Now in its fifth series, Channel 5’s reboot of the classic All Creatures Great and Small has proven a massive hit. Not only in the UK but across the pond in the US as well. And, with a new six-part series starting we have started to hunt out some of the classic spots where the feel-good series is filmed. From the classic series to the new interpretation of Alf Wight’s novels, we’ve selected some of the best All Creatures Great and Small filming locations for you to visit.
This critically acclaimed show has become a cornerstone of Channel 5’s programming, drawing strong viewer numbers. Written by James Herriot, the pen name, for vet Alf Wight, the stories set in North York and the Dales appear to be universal. Series 4, which aired in October 2023, attracted 4.4 million viewers across its run, solidifying the show’s status as the network’s most popular series. Need your James Herriot fix while we await series four of All Creatures Great and Small? You won’t be short of places to visit in Yorkshire. From the town that plays Darrowby itself to real-life Alf and Joan’s wedding venue, here’s our guide to the best All Creatures Great and Small places to visit.
So, what are the best All Creatures Great and Small filming locations?
1. Grassington
Fans of the new series will recognise Grassington as the IRL home of Darrowby. The market square is transformed into a 1930s Yorkshire, with the whole community coming together for the effort.
Despite its connection to All Creatures Great and Small, Grassington is a genuinely lovely place to visit, with tons of beautiful pubs, surrounding countryside walks and quaint little shops to potter around. You’ll even be able to see Skeldale House, however, please be respectful as this is private property.
Acting as the famous Drover’s Arms is the traditional Devonshire pub, so be sure to get a photo out front. And surely one of the most recognisable All Creatures Great and Small places to visit.
2. Wheatsheaf Inn in Carperby
While The Wheatsheaf Inn doesn’t have much to do with the series (at least yet!), the beautiful country pub was the real-life honeymoon destination of James and Helen (Alf Wight and wife Joan).
The pair enjoyed a ‘working honeymoon’ at the rural inn, enjoying the views and the exceptional Yorkshire fare. The Wheatsheaf Inn, Main Street, Carperby, Leyburn, DL8 4DF.
3. Cringley House, Askrigg
Askrigg was the home of the BBC’s original series back in the late 70s and through the 90s, playing Darrowby for the duration of the beloved show’s long run.
But it’s Cringley House, in particular, that fans will likely recognise. The residence acted as the exterior for Skeldale House on the show, where James, Sigfried and co are mostly based throughout the story. Cringley House is now a bed and breakfast, so serious fans of the show can now actually stay there, too. Book a stay here.
4. Skeldale House, 23 Kirkgate in Thirsk
The actual Skeldale House where Alf Wight (James Herriot) worked can be found in Thirsk, the small Yorkshire town where the author and vet lived.
The beautiful listed building remains to this day, and while it’s no longer a veterinary practice, it is a museum dedicated to James Herriot…
5. The World ofJames Herriot
… It’s pretty easy to spot given that it’s completely emblazoned with ‘Herriot’, and the museum allows guests to step inside and see the residence that once acted as James’ workplace.
The practice has largely been restored to how it was when James worked there, showcasing both his home and work life to fans.
Many of the original furnishings remain, alongside the office, the dispensary, and even a reproduced set from the BBC show. World of James Herriot Ltd, 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PL.
6. Langthwaite
True fans may recognise Langthwaite from the opening credits of the BBC series, particularly The Bridge by the Red Lion one of the original All Creature Great and Small filming locations.
In the opening scene, James can be seen driving through, before making a splash further down the road from Langthwaite to Low Row.
Read More: Here’s All We Know About ‘All Creatures Great And Small’ Series 4
7. Langhorne House
Another home that has been blessed as Skeldale House over the years, this stunning property in Reeth took on the honour back in the 1970s filming of All Creatures Great and Small.
In Reeth, you’ll find beautiful scenery surrounding the village green, alongside a handful of cafes, an ice cream parlour and a cosy pub.
8. Castle Bolton
While Castle Bolton is quite a beautiful sight to behold in the Yorkshire Dales, it also has a pretty romantic meaning for Alf Wight – since it’s where he proposed to his wife, Joan.
The proposal in the Channel 5 series wasn’t one of the All Creatures Great and Small filming locations, however, it was just as beautiful, overlooking a body of water in the Yorkshire Dales.
9. The Wensleydale Heifer
Well-known for its delicious seafood, The Wensleydale Heifer is said to have been Alf and Joan’s favourite restaurant and even boasts a room inspired by the vet himself. In the cottage-style room, guests can enjoy James Herriot memorabilia, before dining downstairs in his favourite restaurant. The Wensleydale Heifer, Main St, West Witton, Leyburn, DL8 4LS.
10. The Green Dragon Inn, Hardraw
While the exterior of The Drover’s Arms in the new series can be found in Grassington, fans may recognise the interior as that of the Green Dragon Inn, which is famous for having the beautiful Hardraw Force behind it. A pint at the Drover’s, anyone? The Green Dragon Inn, Bellow Hill, Hardraw, Hawes, DL8 3LZ.
11. Broughton Hall
Broughton Hall is no stranger to the small screen – featuring in fellow Yorkshire series Gentleman Jack, too – but in Channel 5’s All Creatures Great and Small, the lavish Grade I property plays the part of Mrs Pumphrey and her pooch Tricki’s home.
The interiors of the stunning home are also used, which fans will see a fair bit of in Series 1. Broughton Hall, Skipton, BD23 3AE.
12. St Mary’s Church, Thirsk
The humble church where Alf and Joan officially said ‘I do’ can be found in Thirsk, just a short walk away from the famous Skeldale House one of our favourite All Creatures Great and Small places to visit.
The traditional wedding was followed by their honeymoon at the Wheatsheaf Inn. St Mary’s Church, Kirkgate, Thirsk, YO7 1PR.
13. Sutton Bank
Sutton Bank in the North York Moors, with its famous landmark, theKilburn White Horsewas proclaimed by the author of the famous novelsAll Creatures Great and Small,Alf Wight, more commonly known by his author name James Herriot as ‘the finest view in England.
14. Malham
Another of the great All Creatures Great and Small filming locations is Malham Tarn Crossroads, featured in the first episode of All Creatures Great and Small, where James races downhill in an attempt to control his car. The Malham area itself is renowned for its striking limestone pavement, a unique geological formation that adds to the region’s natural beauty.
Now in its fifth season, Channel 5’s revival of the beloved All Creatures Great and Small has become a huge success, captivating audiences not only in the UK but also in the US. With the latest six-part series underway, we’ve set out to explore some of the iconic locations where this heartwarming show is brought to life. From the original series to the modern adaptation of Alf Wight’s novels, we’ve curated a selection of the best All Creatures Great and Small filming spots for you to discover.
Read more: ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ Cast Tease Serious Shift In Season 3 As They Move Into WWII
[Featured image: Photo ©David Dixon(cc-by-sa/2.0)]
