Our favourite things to do in Thirsk

Voted one of the best places to live by The Sunday Times in 2023, Thirsk is your ultimate North Yorkshire market town. With both the dales and the coast right on your doorstep, it’s an ideal place for those seeking some fresh air.

Whether you’re a fan of All Creatures Great and Small or country walks and pub stops, we’ve put together a list that covers all of these amazing things to do when visiting Thirsk.

Things to do in Thirsk

A proper pub lunch at The Carpenter’s Arms

This is the perfect British country pub, boasting panoramic views of the Vale of Mowbray. The Carpenter’s Arms is set just on the edge of Thirsk in Felixkirk and makes the perfect weekend escape or place for a Sunday lunch after a walk in the surrounding countryside.

Using the best of local produce, their menu is a crowdpleaser whether you fancy a steak and ale pie or a delicious tagliatelle.

On the doorstep of so many North Yorkshire adventures, it’s the perfect retreat!

Where? 1 Church View, Felixkirk, Thirsk YO7 2DP

Visit the Kilburn White Horse

Being right inbetween the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, there is no doubt that Thirsk is surrounded by outstanding natural beauty. The Kilburn White Horse is no exception! On the Southern Flank of Sutton Bank is a chalk horse dated as far back as 1857.

Kilburn Woods hosts a circular walk that pops out at the white horse, an iconic landmark that can be seen from miles away, even Leeds on a clear day.

It’s the perfect thing to do in Thirsk for the whole family, and there are plenty of pubs in the area to enjoy some well-deserved lunch afterwards!

Where? Low Town Bank Rd, Kilburn, Thirsk YO61 4AN

Pop into the Upstairs Downstairs Delicatessen

Cheese, charcuterie, pate – anything you could imagine that belongs on a cheese board or in the poshest ever picnic basket can be found at Upstairs Downstairs Delicatessen.

It’s a gift shopping dream, selling mouthwatering sweet treats, wines, local gins and preserves, the perfect place to stop off and find a souvenir or even a bite to eat at their tearoom.

Where? 25-27 Market Pl, Thirsk YO7 1HD

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Take a stroll around Thirsk market

If you’re still in the mood for a bit of shopping, Thirsk Market is hosted weekly on Mondays and Saturdays on their traditional cobbled square. It dates back all the way to 1145, so they’re very well practised when it comes to setting up each week.

You can expect fresh, local produce from local and friendly stallholders.

From artisan bakes to homemade crafts, Thirsk Market isn’t somewhere to miss on your visit to this quaint North Yorkshire town.

Where? 5A Station Rd, Thirsk YO7 1PZ

Things to do in Thirsk: Thirsk Racecourse

If you’re feeling lucky, Thirsk racecourse is the place to be. Whether it’s Ladies Day or family day during the summer, they have horse racing on throughout the year, so there’s always something to watch.

The racecourse is beautifully maintained with plenty of idyllic country charm, making it so popular. Place a bet, get dressed up and enjoy the panoramic views from the stand, just keep your fingers crossed for the weather!

Where? Station Rd, Thirsk YO7 1QL

Seasonal dining at The Angel Inn Topcliffe

Just a short drive from Thirsk is The Angel Inn at Topcliffe. It’s a cosy a family-run country pub, restaurant and hotel that’s been recently refurbished.

Their menu is globally influenced but sourced locally and changes with the seasons.

Think pub classics with an innovative fine dining spin, like beer-battered haddock and chips and hand-reared steak and ale pie. If you fancy making a weekend of it, you can also stay in one of their equally luxurious rooms.

Where? Long St, Topcliffe, Thirsk YO7 3RW

Things to do in Thirsk: Monk Park farm

Agriculture makes up a huge part of life in North Yorkshire, so why not pay a visit to Monk Park Farm. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors throughout all four seasons, whether it’s their pumpkin patch during Autumn or bottle feeding the lambs in Spring.

Have you ever watched pig racing? Nor us, but Monk Park Farm host this alongside their petting barn, where you can see baby chicks and guinea pigs.

Grab a picnic and pop your wellies on for one of our favourite things to do in Thirsk.

Where? Green Ln, Thirsk YO7 2AG

Things to do in Thirsk: Crab and Lobster

Quirky hotel and restaurant Crab and Lobster have attained an AA rosette for their exceptional menu and five stars for their unique hotel. Throughout both Crab Manor and the Crab and Lobster is incredible attention to detail and interior design like no other.

Expect no less than exquisitely themed rooms, beautifully landscaped grounds, eccentric interiors and a restaurant menu that’s both exciting and expertly crafted.

And, yes, you can trust you’ll eat plenty of crab and lobster upon your visit.

Where? Dishforth Road, Asenby, Thirsk YO7 3QL

Things to do in Thirsk: World of James Herriot

All Creatures Great and Small is a Yorkshire landmark, almost as prominent as the Yorkshire pudding. Attracting visitors from all over the world is the World of James Herriot, where you can visit his home and see where the famous vet lived and worked.

It’s his fully restored 1940s home and veterinary surgery, and it’s just like stepping back in time. Book your tickets and walk around watching his success story unfold right in front of you.

Where? 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk YO7 1PL23 Kirkgate, Thirsk YO7 1PL23 Kirkgate, Thirsk YO7 1PL

Looking for somewhere to stay? We’ve handpicked our favourite hotels in the Yorkshire Dales so there’s no rush to get home!

17 of the Best Yorkshire Dales Hotels