Thirsk, a picturesque market town in full of heritage that stretches back centuries. Nestled between two ancient roads and straddling Cod Beck, Thirsk’s name is thought to derive from a Norse term meaning “settlement by the river”
The town’s market charter was granted in 1145, establishing Thirsk as a centre for local commerce.
Today it is still very much a market town with a bustling market on Saturday and Monday and a farmer's market on the first Sunday of every month between 9am - 2pm in Market Place.
The Market Place is surrounded by historic inns and buildings, including the Crown Hotel (built in 1682) and The Fleece Inn from the early 18th century. The Market Clock, built in 1896 commemorates the royal wedding of the Duke of York and Princess Mary of Teck.
Of course you can't mention Thirsk without mentioning James Herriot, the beloved vet created by writer and vet Alf Wight. His former surgery attracts visitors from across the globe as the award-winning World of James Herriot museum.
Here you can step back in time and experience the life of a vet. Watch the film show of the life of Alf Wight (James Herriot) in the Fold Yard, enjoy the beautifully restored Austin 7 car used in the first BBC series of All Creatures Great and Small and browse the World's largest collection of James Herriot memorabilia. A new James Herriot Walking Tour is now available, offering visitors a chance to explore the real-life locations that inspired the All Creatures Great and Small stories. The tour starts at the World of James Herriot museum.
The appeal of Thirsk as a place to live and work lies in its compactness. It is self-sufficient with housign to suit all - heritage homes, larger country properties and new builds for families. It's proximity to the A1 and A19 make it good for commuting and it has a station with mainline trains direct to London and Edinburgh with York just a short journey.
Close by pretty villages with sought-after houses and rural unique character include Bagby, Boltby, Borrowby, Knayton, and Thirlby. Pretty Felixkirk overlooks the Vale of Mowbray and is home to the popular Carpenters Arms. Another foodie favourite close by is The Crab & Lobster at Asenby.
Cultural life
The imposing Thirsk Hall boasts a blue plaque proclaiming its status as 'home of the Lords of the Manor since 1723'. Today is a 'country home to the arts' where you can stay and soak up the secret garden nestled behind the Grade II* listed hall. Explore the 20 acres of garden and parkland is the home to Thirsk Hall Sculpture Garden and indoor gallery spaces. Open Wednesday - Saturday, from 11am - 5pm.
Art lovers will enjoy browsing all styles of ceramics, paintings and prints at the lovely Zillah Bell gallery not far from Thirsk Hall. A good collection of works from local artists and contemporary styles.
Lovers of the golden age of cinema will bask in nostalgia visiting to The Ritz, an independent volunteer-operated cinema in the heart of Thirsk whihc was opened in 1912. Open seven days a week screening mainstream current films, independent films and those with local connections.
Book lovers will love browsing the shelves of White Rose Book - which has a lovely cafe too.
Housed in the 18th century birthplace of cricketer Thomas Lord, founder of Lord's Cricket Ground, Thirsk Museum offers eight period rooms with walk-round displays reflecting and recording the life and times of this ancient market town. Entrance free.
Great outdoors
Thirsk Racecourse is a charming, friendly raceday destination.
Families will love Monk Park Farm animal petting farm, set in 84 acres of country side with a wide range of rare breed animals including Highland cows, Valais sheep and Belted Galloways.
The white Horse at Kilburn and Sutton Bank are on Thirsk's doorstep and offer fantastic views across the Vale of Mowbray and James Herriot's favourite landscape view.
Explore the town on a walk around 20 historical sites in Thirsk and Sowerby marked by blue plaques. These record important buildings or people associated with the town. A map is available in the Tourist Information Centre and downloadable at visitthirsk.uk/pages/blueplaquesweb.pdf
Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre is home to around 100 birds from 50 different species, including owls, eagles, vultures, and falcons. The centre offers up to three daily flying displays, where you can watch these magnificent birds soar and dive in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. Each display features a different team of birds.
Stay & shop
If you're making Thirsk your base for a stay, there are many smart holiday cottages in the town and surrounding villages. For a spot of history, stay central at The Golden Fleece, a19th century coaching inn with a cosy courtyard and traditional pizza oven in summer.
A stately spot to stay is South Wing Flat, a self-contained, self-catered two-bedroom flat that's an art lover’s paradise – set within Thirsk Hall with full access to the Sculpture Garden. The hall also has glamping pods in the grounds with fire pits and a chill-out tent.
Food lovers will love The Crab & Lobster, which as you might expect, specialises in seafood. A few miles from Thirsk centre, the luxurious country retreat is a Georgian manor with a quirky collection of unique guest rooms, from cozy thatched lodges to opulent suites with private hot tubs.
With a menswear and womenswear store, Humphrey & Tilly, is the place to find traditional independent countrywear. This is where to get kitted out for a shoot or race day.
When it comes to building, commissioning and updating iconic Land Rovers, Twisted is uniqiue - a specialist showroom devoted to the Defender.
Town Life
Rosa Fothergill, Tea Time Café
Thirsk has an amazing community feel with so many independent shops and cafés full of hardworking people, passionate about where they live and work.
Some of my favourite places in town are The Greengrocers for super fresh fruit and veg! Frank's family butchers do amazing pork pies! I always visit Kristina's shop if I need a gift, all ethically sourced gifts and sustainable living products, bamboo toothbrushes and shampoo bars.
A short trip out of town to the village of Topcliffe where I live is The Angel Inn, perfect place for a pint in the garden and stunning food.
If friends are visiting, I will always take them to the top of Sutton Bank. An easy walk especially with kids in tow, and one of the best views you will find anywhere in the world. Plus, there are so many other lovely walks down by the Cod Beck and through Johns Wood, a peaceful spot to escape a busy life.
3 places to eat
Tea Time Café
Passionate foodie Rosa Fothergill trained with Raymond Blanc and returned to Yorkshire to pursue her food business dream. Tea Time favourites are brunches and lunches and afternoon tea – savoury and sweet.
Racha Thai Bistro
Authentic Thai food comes recommended with dishes such as Gang Ped - red curry with coconut milk, aubergine, courgette, beans, and Thai pea aubergines, garnished with chilli and Thai sweet basil. Good gluten free options.
Sunflower Bakery
Lovers of cupcakes, bakes and all things sweet will be charmed by this pink and perky café. It’s a go-to for baking enthusiasts looking for inspiration and an afternoon tea stop-off.
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