Discover the Magic of Thirsk


Being named one of the ‘Best Places to Live 2023’ in the Sunday Times, Thirsk is an energetic market town with a diverse range of vibrant culture, an abundance of natural beauty and exhilarating activities. Now is the time to round up your friends, pack your bags and experience all the wonderful things this quaint part of England has to offer.

Historic Market Town

Abundant with history, Thirsk is a market town renown as the depiction of the fictional village Darrowby, created by local author James Herriot. With a large part of Thirsk revolving around the Herriot, you can find the award winning visitor attraction, World Of James Herriot, and see where the author lived, worked and wrote. Full of listed buildings, this medieval marketplace hosts its markets weekly each Monday and Saturday, a focal point for many visitors.

Rich Culture

Home to plethora museums, galleries and gardens, Thirsk has a coruscating number of cultural experiences. Situated in the centre of Thirsk, you will find Thirsk Hall Sculpture Garden can be found, residing in 20 acres of parkland and gardens. Offering a range of quality pieces of work, Zillah Bell Gallery is a got to for any art lovers. Showcasing artists such as Neil Bousfield and Anne Desmet, the gallery is a prime example of the rich culture that Thirsk has to offer. Rural Arts enriches the community through offering projects, workshops and much more. This registered charity delivers inclusive opportunities at The Courthouse, so whether you have an interest in the creating art or watching a theatre production, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Surrounding Natural Landscapes

Thirsk has the luxury of being the ideal base for exploring the magnificent surrounding natural landscapes, which will leave you wanting more. From the vast area of the Yorkshire Dales to the cobbled streets of Herriot Country, Thirsk is the perfect destination for walkers, cyclist, and drivers. Commence on thrilling walks, allowing you to explore this breath-taking area. See which walks we recommend here (Link to suggested walks).

Exhilarating Activities

Thirsk boasts a wide range of actives for you to partake in. Hosting 16 days of flat racing between April and September, Thirsk Racecourse offers and abundance of different events for you to enjoy. If off road experiences, clay pigeon shooting or quad biking sound like your kind of thing, then Yorkshire Outdoors is a must attend activity. Whether you’re looking for a family day out or a corporate event, these exhilarating experiences are the perfect way to learn a new skill and attain the sense of adventure.