World of James Herriot Museum
In July 1940, a young vet called Alf Wight moved from Glasgow, Scotland to the small North Yorkshire town of Thirsk, where he was to start work at Donald Sinclair’s veterinary surgery at 23 Kirkgate.
59 years later, 23 Kirkgate opened to the public as a museum celebrating the life and literary works of Alf Wight – a man who is better known to his fans all over the world as “James Herriot”.
The World of James Herriot Museum is a fascinating and captivating place for fans of the books and TV series to visit, providing a unique glimpse into the life and times of the beloved author and veterinarian.
What is there to see?
Walking in through the red front door of 23 Kirkgate, you will be transported to the 1940s and into the life that Alf Wight (James Herriot) experienced when he lived there. You’ll walk through the house as it would have been when the young vet first arrived, with the rooms fully restored to their 1940s style. Among the most interesting rooms are the surgery room, practice office and dispensary, as well as the large kitchen that doubled up as a waiting room for pets and their owners.
There is converted barn where you can watch a video about the life of Alf Wight, as well as interactive displays that bring Herriot’s stories to life. You’ll learn about his veterinary practices, his love for animals, the challenges he faced in rural Yorkshire and the story of how he came to write his bestselling books.
You’ll be able to look through years and years of Herriot memorabilia, including books, posters, ornaments, letters and other collectables, and you can walk through the reproduced TV set and studio from the making of the original BBC TV series.
Upstairs at the World of James Herriot is where you’ll find the Veterinary Science Rooms, with over 4,000 items showcasing the tools used by vets across the history of veterinary medicine.
What about the new TV Series?
Upstairs in the museum are rooms dedicated to the latest ‘All Creatures Great and Small” TV series. You can also watch short documentary films that look behind the scenes of the PBS/Channel 5 version of All Creatures Great and Small.
Finally, you can enter the interactive gallery, a room aimed at younger visitors.
You can visit the World of James Herriot Museum on a tour with Grand Yorkshire, or independently – click here for details: https://worldofjamesherriot.com/