Days Out: Herriot museum offers glimpse into 1940s Yorkshire

TO the passer-by, 23 Kirkgate may look like any other elegant Georgian terraced house, with sash windows and ivy creeping up the wall. But venture behind the red front door and you'll quickly realise that this is no ordinary house.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Feb 2016, 12:36 BST
Updated 5th Feb 2016, 12:39 BST

Once home and surgery of the world-famous author and vet, James Alfred Wight - better known as James Herriot - the house has been restored and is now home to The World of James Herriot.

Housing the largest collection of Herriot memorabilia in the world, the museum won small visitor attraction of the year at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2015.

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It is filled to the brim with facts, photographs and absorbing anecdotes about the famous vet whose books have sold millions of copies throughout the world and spawned two feature films and a TV series.

Discover the vast array of veterinary instruments both past and present that helped the country vet carry out his daily work before putting your knowledge into practice in the fantastic interactive gallery where you can try your hand at delivering a calf – no glove needed.

Keep a lookout for the original Austin Seven car from All Creatures Great and Small, and explore some of the sets from the TV series.

You’ll also find out how a football match between Birmingham City and Manchester United in February 1969 helped send this humble vet to stardom.

FACTFILE

Prices: Adults £8.50, children £5

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Opening times: Open daily from 10am to 4pm November to February, 10am to 5pm March to October.

Address: 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PL

Car parking: Local

Attraction website: www.worldofjamesherriot.com

More: www.yorkshire.com

Related topics:North YorkshireGeorgian