Thirsk North Yorkshire
Visit Ripon, North Yorkshire – Historic Cathedral City, Market Days & Attractions
Discover Thirsk, a charming North Yorkshire market town surrounded by stunning countryside and the North York Moors. Explore the World of James Herriot museum, browse traditional markets, enjoy independent shops and cafés, and experience true Yorkshire hospitality. Perfect for day trips, walking holidays, and exploring nearby attractions such as Sutton Bank and Kilburn White Horse.
The 30 & 70 Buses
Visit Thirsk, North Yorkshire – Historic Market Town, Herriot Country & Yorkshire Adventures
30 Bus Service From York
The No. 30 bus route between York, Easingwold, and Thirsk offers a scenic and convenient way to explore the heart of North Yorkshire. Running through picturesque countryside and charming villages, this service connects the historic city of York with the market towns of Easingwold and Thirsk. Passengers can relax and enjoy views of rolling fields, traditional stone cottages, and glimpses of the distant North York Moors. Whether you’re commuting, shopping, or sightseeing, the No. 30 bus provides an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to driving.
Travelling on the No. 30 bus is a great way to experience the best of rural Yorkshire at your own pace. Stop off in Easingwold for independent cafés and local markets, then continue your journey to Thirsk, home of James Herriot and the gateway to the Moors. With regular services and comfortable buses, the No. 30 route makes it easy to connect York’s vibrant culture with North Yorkshire’s peaceful countryside. Ideal for visitors, walkers, and locals alike, it’s one of the region’s most scenic and accessible public transport links.
70 Service From Ripon/Northallerton
The No. 70 bus route between Ripon, Thirsk, and Northallerton is a relaxing and scenic way to explore North Yorkshire’s beautiful market towns and countryside. Linking three of the region’s most characterful destinations, this route takes passengers through rolling farmland, picturesque villages, and historic town centres. Whether you’re heading to Ripon’s magnificent cathedral, Thirsk’s bustling market square, or Northallerton’s traditional high street, the No. 70 bus offers a convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to travel.
Ideal for both locals and visitors, the No. 70 bus provides easy access to North Yorkshire’s cultural attractions and rural charm. Enjoy a leisurely journey between Ripon, Thirsk, and Northallerton while taking in views of the Hambleton Hills and open countryside. The service connects you to local shops, cafés, and landmarks, including the World of James Herriot and Ripon’s historic market. With regular departures and comfortable seating, the No. 70 is the perfect choice for exploring the best of Yorkshire by public transport.




Thirsk Visit
Visit Thirsk, North Yorkshire – Historic Market Town, Herriot Country & Yorkshire Adventures
Plan a visit to Thirsk in North Yorkshire, a picturesque market town known for its rich heritage, friendly atmosphere, and links to vet and author James Herriot. Stroll through historic streets, enjoy local markets, dine in cosy pubs, and explore nearby natural beauty spots like the North York Moors National Park. Thirsk offers the perfect blend of culture, countryside, and classic Yorkshire charm.
Market Town of Thirsk
Visit Thirsk, North Yorkshire – Historic Market Town, Herriot Country & Yorkshire Adventures
Visiting the Market Town of Thirsk
Thirsk is a picturesque market town in the heart of North Yorkshire, known for its warm Yorkshire welcome, charming architecture, and beautiful countryside setting. Nestled between the North York Moors and the Vale of York, Thirsk combines traditional market town life with easy access to some of the county’s most stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore historic streets, browse independent shops, and enjoy delicious local produce in welcoming pubs and cafés.
A Historic Market Town Full of Character
Thirsk has been a thriving market town for centuries, and its cobbled square remains at the heart of community life. Weekly markets and monthly farmers’ markets fill the square with local food, crafts, and handmade goods. The Georgian and Victorian architecture, mixed with traditional Yorkshire stone buildings, gives the town a timeless charm that attracts visitors year-round.
The World of James Herriot Experience
A highlight of any visit to Thirsk is The World of James Herriot attraction, celebrating the life and work of local vet and author Alf Wight, who wrote the beloved “All Creatures Great and Small” stories. This award-winning museum, located in his original surgery, offers interactive exhibits, historical displays, and a fascinating insight into rural veterinary life in the 1940s. It’s a must-visit for fans of British television and literature alike.
Outdoor Adventures and the Yorkshire Countryside
Thirsk is the perfect base for exploring North Yorkshire’s great outdoors. Just a short drive or bus ride away lies the breathtaking North York Moors National Park, offering countless walking and cycling routes. Nearby attractions such as Sutton Bank, the Kilburn White Horse, and Boltby Forest provide panoramic views and peaceful trails ideal for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.
No darkness would ever settle upon those lamps, as no darkness had settled upon them for hundreds of years. It seemed dreadful that the town should blaze for ever in the same spot; dreadful at least to people going away to adventure upon the sea, and beholding it as a circumscribed mound, eternally burnt, eternally scarred. From the deck of the ship the great city appeared a crouched and cowardly figure, a sedentary miser.
Thirsk Racecourse and Local Events
For a touch of excitement, Thirsk Racecourse is a popular destination during the summer months, hosting flat racing events that combine sport, style, and social fun. The town also offers a busy calendar of local events, including agricultural shows, live music, and seasonal fairs. These community gatherings showcase the best of Yorkshire’s rural culture and traditions.
Independent Shops, Cafés and Local Food
Visitors to Thirsk can enjoy browsing independent shops, antique stores, and boutique retailers that line the town’s charming streets. Local cafés and tearooms serve freshly baked goods and Yorkshire tea, while traditional pubs and restaurants offer hearty meals made from locally sourced ingredients. From market-day street food to fine dining, Thirsk is a haven for food lovers.
Easy Travel and Transport Links
Thirsk’s central location and excellent transport connections make it easy to reach from across Yorkshire and beyond. The town is well-served by buses such as the No. 30 to York and the No. 70 to Ripon and Northallerton, as well as a mainline railway station linking to Leeds, York, and London. This makes Thirsk an ideal day trip or weekend getaway destination for visitors seeking relaxation and rural charm.
Stay and Explore More of North Yorkshire
With a range of cosy B&Bs, country inns, and welcoming guesthouses, Thirsk is an excellent base for exploring wider North Yorkshire. From the nearby moors to the historic cities of York and Ripon, or the coastal beauty of Whitby and Scarborough, Thirsk places you at the heart of it all. Whether you’re seeking history, nature, food, or friendly Yorkshire hospitality, Thirsk offers everything you need for a memorable visit.







Thirsk Useful links
Visit Thirsk, North Yorkshire – Historic Market Town, Herriot Country & Yorkshire Adventures
Find a collection of useful links for Thirsk, North Yorkshire, including local attractions, visitor information, travel services, accommodation, and community resources. Explore everything you need to plan your visit — from The World of James Herriot and Thirsk Racecourse to local transport, market details, and walking routes. Perfect for visitors discovering Thirsk and the surrounding North Yorkshire countryside.
Useful Links for Visiting the Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Local Government & Community
- Thirsk Town Council — http://thirsk-tc.gov.uk/ Thirsk Town Council
- North Yorkshire Council — (via Thirsk Town Council links) Thirsk Town Council
- Thirsk & Sowerby Festival Thirsk Town Council
- Children and Family Hub, Thirsk (North Yorkshire Family Hub Centre) SENDIAS North Yorkshire
Visitor / Tourist Info
- Visit Thirsk Town (tourism & what’s on) — https://visitthirsktown.com Visit Thirsk Town
- Thirsk Tourist Information Centres — https://visitthirsk.uk/pages/tics.php visitthirsk.uk
- Walks around Thirsk — https://visitthirsk.org.uk/pages/walks.php visitthirsk.org.uk
- Support organisations via Thirsk Tourist Information — https://www.visitthirsk.org.uk/pages/support.phpvisitthirsk.org.uk
Local Attractions & Leisure
- Thirsk Racecourse (guide) — https://www.thirskonline.co.uk/ Thirsk Online
- Thirsk Birdwatching / BirdGuides — https://www.birdguides.com/sites/europe/britain-ireland/britain/england/north-yorkshire/thirsk/ BirdGuides
- Osprey Meadow (visitor info near Thirsk) — https://ospreymeadow.co.uk/thirsk/ Osprey Meadow
Maps & General Info
- MapCarta — Thirsk map & location details Mapcarta
- “Thirsk Information Online” (directory / guide)



