World of James Herriot

About the museum

The museum occupies 23 Kirkgate in Thirsk, the house where the veterinary surgeon Alf Wight lived and worked from the 1940s and where he wrote the stories published as James Herriot. In his books the house appears as Skeldale House. The local council bought it in 1995 and refurbished it, and the museum opened in 1999.

Since 2011 the attraction has been run by World of James Herriot Ltd, a not-for-profit company. The council still owns the building and has granted the operators a long lease.

The rooms have been restored with many original furnishings, including the dining room that doubled as the practice office, the sitting room, the breakfast room and the basement used as an air-raid shelter. The original surgery, with its dispensary and consulting room, shows how a country vet worked in the 1940s, and a foldyard and farrier's workshop recall the farms he visited.

Other displays include a large collection of Herriot memorabilia, a collection of veterinary instruments, recreated sets from the BBC television series All Creatures Great and Small, two vintage Austin Seven cars, an interactive children's gallery about farm animals and a garden with a statue of Alf Wight. A newer exhibit is the Heartbeat Experience, and one room was used as a film location for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

Highlights

• Restored 1940s home and veterinary surgery of Alf Wight
• Largest collection of James Herriot memorabilia
• Recreated sets from the BBC television series
• Austin Seven cars from the film and television series
• Interactive gallery for children about farm animals and vets

Permanent exhibitions

• The 1940s home and veterinary surgery – The restored family rooms, original surgery and dispensary where Alf Wight lived and worked.
• Interactive gallery – Hands-on displays about farm animals and the work of a vet, designed for children but open to all.
• TV studio sets and memorabilia – Recreated sets from the television adaptations and the world's largest collection of Herriot memorabilia.

Founded

1999

Operated by

World of James Herriot Ltd (not-for-profit)

Admission & discounts

Tickets can be booked online or paid for on arrival.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main entrance, reception and shop have level access. The attraction is described as fully accessible for wheelchair users, with free wheelchair loan (ask at reception) and self-operated lifts to the upper floors. Accessible toilets with handrails and a pull cord are on the ground floor. The garden has level paths. A braille guide is available on request, and there is seating throughout. Assistance dogs are welcome. There is a public car park a few minutes' walk away and limited street parking outside.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The interactive gallery is designed for children, with hands-on activities about farm animals and how vets work with farmers. Children aged 0 to 3 are free.

Getting there & parking

Thirsk is just off the A19, close to the A1(M); use YO7 1PL for navigation.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop

There is no café, but food and drink are available about two minutes' walk away in Thirsk market place. A gift shop is inside the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit