story for the first time.
Why people love us...
“A truly amazing experience! Walking through the original rooms of James Herriot’s home was like stepping back in time.”
“The museum really captures the essence of the Herriot stories. A must-visit for any fan, and a great day trip from York”
“It’s so much bigger than we expected. Easily one of the best museums we have visited in the UK, and excellent value for money”
“Our family loved the interactive exhibits and the friendly staff made our visit unforgettable. It was the highlight of our vacation”
Perfect for families, couples and Fans of the Books
The World of James Herriot is a family‑friendly attraction that appeals across generations. Children enjoy the interactive displays and games, while adults appreciate the nostalgic atmosphere and insight into Yorkshire life during the mid‑20th century.
It is also a popular destination for couples, literary fans, and international visitors keen to experience the real setting behind one of Britain’s most beloved series of books and television programmes.
Whether you have read every James Herriot story or simply enjoy British history, culture, and countryside life, there is something here for everyone.
US fans: Come and see the James Herriot Museum – Where it all Began…
Fans of All Creatures Great & Small on PBS? You belong here!
If you’ve been swept away by the warmth and charm of All Creatures Great and Small on MASTERPIECE PBS, then Thirsk, North Yorkshire is calling your name.
A Unique James Herriot Visitor Attraction in the Heart of Yorkshire
The World of James Herriot museum is the real thing. The actual house and surgery where Alf Wight lived and worked, the man the world knew as James Herriot. Step inside the original Skeldale House, explore the faithfully restored rooms, and discover the remarkable story behind the books and TV series you love.
Many of our American visitors tell us their visit is the highlight of their entire UK trip, and it’s easy to understand why. There’s something genuinely moving about standing in the very rooms where those stories were written and lived.
Planning a UK trip this summer? Thirsk is perfectly placed for a Yorkshire tour. We’re around an hour from York, less than two hours from Edinburgh, and sitting right on the edge of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Pair your visit with a drive through the real Herriot Country landscapes and you’ll have memories to last a lifetime.
Seasons 7 and 8 are already on the way. There’s never been a better time to see where it all began.
Your visit starts here. Book your tickets today and step inside the world that inspired it all.
