Start here for everything about Thirsk

Santa railway specials. See the THIRSK BLOG

Thirsk is a traditional North Yorkshire Market town superbly positioned midway between the stunning North York Moors and the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. It is near to the medieval city of York, Harrogate, Ripon and our county town Northallerton.

Thirsk Photographs • Free Thirsk Guide •

It is easy to get here. Thirsk is on the A19, close to the main north-south A1 road. There are several trains a day from London, taking just over 2hrs without any changes. Local buses run from York, Ripon and Northallerton and there are daily coach services direct from London and other cities. Thirsk is an ideal base for visiting our many well-loved attractions and exploring the wonderful Yorkshire countryside.

Thirsk has a charm of its own, essentially unchanged and uninfluenced by the world. It centres around a bustling cobbled market square, dominated by the town clock, with its Monday & Saturday markets and independent shopping. Visitors from all over the world are impressed by the warm and friendly welcome of the residents of this gem of a town.

Visitors can enjoy a number of flat short walks through the town and along the river or may prefer to travel a little further afield to explore the small pretty villages with their sandstone cottages. More strenuous walking can be found on the Hambleton Hills and the moorland tracks such as The Drove Road. The Swale Way long distance path passes through Thirsk connecting Boroughbridge and Kirby Stephen.

Walking events • History of Thirsk • Maps

James Herriot, local vet and author, is Thirsk’s famous son. He wrote 'All Creatures Great and Small' and other stories about his life as a country vet. You can find all about him at ‘The World of James Herriot’, the award winning museum converted from his house and surgery – see the VIDEO now. Thirsk has another famous son, Thomas Lord. The founder of Lord’s Cricket ground was born here in 1755 and his birthplace is now Thirsk Museum.

Magna Carta in 1215 gave the Barons the power to seize the King's castles and property if he broke the agreed terms. Thirsk's William de Mowbray was one of the Barons appointed to ensure that King John kept his word. Read more about it and watch the VIDEO.

The picturesque country racecourse has excellent facilities and high quality flat racing throughout the summer.

Thirsk offers something for the whole family and at any time of the year. You won’t be disappointed and we will be delighted to see you.

CLICK to see what’s happening in and around Thirsk in the coming days and weeks.