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The Thirsk blog
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The Thirsk blog
Lambing at Monk Park Farm
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 10.49am.
Lambing Live returns to Monk Park Farm this February half term.
It will run from running from Sat 14 Feb to Sun 1 Mar, giving families the chance to experience the magic of lambing season up close.
More than 50 lambs are expected to be born, and visitors may even witness a live birth in the Maternity Ewe Unit - a memorable moment for all ages.
Throughout the event, the farm’s team will host engaging talks about sheep, lambing and daily life on a working farm, offering an accessible glimpse behind the scenes.
Admission also includes a full day of hands-on activities such as meeting newborn lambs, calf bottle-feeding, small-animal cuddles, hand-feeding friendly barn animals, and exploring outdoor play areas and woodland trails.
General Manager Mark Navin describes lambing season as busy, unpredictable and rewarding, and says Lambing Live captures that excitement. It’s an ideal half-term outing for families seeking a fun and educational day outdoors.
Standard farm admission applies, see details at
New: James Herriot Podcasts
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 10.57am.
A new series of Podcasts has been announced featuring James Herriot’s son, Jim Wight, his daughter Rosie Page and former veterinary colleague Peter Wright who now appears in the Yorkshire Vet TV series.
‘The Real James Herriot Podcast’ coincides with the launch of the sixth season of All Creatures Great and Small in North America and will help to satisfy the exponential growth in demand for all things James Herriot.
Jim Wight published his own version of his Father’s biography ‘The Real James Herriot’ in October 1999 with real-life stories and anecdotes about Alf Wight OBE (James Herriot) and the inside story of the man and the people around him that helped to create his stories.
“The idea of the podcasts came up while discussing Jim’s book when we launched the Original James Herriot Tour of Thirsk in summer 2025. Jim and Rosie helped to create the tour and during its preparation many new anecdotes emerged. Jim agreed to share more memories of his father for the podcast as did Rosie and Peter Wright. We are all excited to be able to share this with all James Herriot fans around the world.”
A unique experience, World of James Herriot visitor numbers have been escalating rapidly and are at an all-time high. With over 40% of guests coming from overseas, the podcast will help to fill a gap for the millions of fans around the world who want to hear the authentic stories of the Real James Herriot.
Duck Wardens in Thirsk
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 11.08am.
The BBC have been back to Thirsk to film the Duck Wardens escorting the ducks and their babies from the river to the Market Place, which is where they prefer to spend the night.
Watch directly from the BBC at
Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 11.12am.
A visit to Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre is inspiring and uplifting.
One of the largest collections of flying birds in the North, home to around 100 birds from 50 different species which enables us to fly a selection of owls, vultures, eagles and kites to name but a few which call the centre their home. During our 35-40 minute flying display you can expect to get very close to our fantastic birds as they swoop, dive and soar over your head.
Only 10 minutes from Thirsk and there is no need to pre book.
SatNav YO7 4ET.
Life-Saving Neighbours
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 11.16am.
The Royal Humane Society, president HRH Princess Alexandra, has awarded certificates to three heroic neighbours who helped save the life of retired North Yorkshire police officer George Bumby on 23rd June 2024.
On 17th March 2025 local County Councillor Rev. Dan Sladden presented the certificates to Alison Oxtoby, Tom Roberts, and Christine Andrews at a ceremony by Sowerby Parochial Hall, with the backdrop of the hall’s defibrillator.
George was mowing his lawn when he suddenly collapsed from a cardiac arrest. His wife, Sheila, saw him fall and her shouts for help brought neighbour Alison. Acting quickly, Alison began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within minutes. Soon after, neighbour Tom Roberts, who had received ambulance service training during his army career, took over the CPR efforts.
Meanwhile, neighbour Christine Andrews sprang into action and ran to Sowerby Parochial Hall to retrieve the defibrillator from its box on the outside wall. Tom then used the defibrillator to administer several shocks to George's heart until first responders and the ambulance arrived.
A defibrillator is a lightweight, battery-operated, portable device that checks the heart's rhythm and can deliver a shock to restore a normal heartbeat. The unit provides voice instructions to guide the operator, making it accessible for anyone to use in the event of a cardiac arrest. Several of these life-saving devices are strategically placed around Thirsk, Sowerby, and neighbouring villages.
In the weeks following the incident, George underwent two heart operations and has made a remarkable recovery. Now, nine months later, he has substantially returned to normal life.
The Royal Humane Society commends Alison, Tom, and Christine for their swift and courageous actions, highlighting the importance of community spirit and the availability of life-saving equipment. The British Heart Foundation offers a free interactive online CPR training course RevivR which takes just fifteen minutes. See yo7.org.uk/cpr
Helmsley Open Air Pool
By Peter. Last updated Tue 25 Jun 2024 at 11.12am.
Yorkshire’s only 25m heated open air pool is run by a Charity and provides affordable outdoor swimming and a ‘holiday atmosphere’ to the local community and visitors. Nestling in the North York Moors National Park, it is in the heart of the countryside.
The price is £6.25 for adults, with concessions for children, seniors and families. The pool is open 7-days a week and you can book online.
Baxton’s Sprunt, Helmsley YO62 5HT
helmsleyopenairpool.org
North York Moors Cycleway
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 11.21am.
Explore the delights of the North York Moors, considered by many to be one of the best kept secrets in cycling.
The North York Moors Cycleway passes through our iconic heather landscape on a 171 mile (276km) figure of eight loop.
It passes around hidden valleys, through deep forests and has stunning views along our rugged coastline.
If you're not quite up for doing the full route, it joins up with the Esk Valley Railway, meaning some sections can be done as a car-free day out.
'Brake for cake' at one of the growing number of cycling friendly cafés the area has to offer, or stop off at a traditional pub along the way.
Take in the wealth of history with castles, museums and ruined abbeys and lost industries with folklore and tales of smuggling for a true North York Moors adventure.
Music & Arts Events Diary
By Peter. Last updated Fri 10 May 2024 at 12.18pm.
In this newsletter we include music and arts events. They are mainly around Thirsk, including Ripon, Easingwold, Helmsley and Northallerton. If not already shown you can add your own event at
VisitThirsk.uk/event
There is also a comprehensive Music & Arts Events Diary covering the whole of North Yorkshire at
stcticketing.org
To receive this St Cecilia music & arts list monthly please email
xen@st-cecilia.org.uk
Where is Thirsk's Bull Ring?
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 11.34am.
This is the original Bull Ring, recently found and now in Thirsk Museum
In Thirsk Market Place, close to where the taxis and buses wait, you can see a circle of cobblestones which show the location of the bull baiting ring in Thirsk and a replica iron ring in the centre.
It was a legal requirement on market days for the bulls and bullocks to be tethered to the ring and be baited by the farmers’ dogs before being slaughtered. It was thought that forcing the bulls to leap about to avoid the snapping dogs was an effective way of tenderising and improving the quality of the meat.
This was also regarded by many as good entertainment but the practice was made illegal in 1835 and the bull ring itself was removed and discarded soon after.
Also on display in the museum are Thomas Lord memorabilia. He was born in this building and went on to found the famous Lord's Cricket Ground.
Thirsk's local museum is in Kirkgate, nearly opposite the Zillah Bell Gallery. It is open six days a week (Sundays closed) 10.30am to 3.30pm (to 1pm Wednesdays). There is no charge but a donation would be appreciated.
thirskmuseum.org
Visit with your horse
By Anne. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 11.36am.
Picture: Boltby Trekking Centre
Yorkshire is known to be a ‘horsey’ county and there are plenty of opportunities for holiday riding with or without your own horse. The Moors and the Dales National Parks both have a number of places offering riding or facilities for your horse.
The nearest riding centre to Thirsk is Boltby Trekking centre at Boltby about 5 miles away which offers 1 or 2 hour rides as well as 1/2 and full day rides.
The nearest place to Thirsk to bring your own horse is Greystone Farm Bed and Breakfast at Over Silton. Both these places are on the western edge of the North York Moors and offer great riding in forests and on the moors.
Greystone Farm is also able to arrange a circular ride over a few days using other farms on the Moors which also provide accommodation for people and horses.
Details of these centres can be found at
www.visitthirsk.uk/boltbytrekking
www.visitthirsk.uk/greystone
Thirsk's webcam improved
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 11.38am.
The window onto Thirsk now shows the Market Place in full-speed video with optional sound. About 10,000 people a month watch what is going on in Thirsk.
Improved infrastructure, including faster broadband and new software, has enabled the upgrade.
The webcam is sponsored by The World of James Herriot.
VisitThirsk.uk/webcam
The Battle of Byland 1322
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 11.43am.
This October sees the 700th anniversary of this significant, but largely forgotten, battle.
It was fought in October 1322 between King Edward II of England and King Robert I (‘the Bruce’) of Scotland during the Scottish Wars of Independence. Maybe it was forgotten because the English lost!
Following Edward's failed (and last) campaign into Scotland, he was forced to retreat over the border, his vast army wasted by famine and disease.
Robert seized the opportunity to counter-attack and led his army on a lightning march across country to arrive at Northallerton, just 15 miles from Edward, who had established his headquarters at Rievaulx Abbey.
Edward immediately ordered the Earl of Richmond, his field-commander, to post a strong advance guard along the Hambleton Hills escarpment, particularly at Sutton Bank, where the medieval track climbed a narrow pass, to prevent the Scots gaining the high ground. This, he hoped, would buy him valuable time to organise reinforcements.
On the morning of 14 October 1322 the Scots army arrived at the foot of Sutton Bank, only to find the heights of this dramatic inland cliff defended by a strong and alert English force. The Scots began a frontal assault, leading to a fierce struggle as they inched their way upwards.
At the same time Robert sent troops to circle round and reach the high ground via a hidden route. There are two steep gullies on the southern flank of Roulston Scar, which are most likely to be the routes used – Boar’s Gill and Hell Hole. Near the top of Hell Hole is a spot known as Scotch Corner, which is a strong clue that this is the site of the Scottish breakthrough.
With the enemy also bearing down on their left flank, the English broke and fled, probably towards Old Byland/Scawton. Richmond made a bold attempt to stand his ground, but his dispirited troops were soon overwhelmed by the well-disciplined Scottish attack.
Meanwhile Edward had retreated to Rievaulx, only to discover the Scottish horsemen were hot on his heels. He narrowly escaped by riding to Bridlington in search of a ship, but only after abandoning his treasure, baggage, and the Great Seal of England to the victorious Scots.
Guided Walk, Sun 11 Sep
Sutton Bank to Roulston Scar – a 5.5. mile circular guided walk, 10am-2pm.. Booking essential at
tinyurl.com/BB700walk
Battle of Byland 700th Anniversary Day, Sat 15 Oct
Drop into the Sutton Bank National Park Centre (YO7 2EH) anytime 10am to 4pm.
- Demonstrations of arms and armour
- Guided walks
- Bow-making, children’s activities and trails
- Unveiling new memorial and interpretation
- Pop-up stalls (Royal Armouries, English Heritage, Towton Battlefield Society, Battlefields Trust)
- Period music, food and drink tastings
Free WiFi in Thirsk
By Peter. Last updated Mon 22 Aug 2022 at 9.57am.
Free public WiFi is available in 20 market towns across North Yorkshire, including Thirsk Market Place. This is delivered by North Yorkshire County Council's broadband company NYnet.
If you are a student you can connect to your educational networks via Eduroam and public sector staff can connect via Govrom, giving you the assurance that you are on a secure network.
The connection is Friendly WiFi certified, filtering out inappropriate content and making it safe for children.
How to connect to the wifi
– From your device’s Wi-Fi settings, search for ‘North Yorkshire wifi’ in a designated town and area.
– You should then be presented with the logon page in your browser.
– To connect, read the terms and conditions and accept by clicking the ‘Continue To Internet’ button.
Full list of towns
Boroughbridge, Catterick Garrison, Easingwold, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Leyburn, Malton, Northallerton, Pickering, Richmond, Ripon, Scarborough, Selby, Settle, Sherburn in Elmet, Skipton, Stokesley, Tadcaster, Thirsk, Whitby.
1925 steam engine on Sutton Bank
By Peter. Last updated Thu 2 Dec 2021 at 12.40pm.
Philip Ogden taking his steam traction engine ‘Firefly’ up Sutton Bank in 1986. This engine, number 4032 by Burrell was built in 1925, shortly before the company closed in the face of advancing technology. It has two gears, weighs 12 tons and produces 7 horse-power.
Phil Ogden was a pilot at the end of the 2nd World War, flying Lancasters and Wellingtons on the Berlin airlift. After the end of the war, he became a farmer at Burtrees, and then Quarry Hill just off the side of the A19 near Coxwold, on the way to York from Thirsk.
Over the course of many years he collected engines of all sorts, from traction engines, tractors, a Foden steam lorry, an American combine harvester, and up to 50 stationery engines, which he used to store in a barn. He also had a small scale steam railway locomotive which ran along a short elevated track in his garden.
I think that all his engines were kept in running order, and he used to run them once each month. He used to do nearly all the maintenance on them himself, including machining parts. He was one of the instigators behind the local traction engine rallies, and his wife Vivienne was secretary for many years. He used to take his engines some significant distances, at slow speeds of course, to show his traction engines at rallies.
At around 10 years old, I recall stoking the boiler on his blue Foden steam lorry, whilst he was operating the winch on the back to uproot a hedge on his farm.
He was also very keen on filming, much of which was of his engines, and some of which has now been transferred onto DVD.
David Hiles, nephew of Philip Ogden
Thirsk in the 1830s
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 11.51am.
Thirsk museum has received a photo of this painting from Philip Modiano of the Rev. Petit Society.
He is a researcher into the work of JL Petit (1801-68), an artist and architectural commentator whose work was unfortunately lost until the 1990s.
Philip recently found the picture by Petit of Thirsk and believes it would have been done in the late 1830s or early 1840s and says that Petit was invariably accurate in what he painted.
Research continues on Petit’s art, with completion of a book due early in 2022.
www.revpetit.com
James Herriot filming in Thirsk
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 11.56am.
Pictures courtesy of Mo Penson
Filming of the second series of 'All Creatures Great and Small' started in March and on Mon 31 May Thirsk's Ritz Cinema was the centre of a scene starring Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot and Rachel Shenton as Helen Alderson.
Earlier in the day they both toured The World of James Herriot museum to see where their real life characters Alf Wight and Joan Wight (née Danbury) worked and lived. They were shown around by Alf & Joan's daughter Dr Rosie Page.
Now see the James Herriot video by his son and the James Herriot biography
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 12.00pm.
John Aston helps us identify wildlife on our local rivers. See all his articles at
www.visitthirsk.uk/wildlife
We bite
Some people think that pike bite people, but the only time that could happen is if you were stupid enough to put your fingers in a pike’s mouth. Then there would indeed be blood, because pike can have over 500 teeth.
The Signal crayfish
Otter and mink have sharp teeth too, but you will never get close enough to find out. However one creature can give you a very painful nip, and there are hundreds of them living in the beck, even though you may never have seen one. The signal crayfish is an alien invader, originally from the USA, and it has been farmed here for the table since the seventies. It isn’t a fish at all, but a crustacean which looks like a miniature lobster, and in some cases not so very miniature at all. They can grow up to 20 cm long and are armed with strong claws – have a look at the picture of some claws I found on a local river bank. An otter had eaten the rest of the crayfish, just leaving the claws – try guessing how big the owner of the claws had been. Here’s a clue: the SIMMS logo on my bag is 10 x 2 cm.
River banks
Signals live under stones on the bed of the beck, and also in holes which they burrow into the bank. Look for a steep, muddy bank and just above the normal water level you can often see many holes created by crayfish. Their drilling habit is just one of the many problems they cause – in some places where infestation is severe, river banks have even collapsed.
The White Clawed crayfish
Signal crayfish eat the eggs of trout and other species and cause damage to the beck’s ecosystem by eating small invertebrates such as caddis and mayfly. Worse still, they carry a plague which is killing the population of our native crayfish. A few survive in the beck, but not for much longer I fear. How to tell them apart? At 10cm, and often much less, the native white clawed crayfish is much smaller than its American cousin, and also darker in appearance.
Carnivores
Is it all bad news then? Nature being ever resourceful, some creatures, especially otter and mink, thrive on crayfish, as do fish like chub, pike and perch. Signal crayfish also even eat individuals of thier own species, and there is evidence that removal of larger crayfish can actually increase numbers of smaller ones. What about eating them yourself? Not a good idea – you must have a special licence from the Environment Agency, as well as permission from landowners and fishing clubs – it’s much easier and cheaper to buy them in Tesco.
Thirsk & Sowerby history
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 12.02pm.
The story of Thirsk & Sowerby is told by 15 history boards, connected by the Past and Present walk.
Recently the first three, on the site of Thirsk Castle, have been replaced by Thirsk Town Council in collaboration with Hambleton DC, Thirsk Tourist Information and English Heritage.
Thirsk's website has a lot of walks for download. You can also follow the Past and Present trail on your phone at
www.VisitThirsk.uk/boards
Voices from Herriot Country
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 12.05pm.
We hear from retired butcher Ray Ballard in the second episode of 'Voices from Herriot Country', a new podcast about Yorkshire characters 50 years after the first 'James Herriot' book about life as a rural vet was published. Alf Wight (his real name and based in Thirsk) soon became a bestselling phenomenon. There were two films based on his books, as well as the popular series, 'All Creatures Great and Small', remade for showing on Channel 5 soon.
Ray Ballard who knew Alf Wight and Donald Sinclair, James Herriot and Siegfried Farnon in the books. Ray also talks about one of his customers, Marjorie Warner, known to millions of readers and viewers as the delightful Mrs Pumphrey, who had an obese Pekingese dog called Tricki Woo.
Listen here on Apple Podcasts:
https://tinyurl.com/qnrh9vp
or Soundcloud:
https://tinyurl.com/te8ysht
Thirsk and District in 1611
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 12.18pm.
This map is from 'The theatre of the empire of Great Britaine: presenting an exact geography of the kingdomes of England, Scotland, Ireland'. It is one of five known sets of proof maps prepared for John Speed's 'The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine', which was published in 1611/12.
On the map Thirsk is written 'Truske' and most of the local villages are ready recognisable. See the source at the Cambridge University Library; the full UK map is HERE.
Find your way in Thirsk
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 12.21pm.
At Thirsk's information centre we have 'Thirsk & Sowerby Street and District maps' at the price of a postcard - 30p - as well as the free Thirsk Guide.
If you are visiting for one or two hours the free Thirsk Guide is appropriate - it has a detailed plan of the town centre and shows local paths so you can plot a relaxing stroll.
The Thirsk Street Map enables longer stayers and residents to find almost any street, including in the recently built Sowerby Gateway. If new to the area it will help you find the Garden Centre, Auction Mart, Station and so on. Also included is a District map stretching from the A1(M) junction 49 to Cod Beck Reservoir above Osmotherley. On it you'll find The White Horse, The Mouseman, Shandy Hall and the interconnections between the myriad villages and hamlets.
The information centre is currently open 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.
Video of Tour de Yorkshire in Thirsk
By Peter. Last updated Sat 5 May 2018 at 5.45pm.
Thirsk Yarnbombers in London
By Peter. Last updated Sat 11 Nov 2017 at 2.10pm.
In the Lord Mayor's Show procession today the Thirsk Yarnbombers made a big contribution to the Welcome to Yorkshire display. Here you can see their knitted poppies and other features of the display, such as the Grannies on Trollies. It all draws attention to Yorkshire!
Thirsk Day photographs
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 12.25pm.
Wednesday 22 June was Thirsk Day at Kings Cross Station in London. Three organisations - Thirsk Tourist Information, The World of James Herriot and Grand Central Trains - presented the delights of a short break in Thirsk away from the Big City from a stand in the middle of the main indoor concourse.
You can see photographs of our day HERE.
In addition to this, Grand Central Trains' engine 'James Herriot' was re-dedicated in honour of the 100th anniversary of Alf Wight who wrote 'All Creatures Great and Small' and other stories about his life as a country vet in Thirsk.
The Market Place in 1925
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 12.29pm.
We have a hand-drawn plan of Thirsk Market Place as it was in 1916 to 1925. To see what shops were available then click here. Note that some, like the three independent butchers, are still serving the people of Thirsk today.
Picture © Don Nesham
Best TIC in Yorkshire
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Feb 2026 at 12.34pm.
The thirty volunteers who operate Thirsk Tourist Information were surprised and delighted to be awarded the Visitor Information Award, sponsored by BBC Yorkshire, at the Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards on Monday.
The award follows five seasons of growth since Thirsk Tourist Information became independent of Hambleton District Council in April 2011.
Harry Gration from BBC Look North presenting the award to Peter Rush said: “And what's amazing, they are all volunteers“.
We are a welcoming group of volunteers with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for Thirsk and the surrounding region. We are currently open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm.
James Herriot statue unveiled (video)
By Peter. Last updated Sat 28 Mar 2015 at 3.27pm.
Ian Ashton, manager of The World of James Herriot introduces James Berresford, CEO of VisitEngland who unveils the statue of Alf Wight (aka James Herriot). Then Jim Wight, a vet like his father, tells what it was like living with a budding author.