The World of James Herriot

The World of James Herriot is a house museum in Thirsk that preserves the former home and veterinary surgery where the celebrated author worked as a practicing vet during the 1940s. The building features period furniture and equipment that recreate the working environment of that era.

The building began as an active veterinary surgery and residence in the early decades of the 1900s and gradually became known for its connection to James Herriot. It was converted into a public museum to preserve the space where the author combined his dual careers.

The rooms reflect how people lived and worked in a rural veterinary practice during the 1940s, with everyday objects that show the rhythm of daily life. Visitors can see how the author balanced his work as a practicing vet with his writing.

The museum sits in the heart of Thirsk's town center and is easy to find on foot. Visitors should know that it occupies a historic building with narrow stairs and doorways that require care when moving between rooms.

Many visitors overlook that the surgery rooms hold actual medical instrument sets from the 1940s, showing how radically veterinary medicine has advanced since then. These tools offer a surprisingly personal sense of what the daily work looked like and its challenges.

Location: Thirsk

Inception: 1995

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: Yes

Address: 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk YO7 1PL

Opening Hours: November-February 11:00-16:00; March-October 09:30-17:00; December 25-26 off, January 1 off

Phone: 01845524234

Website: https://worldofjamesherriot.com

GPS coordinates: 54.23360,-1.34485

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:49