Fans of All Creatures Great and Small are in for a treat this spring as a brand-new James Herriot Walking Tour launches in Thirsk, the real-life town behind the fictional Darrowby. Starting on Good Friday, 18 April 2025, the tour offers a unique way to explore the hometown of world-famous veterinary surgeon and author Alf Wight OBE, better known by his pen name, James Herriot.
The inaugural walk will begin at noon and is completely free to attend, giving locals and visitors the chance to experience the tour first-hand and offer their feedback. Future tours will run every Friday, subject to availability, and will cost just £5 per person. For those wanting the full Herriot experience, a combined ticket that includes entry to the World of James Herriot museum and the walking tour is available for £10, saving visitors £3.50.
Starting at the World of James Herriot in the centre of Thirsk, the tour takes participants on a two-hour journey through key locations that inspired the much-loved books, films and television series. From the original veterinary surgery where it all began to significant landmarks around the town, this immersive experience offers a fresh insight into the life and legacy of James Herriot.
Leading the tour is John Gallery, marketing director of the World of James Herriot and chairman of the Herriot Country Tourism Group. He will guide guests through the same streets that Alf Wight once walked, sharing stories and reflections on his life and work. Thirsk became the setting for the fictional Darrowby, and with the sixth season of the popular TV adaptation currently being filmed and set to air on Channel 5 this autumn, there is no better time to reconnect with the story.
The new walking tour is expected to be a welcome addition to Herriot Country tourism, attracting fans from across the UK and beyond. It offers visitors a chance to step into the world of one of Britain’s best-loved authors and discover the places that helped shape his iconic tales.
To book the free launch event, go directly to the booking link at https://bit.ly/JamesHerriotWalkingTour.
