There’s a traditional North Yorkshire market town that has a “charm of its own” – have you visited it?
Thirsk, which is surrounded by the “wonderful” Yorkshire countryside, can be found between the divine North York Moors and the stunning Yorkshire Dales.
As well as being near York, it’s not far from Harrogate or Ripon, and is located on the A19, close to the main north-south A1 road.
“Visitors from all over the world are impressed by the warm and friendly welcome of the residents of this gem of a town,” according to Visit Thirsk.
@reanne.witter Thirsk is an old fashioned market town between the yorkshire dales and north york moors - full of quaint independent shops, cafes and a famous racecourse its a great place to visit whilst in yorkshire or as a stop off🐎 #thirsk #northyorkshire #yorkshireuk #yorkshiredales #ukdestinations #markettown #uktowns #yorkshiredaysout #prettiesttownsinengland #wheretovisitintheuk #ukdestinations ♬ original sound - •
Is it worth visiting Thirsk? See when market days are
The tourism experts added: “Thirsk has a charm of its own, essentially unchanged and uninfluenced by the world.
“It centres around a bustling cobbled market square, dominated by the town clock, with its Monday & Saturday markets.”
Shoppers can expect to find all sorts of goodies from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
Visit Thirsk Town adds that the area is “filled with incredible, independent shops, places to eat and businesses.”
Some of the most popular cafes, restaurants and pubs to grab a full English breakfast, Sunday roast, or coffee and cake include Bianco Ristorante, Yorks Of Thirsk, The Pantry, Tea Time Cafe.
Did James Herriot live in Thirsk?
But what is Thirsk most famous for? Just one notable claim to fame is being the hometown of renowned veterinary surgeon and author James Herriot, the pen name of Alf Wight.
Alf’s tales were the inspiration behind the Channel 5 series All Creatures Great and Small, which has just finished filming series six across Yorkshire.
Elsewhere, Thirsk is the home of a scenic country racecourse which dates back to 1855, known for its “beautifully maintained paddock and idyllic country charm,” according to its website.
It reveals: “Its outstanding facilities have made it popular across the generations, from the most seasoned racing fan to the first-time racegoer.”
If you fancy discovering even more of Thirsk’s rural beauty, there are a number of flat and short walks through the market town and along the Cod Beck river.
Recommended reading:
Visit Thirsk continued: “More strenuous walking can be found on the Hambleton Hills and the moorland tracks such as The Drove Road.
“The Swale Way long distance path passes through Thirsk connecting Boroughbridge and Kirby Stephen.”
There are also plenty of small, pretty villages with their sandstone cottages nearby if visitors want to travel a little further.
Share