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- 2 Days In The Footsteps Of All Creatures Great And Small
Two Days in the Footsteps of All Creatures Great and Small
Discover the charm of North Yorkshire with this two-day itinerary exploring the world of All Creatures Great and Small.
About This Itinerary
Step into the timeless charm of the Yorkshire Dales with this two-day itinerary exploring some of the most iconic filming locations from All Creatures Great and Small.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of James Herriot's heartwarming stories or newly captivated by the latest TV adaptation, this journey offers a unique way to experience the landscapes, villages and heritage that bring the beloved series to life.
From charming towns to panoramic countryside views, follow in the footsteps of the cast and discover the real-life settings that make North Yorkshire so unforgettable.
Itinerary Schedule
Visit the World of James Herriot, Thirsk
Of course, when visiting Yorkshire on a trip inspired by All Creatures Great and Small, your first stop has to be The World of James Herriot. Famous for being the fully preserved 1940s home and surgery of Alf Wight (better known as James Herriot), it offers an authentic glimpse into the life and work of Britain’s most beloved country vet. View the breakfast room where the Wight family ate their meals, and try your hand at interactive games that kids will love.
Explore the town of Thirsk
Take a leisurely stroll around Thirsk for some shopping int he marketplace shops and a bite to eat in one of the many cafes or restaurants. Top tip: the charming Ritz Cinema, just around the corner from the James Herriot Museum, is a great spot for a photo as it also features in the series. A short walk along Kirkgate will bring you to the 15th century St Mary's Church where Alf Wight was married in 1941.
Explore the Georgian mansion and riverside gardens of Newby Hall & Gardens
This 18th century home was used for backdrop scenes in the series and has also famously featured in many other well-known dramas and TV shows, including Gentleman Jack, Mansfield Park, Peaky Blinders and Victoria. Its award winning gardens and herbaceous borders are stunning in every season, while the house's interiors and charming teddy bear collection won't fail to impress.
Check-in to The Ripon Inn
Recently refurbished, The Ripon Inn is a welcoming Edwardian hotel in the centre of Ripon. This family-friendly hotel offers 58 stylish rooms (including: doubles, twins, family, accessible, and pet-friendly options) set in five acres of parklan gardens, so there's plenty of room to spread out and relax. Enjoy home-cooked meals, drinks by an open fire or unwind in the beautiful gardens.
A night at the races
Ripon Racecourse, known as “Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse,” offers a relaxed countryside setting that’s popular with both locals and visitors. It was featured in episode 3 of All Creatures Great and Small, where Siegfried Farnon treats an injured racehorse.
Whether you’re there for the racing or the atmosphere, Ripon makes for a great evening out, with plenty of catering options ranging from quick snacks to sit-down meals.
Visit Grassington aka Darrowby village
Start with breakfast at the Ripon Inn before a 43-minute drive to Grassington, a charming village that doubled as Darrowby in All Creatures Great and Small. Get ready for a full day of exploring as this village has so much to see! Spot familiar sites like The Devonshire Inn (The Drovers Inn), The Stripey Badger Bookshop & Café (G F Endleby), and the market square, often dressed in 1930s style for filming.
Fun fact: Grassington has also appeared in other films and shows like Dolittle, Wuthering Heights, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, and A Boy, A Girl and A Bike!
Be sure to stop for a bite at one of its well-known eateries before heading home.
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