James Herriot's books, based on the life of a country vet in the Yorkshire Dales, have been loved for generations, and the television series All Creatures Great and Small has brought a new audience to the landscapes that inspired them. This full-day guided tour explores that countryside, with its drystone walls, stone barns, green pastures and market towns, and gives you the context behind the stories. Herriot, whose real name was Alf Wight, worked as a vet in Thirsk, and his practice in the town is now a museum. The Dales themselves provide the scenery that the books made famous: long valleys, high roads across the fells, and villages with greens and old pubs. Some of those villages, such as Grassington, have been used for filming in the recent series, so the tour is a mix of literary history and television scenery. A guide who knows the area helps you understand the farming life that shaped the writing, and the day gives you far more than a quick drive through the countryside. For many visitors this is the most relaxing way to see the Dales, with someone else handling the narrow roads and the planning.
How to visit
Confirm the departure point and time when you book, and arrive a little early, as full-day tours leave on schedule. The route and the stops can vary with the season, the weather and filming activity, so use the itinerary as a guide. Food and drink are normally not included, so bring money for lunch in a village pub or tea room.
What to expect
The day is spent mostly in a vehicle with several short stops for photographs, walks and refreshments. Roads in the Dales are narrow, and the weather can change fast, so wear layers and a waterproof. The ground in villages and farmland can be uneven, so comfortable shoes help. Commentary covers Herriot's life, the farming way of life and the places that appear on screen.
Making the most of it
If you have time before the trip, read one of the books or watch an episode of the series. The tone of the writing, which mixes humour with sympathy for animals and farmers, brings the countryside to life. Take photographs of the stone walls and barns, and ask your guide for a recommendation for lunch. Add a day in Thirsk or Harrogate if you want more time in the area.
Who it suits
Fans of the books and series, couples, families with older children, and visitors who want a gentle day in the Dales without driving. It is a long day for very young children. Walkers who want serious hiking should plan a separate day on the fells.
Planning around it
The Dales are busiest in summer and at weekends, and some villages can be crowded when filming or events are taking place. A weekday visit usually feels calmer. If you are interested in Herriot's life, consider adding a visit to the museum in Thirsk on another day, and if you are a walker, ask your guide for short riverside paths in the villages you pass. Rain is common, so bring a waterproof and be flexible about stops.
Alternatives
For a more private day, the private All Creatures tour from Harrogate follows a similar theme. For a general scenic day, the Dales full-day tour is a lower-cost shared option. Either way, plan lunch in advance on weekends, since small pubs fill quickly.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day tour of the Yorkshire Dales, with villages and countryside linked to James Herriot and the television series.
Best time
Late spring to early autumn, when the Dales are green and the villages are lively.
How long
A full day.
Tips
Bring cash for lunch, wear layers and read a Herriot book first if you can.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Readers and viewers of All Creatures Great and Small.
- Families
- Older children who like animals and countryside will enjoy it.
- Couples
- Quiet villages and wide valleys make a relaxed day for couples.
- Pair with
- A day in Thirsk or Harrogate.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
What is the All Creatures Great and Small tour?+
It is a guided full-day tour of the Yorkshire Dales countryside and villages connected to James Herriot and the television series.
Who was James Herriot?+
The pen name of Alf Wight, a vet in Thirsk whose books about country practice became famous worldwide.
Are the filming locations included?+
The tour covers places linked to the series, though the stops can vary, so treat the itinerary as a guide.
Is lunch included?+
Normally not, so bring money for a village pub or tea room.
Is it suitable for children?+
Older children usually enjoy it, but it is a long day for little ones.
