The World of James Herriott

23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 1PL

Tel: 01845 524234    Fax: 01845 525333

e-mail: wojhemails@hambleton.gov.uk

website: www.worldofjamesherriott.org

Celebrating the world's best-known vet, The World of James Herriott opened in the spring of 1999, since when it has welcomed more than 400,000 visitors. The setting is Skeldale House, now a Grade II listed building, where James Herriott lived and worked. The house has been lovingly restored to how it was in the 1940s and 1950s, with many original pieces of furniture donated by the author's family.

Beyond the famous red door, visitors enter the dining room, which doubled as the practice office. Then on to the cosy family room where the vet's favourite music - Bing Crosby - plays. Further down the corridor is the dispensary where he made up the prescriptions and the little surgery where he would treat domestic animals. Skeldale houses the only veterinary science museum in the country and a new interactive surgery and farm. The World of James Herriott moves with the times with audio tapes escorting visitors round the house and a short film of the vet's life story narrated by Christopher Timothy. The garden has also been taken back in time, and other attractions include studio sets from All Creatures Great and Small, some 70s cameras and equipment and the original Austin Seven tourer AJO 71. This fascinating, family-friendly place is open throughout the year.