His stories, filled with humour, compassion, and warmth, introduced the world to the unforgettable characters of James Herriot, his colleagues, and the charming countryside of Yorkshire.
The All Creatures Great and Small series, in both book and TV form, has made James Herriot’s world a beloved classic for animal lovers and fans of the British countryside. From the iconic Skeldale House to the charming village of Darrowby, the Yorkshire Dales are rich with locations that bring Herriot’s stories to life.
Stone House Hotel is the perfect base, with many filming locations and historical sites within an hour’s drive. So, whether you’re exploring Darrowby, visiting iconic spots, or enjoying the stunning Dales scenery, your Herriot adventure starts here.
🎬 Filming Locations from the Series
- The Green Dragon Inn, Hardraw (1 mile)
Used as the interior of the Drovers Arms pub in the Channel 5 series, this 13th-century inn is steeped in character, featuring flagstone floors, oak beams, and an open hearth. It’s also the entrance to Hardraw Force, England’s highest single-drop waterfall.
- Hawes (1.5 miles)
Our local vibrant market town appeared in the original BBC All Creatures Great and Small series as the setting for Darrowby Cattle Market. In the very first episode, viewers see James picking up Tristan from the station here before heading to market day. Hawes’ traditional stone buildings, cobbled streets, and authentic rural charm provided a vivid and realistic backdrop that perfectly captured the spirit of Herriot’s world.
- Askrigg (4.5 miles)
Askrigg stood in for the original Darrowby in the BBC series, with Cringley House used as the exterior of Skeldale House. The charming village is a fan favourite, and its stone buildings and streets are full of Herriot nostalgia.
- Yockenthwaite Farm, Langstrothdale (14 miles)
This peaceful farm in Langstrothdale was used as the exterior of Helen Alderson’s family farm, Heston Grange. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, it’s a perfect spot to take in the Dales’ natural beauty.
- Aysgarth Falls (9 miles)
Aysgarth Falls, a stunning triple-tiered waterfall, featured prominently in the series and is a beautiful spot for a walk amongst nature. It’s also conveniently close to the hotel, making it a perfect addition to your Herriot-inspired journey.
- Bolton Castle (11.5 miles)
Bolton Castle, located in the heart of Wensleydale, was used as a filming location for both the original BBC series and the more recent Channel 5 adaptation. Its striking medieval architecture adds a grand touch to the world of All Creatures Great and Small, and the castle is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its historic rooms, gardens, and grounds.
- Grassington (35 miles)
Grassington served as the main filming location for Darrowby in the Channel 5 series. The Devonshire Inn in the village was used for the exterior shots of the Drovers Arms, while the charming market town’s cobbled streets make it a must-see for fans.
📚 James Herriot Heritage
- Broughton Hall Estate, near Skipton (35 miles)
Broughton Hall provided the exterior for Mrs. Pumphrey’s residence in the Channel 5 series. With its stately architecture and manicured gardens, it’s a lovely stop for fans seeking to see more of the series’ refined locations.
🏘️ The Real Darrowby: A Blend of Locations
When asked about the origins of Darrowby, James Herriot famously said that it was a mixture of several nearby towns—Thirsk, Richmond, Leyburn, and Middleham—along with “a chunk of imagination.” Most of these towns – full of charm and rich history – are within an hour’s drive of the hotel and are wonderful places to visit during your stay:
- Leyburn (15 miles)
Known for its picturesque main street and surrounding countryside, Leyburn is a lovely Dales market town. It also offers excellent walking opportunities in the nearby countryside.
- Middleham (22 miles)
Famed for its medieval castle, Middleham is a village steeped in history and charm. It’s also known for its connection to the racing world, as the home of many famous racehorses.
- Richmond (36 miles)
A beautiful market town, Richmond boasts an impressive Norman castle, cobbled streets, and the tranquil River Swale. It’s an ideal spot for a day of sightseeing and exploring.
- Thirsk (slightly over 1 hour)
Just a little over an hour’s drive from the hotel, Thirsk is where James Herriot lived and worked for much of his life. The following places in Thirsk are essential for fans of the books and TV series:
- The World of James Herriot
This fascinating museum is located in the former home and veterinary practice of Alf Wight (James Herriot). Visitors can explore exhibits on his life, the history of veterinary practice, and the TV adaptations of his books. It’s the perfect place to learn more about the man behind the stories.
- Skeldale House
The building that represented James Herriot’s veterinary practice in the TV series. Although now privately owned, fans can still walk by and admire the exterior of this iconic location that was central to Herriot’s everyday life.
- St. Mary’s Church
A tranquil spot where James Herriot married his wife, Joan. This beautiful church is steeped in history and offers a peaceful moment to reflect on Herriot’s personal life.
🏞️ The Herriot Way
The Herriot Way is a 52-mile circular walking trail through some of the most stunning parts of the Yorkshire Dales, inspired by James Herriot’s own walking holiday with his son, Jimmy. It offers breathtaking views of the Dales and much of the beautiful countryside that James Herriot described in his books.
The route passes through several key locations featured in the TV series and Herriot’s own life:
- Hawes (1.5 miles)
Our charming market town featured in the All Creatures Great and Small series, Hawes is an essential stop for fans. It’s also a part of the Herriot Way trail, which offers walkers the chance to explore the landscapes that inspired James Herriot’s stories.
- Askrigg (4.5 miles)
As part of the Herriot Way, you’ll pass through Askrigg, which stood in for Darrowby in the BBC series. This picturesque village is full of Herriot nostalgia and is a perfect place to take a break on the trail.
- Aysgarth (9 miles)
As you journey along the Herriot Way, you’ll come across the stunning Aysgarth Falls, which featured prominently in the series. The falls offer an incredible natural spectacle and are a highlight of the walk.
Whether you’re an avid walker or just a fan of Herriot’s stories, the Herriot Way is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales and experience the landscape that shaped the world of All Creatures Great and Small.
Stone House Hotel is the perfect base for your All Creatures Great and Small adventure, with all these filming locations, heritage sites, and charming towns within an hour’s drive. We work closely with local tour companies that offer both private and group tours, ensuring you can experience these locations in comfort and style, guided by experts who bring the world of James Herriot to life.
Please contact us directly in advance of your stay if you would like more information on guided tours to these iconic locations.
