The area around the Hambleton Hills in this part of North Yorkshire is famously known as Herriot Country. The world renowned author James Herriot, ( whose books are about his alias real-life vet, Alf Wright), lived and worked in the town of Thirsk. Most of his books are written through his experiences from in and around this part of the County. Visitors are very welcome in Thirsk.
A trip to ’’The World Of James Herriot’’ actually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. No 23, Kirkgate, Thirsk is the actual ’’Skeldale House’’. Within the trip around the place you can visit where James Herriot worked and lived by looking into rooms featured in the tv series ’’All Creatures Great and Small’’. You can also see equipment that was used by vets and farmers in the 1940’s and 1950’s. There is also a souvenir shop selling great books and gifts of the area. Opening times are: (7 days per week) With full wheelchair access. Mar to Oct 10am - 6pm Nov to Feb 10am - 5pm Car parking is plentiful throughout Thirsk, including the Market Place. There are many shops, cafes, and restaurants interspersed throughout the town. This town therefore is especially suited to the visitors with plenty of time on their hands. Other places to visit in the area include: Captain James Cook’s cottage and monument in the village of Great Ayton. The White Horse of Kilburn. This is a landmark which is carved into the hillside at Kilburn. The chalk Horse is 314ft long and 228ft high and was created by a local schoolmaster in 1857. One other place I like to visit is Sutton Bank. This 1 in 4 incline on the A170 between Thirsk and Scarborough has lots to offer. Plenty of car parking and picnic areas, enable you to enjoy the area. You can stroll along the walkways and watch the many gliders take off and float over the vales below. All in all, I recommend the part of North Yorkshire.