The World of James Herriot in Thirsk is based in the former home and surgery of Alf Wight, the vet who wrote as James Herriot.
. All Creatures Great and Small inspiration: Alf Wight, also known as James Herriot
All Creatures Great and Small inspiration: Alf Wight, also known as James Herriot
. Award winning attraction World of James Herriot in Thirsk
Ian Ashton, managing director of the attraction, said: “It’s been a fantastic ten years developing the World of James Herriot into a world class visitor attraction that welcomes people from all over the world. “And it is all thanks to the small team of dedicated people working together here to provide the best experience for visitors.”
. The blue plaque on the wall of James Alfred Wright's Veterinary's surgery now the World of James Herriot in Thirsk
The attraction’s management and staff, the vet and author’s daughter and son Rosie Page and Jim Wight have been recounting the many highlights of the decade that saw continuing growth of visitors from around 15,000 in 2012 to 38,000 in 2019. Hambleton District Council originally set up the attraction in 1999, the 20th anniversary of the original opening was celebrated in 2019. There was an unveiling of a new brass plaque to mark the anniversary while recognising the important part played by Honorary Alderman Councillor June Imeson, retired former Hambleton District Council leader, in the creation of the attraction.
. Ian Ashton, chief executive of The World of James Herriot, with vet Peter Wright
Current Council Leader Coun Mark Robson said at the recent celebration: “The marketing of the attraction since Ian Ashton took over has achieved a continuing rise in visitor numbers and, thanks to Ian and his team, the World of James Herriot is the major contributor to the Thirsk visitor economy.”
1. Award winning attraction World of James Herriot in Thirsk
Ian Ashton, managing director of the attraction, said: “It’s been a fantastic ten years developing the World of James Herriot into a world class visitor attraction that welcomes people from all over the world. “And it is all thanks to the small team of dedicated people working together here to provide the best experience for visitors.”
2. The blue plaque on the wall of James Alfred Wright's Veterinary's surgery now the World of James Herriot in Thirsk
The attraction’s management and staff, the vet and author’s daughter and son Rosie Page and Jim Wight have been recounting the many highlights of the decade that saw continuing growth of visitors from around 15,000 in 2012 to 38,000 in 2019. Hambleton District Council originally set up the attraction in 1999, the 20th anniversary of the original opening was celebrated in 2019. There was an unveiling of a new brass plaque to mark the anniversary while recognising the important part played by Honorary Alderman Councillor June Imeson, retired former Hambleton District Council leader, in the creation of the attraction.
3. Ian Ashton, chief executive of The World of James Herriot, with vet Peter Wright
Current Council Leader Coun Mark Robson said at the recent celebration: “The marketing of the attraction since Ian Ashton took over has achieved a continuing rise in visitor numbers and, thanks to Ian and his team, the World of James Herriot is the major contributor to the Thirsk visitor economy.”
4. The original Austin car that appeared in the feature film ‘It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet’
Since 2012 the attraction has been developed further with new exhibits that include two original and restored vintage Austin 7 cars, one from the original film It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet starring John Alderton as James Herriot and another from the BBC TV series when Christopher Timothy starred as Herriot and the late Robert Hardy was the inimitable Siegfried Farnon.