All Creatures Great and Small filming locations
Exploring the North Yorkshire locations behind TV’s most beloved vet
- Stories & Inspiration
- All Creatures Great And Small Locations
Beloved by viewers for generations, All Creatures Great and Small continues to captivate audiences with its gentle storytelling, sweeping Dales scenery and unforgettable characters.
First brought to television in 1978, the original series ran until 1990 and was inspired by the much‑loved books of Yorkshire vet Alf Wight. At the centre of his stories is young vet James Herriot, newly arrived in the Yorkshire Dales, who joins the eccentric Siegfried, mischievous brother Tristan and ever‑resourceful Mrs Hall at Skeldale House - while finding himself falling in love with farmer’s daughter Helen. The Channel 5 reboot, launched in 2020, introduced Herriot’s world to a brand‑new global audience.
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking in James Herriot’s footsteps, here’s your guide to the North Yorkshire locations that bring his Yorkshire Dales world to life.
Where was All Creatures Great and Small filmed?
Grassington
Grassington in Wharfedale forms the main setting for the fictional market town of Darrowby in the recent adaptation. Its cobbled square and traditional stone buildings make it the perfect backdrop for a 1930s rural community.
Many of the village’s independent shops were transformed for filming including The Devonshire, which doubles as The Drovers Arms pub exterior. Spot other familiar sites like The Stripey Badger Bookshop & Café (G F Endleby), and the market square, often dressed in 1930s style for filming.
It’s one of the most recognisable and atmospheric filming sites - and a must‑visit for fans. Wander the marketplace and you’ll find reminders round every corner .
Malhamdale
Malhamdale’s dramatic limestone scenery features throughout the series, providing sweeping rural backdrops as James travels between farms to tend to his patients. Its rugged cliffs, rolling hills and peaceful country lanes perfectly capture the wild beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Key filming areas include the striking landscapes around Malham Cove and the open countryside of Malham Lings, where James first arrives in Yorkshire by bus before walking towards Darrowby. Malham Tarn Crossroads feature in the first episode when James careens downhill, trying to control his car. Many of the driving scenes through farmland were also filmed on the quiet roads above Malham.
Just outside the village lies Janet’s Foss, a wooded gorge and picturesque waterfall. Its serene pool appears memorably in the series when James is unexpectedly spotted taking an early‑morning dip by Helen, much to his embarrassment!
Askrigg
The pretty Wensleydale village of Askrigg was the filming location for Darrowby in the BBC series. With its cobbled streets, handsome 18th‑century houses and striking St Oswald’s Church, the village is brimming with character. Key spots include the original Skeldale House on the main street and the village pub used as the Drovers Arms.
Burnsall
The charming St Wilfrid’s Church in Burnsall, overlooking the River Wharfe, was used for the ill‑fated wedding in the first Christmas Special of the rebooted series, when Helen leaves Hugh Hulton at the altar after discovering her true feelings for James. Tuck into a picnic by the river in this peaceful village, or dip your toes in if you visit on a warm day. You can also enjoy a scenic walk to Grassington along the Dales Way on a peaceful 3.5 miles route past Linton Falls and limestone scenery.
Arncliffe
Arncliffe in Littondale appears throughout the Channel 5 series, with the rear yard of Skeldale House filmed in the village. Its village green also features in familiar moments, including scenes from the Darrowby Show as well as the spot where characters gather to catch the bus. With a small community of residents, the village offers stone‑built cottages, peaceful farmland and the River Skirfare flowing through its heart.
TV buffs may also recognise the village pub which served as the very first Woolpack Inn in the early days of Emmerdale Farm from 1972 to 1976.
Hardraw
In earlier seasons of the reboot, the interior pub scenes were filmed at the atmospheric Green Dragon Inn in Hardraw, parts of which date to the 13th century with low ceiling, beams and open fireplaces. Later seasons shifted to filming pub interiors in Appletreewick, inside a characterful 16th‑century inn. The nearby Church of St Mary and St John featured in several episodes of the BBC series, serving as Darrowby’s church.
Thirsk – The real home of James Herriot
Step through the red door at 23 Kirkgate in Thirsk and enter the real life of James Herriot at his original home and surgery, now the award‑winning World of James Herriot attraction. Inside, you can explore fully restored rooms, discover interactive veterinary displays, see props and memorabilia from the TV series, and learn about Herriot’s daily work as a rural vet.
Just along the street you’ll find St Mary’s Church, where Alf Wight married Joan Danbury in 1941, while on Westgate lies Thirsk’s charming cinema, which also features briefly in the series and was often frequented by Alf Wight during his time in the town.
Sutton Bank - "The Finest View in England"
Though not a filming location, no Herriot journey is complete without visiting Sutton Bank. Alf Wight famously described it as "the finest view in England”, and the panoramic sweep across the Vale of York and Mowbray quickly shows you why. Follow the trail to the White Horse of Kilburn, the most northerly turf‑cut figure in Britain and one of North Yorkshire’s most famous landmarks.
Walking routes from the Sutton Bank National Park Centre give access to viewpoints, steps alongside the horse, wildflower‑lined paths in summer, and sightings of gliders taking off from the nearby gliding club.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering James Herriot for the first time, the best way to feel the magic of Herriot Country is to experience it for yourself.
Book your Herriot inspired stay
Tan Hill Inn
Britain’s highest pub sitting at 1,732 feet on the moors north of… Britain’s highest pub sitting at 1,732 feet on the moors north of Swaledale. This historic hostelry is a traditional North Country pub with stone…
Wenningdale Escapes
Wenningdale Escapes is a luxury lodge and glamping site based on Bentham… Wenningdale Escapes is a luxury lodge and glamping site based on Bentham Golf Course underneath the Yorkshire Dales 3 peaks with views up to the…
How Stean Gorge Chalet Lodges
Rustic lodges nestled amidst green rolling hills in the stunning Yorkshire… Rustic lodges nestled amidst green rolling hills in the stunning Yorkshire Dales. Set beside How Stean Gorge
Swinton Park Hotel
Enjoy an impressive Castle hotel experience set in 20,000 acres of… Enjoy an impressive Castle hotel experience set in 20,000 acres of beautiful Yorkshire countryside, near Masham.
Studfold Caravan, Glamping and Camping Park
Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales Studfold’s family-friendly ethos and… Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales Studfold’s family-friendly ethos and devotion to quality is only matched by the outstanding landscape, in the heart of…
Riverside Holiday Cottages
Two holiday cottages located in the market town of High Bentham with links… Two holiday cottages located in the market town of High Bentham with links across the Yorkshire dales, Lake District and Forest of Bowland. The…
Swinton Cottages
Our beautiful catering cottages are ideal for bringing together family or… Our beautiful catering cottages are ideal for bringing together family or friends. All are within walking distance of Swinton Park Hotel, its bars,…
How Stean Gorge Campsite, Bunkhouse and Bunk Barn
Nestled in one of England's 5 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty,… Nestled in one of England's 5 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Nidderdale in the Yorkshire Dales.
Swinton Bivouac
At Swinton Bivouac we love all things luxurious and rustic, sustainable… At Swinton Bivouac we love all things luxurious and rustic, sustainable and thoughtful. The site is located three miles from Masham in the sweeping…
Woodhouse Farm Holiday Park
A family-owned holiday park set in 50 acres of farm and woodland within… A family-owned holiday park set in 50 acres of farm and woodland within the beautiful Nidderdale countryside.
Harling House Bed and Breakfast
Your Yorkshire Dales stay starts with being welcomed by owners Sue and… Your Yorkshire Dales stay starts with being welcomed by owners Sue and Steve at Harling House Bed and Breakfast, a short stroll to Ingleton village.
Low Greenside Farm Campsite
A quiet family-run eco-conscious campsite in the Yorkshire Dales village… A quiet family-run eco-conscious campsite in the Yorkshire Dales village of Ravenstonedale with spacious open pitches, 360 views and excellent,…
Frequently asked questions
- What is Grassington’s connection to All Creatures Great and Small and what can visitors see there?
Grassington doubles for the fictional village of Darrowby in the television adaptation; visitors can stroll the village to spot many of the exterior locations used for street scenes and village settings while respecting residents and private property.
- What is the World of James Herriot in Thirsk and what does it focus on?
- The World of James Herriot in Thirsk is a museum dedicated to the life and work of James Herriot, showcasing exhibits and memorabilia connected to his veterinary practice and stories; check the museum directly for current opening information and events.
- Which North Yorkshire villages used for All Creatures Great and Small should I visit, such as Askrigg and Grassington?
- Notable filming villages to visit include Askrigg (frequently seen as Darrowby) and Grassington; both sit in the Yorkshire Dales and are easy to explore on foot to spot familiar streets and buildings.
- Can I visit the World of James Herriot in Thirsk to learn more about the real vet behind All Creatures Great and Small?
- Yes — the World of James Herriot in Thirsk is a dedicated museum where visitors can explore exhibits about James Herriot’s life and the veterinary practice that inspired the books and TV adaptations.
Search all Stories & Inspiration
All about Malton
Discover more about Malton in North Yorkshire.
Why Visit... Filey
North Yorkshire is home to pretty woodland…
North Yorkshire may not play the starring role of…
North Yorkshire is a great destination to try an…
North Yorkshire filming locations where The…
North Yorkshire has some amazing historic…
North Yorkshire is bursting with wild and…
Spring brings with it three bank holiday weekends…
Come rain or shine North Yorkshire is the place…
All About Thirsk
Discover some great budget-friendly family days…
With Easter just around the corner - here is your…
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking in James…
