Romantic, alluring, historic and perfect for nature- and animal-lovers, Thirsk is one of Yorkshire’s hidden gems. The small market town dates back centuries, with history at every turn including St Mary’s Church, Thirsk Museum and The World of James Herriot, which tells the tale of Thirsk’s most famous vet son. That animal theme continues nearby, with all creatures great and small on display at Thirsk Birds of Prey and the Monk Farm Park.
The real star of the show is the North Yorkshire Moors scenery, however, with the views across Yorkshire from Sutton Bank amongst the best in Britain. Once you’ve finished drinking in the views, Thirsk has an enviable pub, restaurant and café scene, with everything from award-winning fish and chips, fancy afternoon tea and homely Thai bistros to choose from. And our Thirsk Hotel is perfectly placed on the edge of the historic town to take in all the action.
Things to do in Thirsk
Shopping
Thirsk doesn’t have a dedicated mall or shopping centre, but we’d argue it’s all the better for it with the fine history of the North Yorkshire market town preserved. The best place to get your retail fix is at Thirsk Market which runs every Monday and Saturday along the south side of Thirsk Square. A mainstay in Thirsk since 1145, the market stalls are packed with local produce, artisan foods, clothing, hardware, candles and so much more.
Getting Around
There are several international airports close to Thirsk, with the nearest Leeds Bradford Airport. The easiest way to get there by public transport is via the train to Leeds and the connecting Leeds Bradford Bus service to the airport. If you’re driving or getting a taxi, the 35-mile journey should take just over 40 minutes. Leeds Bradford is the largest Yorkshire airport with dozens of domestic and European flights each day via low-cost airlines including Jet2 and Ryanair. Alternatively, stay the night at one of our hotels near Leeds Bradford Airport before you disembark on your travels.
The other option if you’re flying is Doncaster Sheffield Airport. The quickest and easiest way to make the 65-mile journey is via an hour-long car journey or via a train from Thirsk to Doncaster and then the connecting bus service to the airport. The airport is a hub for Flybe, TUI Airways and Wizz Air with regular departures to Spain, Poland, Greece and several UK destinations.
Thirsk Train Station is situated a mile west of the Old Thirsk centre along the A61. The two-platform station has a ticket office, toilets, baby-changing facilities and sheltered waiting areas and regular services to Middlesborough, Manchester Airport, Sunderland and London King’s Cross.
Shopping
