I’ve long been a huge fan of All Creatures Great and Small which documents the life and work of the vet James Herriot. The original BBC television series aired between 1978 and 1990 based on the semi-autobiographical books written by vet Alf Wight. Moving forward to 2020, Channel 5 produced a new adaptation of Wight’s books which are so popular that the new ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ have become one of their most watched series. When it was suggested that I follow the ‘Starring in North Yorkshire Trail’ I was overjoyed, literally counting down the days until departure. The locations for the films and television series are centred in North Yorkshire, known to millions as the fictional ‘Herriot Country’. So where better to start than in Thirsk at the World of James Herriot.
World of James Herriot
Set in the former surgery and home of Alf Wight who wrote all the books in his spare time about the famous vet James Herriot. From the exterior, the building doesn’t look all that big but believe me it is and it took us almost two hours to complete the self guided tour.
The fascinating museum covers Alf’s life as a vet, his home and both the film and television adaptations his books inspired. On stepping through the red front door on 23 Kirkgate, it felt like entering a time capsule of the once busy surgery as everything had been left as it was in the 1940’s.
The narrow hallway led to the surgery beyond and the comfortably furnished rooms through to a large kitchen which was the heart of the home as evidenced by all the washing, drying and baking. We were also able to view the surgery, consulting room and dispensary.
We then moved into the Foldyard where we watched a short film on the life of the famous author which included previously unseen footage and interviews with family, friends and members of the cast of All Creatures Great and Small. The Foldyard also contains a reconstructed farriers workshop leading out into the garden where a statue of the famous vet stands proud on the lawn.
With still more to see, we viewed a reproduction of some of the studio sets from the original television series, which were very interesting especially noting how technology has moved on since then with the huge cameras needed at the time. Also on display in this section of the museum is the beautifully restored Austin 7 motor car that was used in the series.
Before leaving we explored the Yorkshire Vet room and gallery which houses the only museum of veterinary science in the U.K. On display are over 4,000 exhibits charting the history and progress of veterinary science over the years.
The museum is a wonderful place to visit whether you have been a fan of All Creatures Great and Small from its early days or more recently since Channel 5 brought the programme back to our screens. Located just off the market square and with standard adult tickets costing only £8.50, the World of Herriot was the perfect way to start off my tour of All Creatures Great and Small locations.
Leaving there, we sauntered around the market square, although there wasn’t a market taking place on our visit but if you happen to be around at weekends then you will find one taking place each Saturday and Monday. The square is surrounded by a good selection of shops ranging from independents to household names.
We popped into the White Rose Book Cafe for a light lunch. I was really in my element surrounded by books whilst sipping my cappuccino and tucking into a bacon sandwich. With a small walled garden to the rear there’s lots of cosy seating and of course an entire display of books and gifts devoted to Thirsk’s famous vet, White Rose Book Cafe.
Another filming location to tick off my list was the Ritz Cinema. This featured in All Creatures Great and Small when James took Helen to the pictures on a date. As the cinema was built in the 1930’s it would probably have been frequented by the real life James Herriot – Alf Wight.
Back in the car it was just a 20 minute drive to the second place on our trail, Newby Hall.
Newby Hall
Built in the 1690s under the guidance of Christopher Wren, with its stunning architecture and picturesque gardens, Newby Hall has long been a sought after filming location for many productions. I didn’t have to look back very far to recall seeing Newby Hall on All Creatures Great and Small as the exterior featured in the 2021 series. Some of you may also recognise the beautiful hall as it has also featured in Peaky Blinders, Victoria, Mansfield Park and Death Comes to Pemberley making the county really live up to its ‘Starring in North Yorkshire’ name. The use of photography is strictly prohibited inside the hall so you will need to visit for yourselves so experience its beauty.
There’s plenty of free parking close to the entrance and after obtaining our tickets we were given a map of the 25 acres of award-winning gardens. Naturally, we needed to make our way to the house first which is approached by one of Europe’s largest double herbaceous borders. The sun came out and both the house and gardens looked magnificent. Newby Hall recently won gold at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show, its first ever at the world’s most famous floral event so I knew that I was in for a treat with so much in bloom during our early June visit.
Alongside the Hall and Gardens we found some other lovely attractions included in the ticket price. The first we came across was The Bear House.
The bears, which have been lovingly collected over the years by Gyles Brandreth and his wife Michele are permanently on display at Newby. From a teddy bears picnic to a display of Paddington Bears, it was delightful and a treat for all ages.
Moving on from cute little bears we crossed the lawn to view over 70 exquisite dolls houses. Newby Hall is now the permanent home to one of the finest collections of dolls houses and miniatures in the world, thanks to the generosity of collectors Caroline Hamilton and Jane Fiddick. There are houses in all shapes and sizes from a modest mobile home to an elaborate mansion, the attention to detail is incredible and such a surprise to see.
We watched the miniature railway train pass by whilst enjoying an ice cream, followed some woodland paths adorned with wildflowers and before we knew it, it was time to return to the car after enjoying a lovely afternoon in the gardens. Newby Hall
It was then off to Ripon where we had arranged to spend the night at the Ripon Inn, a recently renovated Edwardian hotel set in extensive grounds. Check-in was quick and efficient and we were soon settling into our spacious room and preparing for our evening activity.
Ripon Races
It was just a ten minute drive from the hotel to Ripon Racecourse where a Wednesday night race was taking place. We were thrilled to be visiting this racecourse as it features in one of the episodes where Seigfried tries to become the local racecourse vet and attends to an injured race horse.
The first recorded race in Ripon was in 1664, but the race course on the existing site on the Boroughbridge Road was opened in 1900. Due to its pleasant surroundings Ripon Racecourse is known as “the Garden Racecourse” and during the flat racing season up to 17 days racing are usually held at Ripon.
The weather couldn’t have been better for our evening at the races and with free parking in an adjacent field we were soon exploring the facilities before the first race was due to start. I’d only ever previously been to Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong so it was interesting to attend a meeting closer to home.
With dining options ranging from a champagne and seafood bar through to a formal restaurant overlooking the course, a pizza van, traditional fish and chip shop and a burger bar there was something for all tastes and budgets. We opted for fish and chips which came with a good sized portion of mushy peas which we enjoyed sitting on a seat in front of the bandstand where a singer was entertaining the crowds between races.
From viewing the horses at close range as they were escorted around the parade ring to watching the races from our seats in the club stand, we enjoyed a lovely evening, ticking off another of North Yorkshire’s filming locations for All Creatures Great and Small.
To be continued ….
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