The World of James Herriot ~ Thirsk

Hands up who remembers James Herriot 🙌 Me too… I remember the joy of sitting in front of our rediffusion tele with my supper on my knee and being transported back to the world of tight farmers and cows bums. This was of course many years ago, but can you imagine how excited I was to be invited to The World of James Herriot in the beautiful Yorkshire market town of Thirsk.

From the moment I walked through the door I was transported back to 1978 when I first watched a programme about a surgery of Yorkshire Vets who drove through deep snow to help animals in need.

Walking through the ground floor takes you past the old blue Austin 7 car which was seen driven or pushed around the dales in all types of Yorkshire weather.

I can picture James stood warming himself on the open fire.

Walking down the narrow corridor you can’t help but smile as the telephone rings in the surgery reception area, I loved that old fashion ring, not to mention that old familiar theme tune playing in the background as you wonder from room to room.

The next place I visited was the walled garden which was in full bloom with Wisteria and Bluebells and in the middle of the garden was a statue of the great man himself.

Loved the Wisteria clinging to the walls of the museum

I have a website and Twitter account called myfavouritebench and so I could not miss a photo opportunity to have my photo taken with Ian Ashton MD.

When you have a website called www.myfavouritebench.com you have to take an opportunity when it jumps out.

I did notice that the garden had a small cafe with refreshments that could be enjoyed either in cafe or on one of the benches in the garden.

next to the cafe there was some immaculately clean toilets complete with disabled access

Next on my tour was the educational centre. Before the visit I did wonder how small children would be entertained in a attraction that is aimed at an era well before the children would have been born. I neednt have worried at all because the educational centre was inspirational. There was desks with crayons and chalk for the little tots and then there was educational games based on a vets life. I promise you your stay will be extended by hours as the kids will not want to leave…I found myself banging buttons and playing a vets version of Snakes and Ladders, oh and sticking my hand up a cows bum just like James did in the TV series. I honestly can’t praise this part of the museum enough It has been really well thought out.

The kids will love the interactive games.

Access to the whole of the building was very pushchair and wheelchair friendly with a Lift to transport you between floors.

My visit lasted approximately 90 minutes but this definitely would have been extended if I had any children with me.

One of the things that did catch my eye was artwork by a local lady called Lucy Pittaway which hung on the landing walls I loved the rich colours of one print called ‘Door To Herriot Country’ so much, that I now have a copy hanging in my cottage in Kirkgate.