Thirsk holds the true essence of James Herriot. It is here that he stepped from the bus and approached Skeldale House for the first time. An event so vividly captured in his first book. I wanted to find out where Alf Wight, the man behind Herriot, lived. Where did he pen his tales? Where did he spend so many happy years? And I wanted to see some of the places mentioned in his enthralling stories. So I crafted together a walk that takes in these significant sites whilst experiencing the essence Thirsk itself. The walking tour includes ‘The World of James Herriot’, mecca for all Herriot fans. It passes the home where he wrote the books, the cinema where he courted Helen (Joan). It stops at the church where they got married, and the cottage where his children were born. You will see the real home of Mrs Pumphrey and the real ‘Drovers’ where James and the mischievous Tristan retreated to after a long day on the farms.

Below, you will find a color-coded map to print or download on your smartphone. It’s simple to follow, with both a short and an extended route option.

I hope you enjoy following James Herriot’s footsteps around beautiful Thirsk.