Any suggestions as to what to do in or near Thirsk for two nights? We'll have a car - 3 adults and 2 teens. We'll definitely be going to the James Herriott place, since our son's been wanting to go there for years.
Should we go to York? Is it too far? Is parking a hassle?
Haworth, where the Bronte sisters were from, looks lovely.
Any suggestions and/or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Posted by
2405 posts
Do not take the car to York - just go to Thirsk rail station (on west side of town) & go by train. You will find trains here :> www.nationalrail.co.uk (It is on the Newcastle/Edinburgh to London mainline so you will see expresses passing through at about 125mph). Pay on the day.
I would also suggest a drive east from Thirsk to Whitby (on North Sea coast) via Helmsley & Pickering. However, you can, should you wish, leave the car in Pickering & then go by steam train through the North York Moors National Park to Whitby.http://www.nymr.co.uk/timetables-and-fares/timetable/
http://www.visitwhitby.com
http://www.visityork.org
Posted by
OP
Small Island in the Caribbean
183 posts
James, thank you so much for your helpful tips.
Posted by
2405 posts
Pleased you found it helpful.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
699 posts
My then 10 yr old and I spent 2 nights in Pickering and loved the steam train . It s a lovely experience thru beautiful country. We got off the train at one point and did a small hike to the next station. Pickering has a charming small museum and a castle ruin - it made for a lovely 2 days in a busy trip. I would also recommend York - wonderful train museum, walled city and cathedral
Posted by
OP
Small Island in the Caribbean
183 posts
Thanks, Diane.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
You can also add a few of the TV show locations to your driving route with info from http://www.worldofjamesherriot.com/tv-locations/.
Harrogate can have some interesting theater opportunities, if that's the sort of thing you detour for (like I do): http://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/what's_on_unid8809_page.aspx.
Posted by
OP
Small Island in the Caribbean
183 posts
Laura, those links are great. Thank you. Our son will love the James Herriott sights.
Posted by
Kingston, Surrey
239 posts
There's quite a lot in that area. Helmsley is a pretty small town with a castle, the ruins of Riveaux or Fountains Abbeys or the town of Richmond are all worth going to. Head west and you have the glories of the Yorkshire Dales. If you like big houses, Castle Howard on the other side of York is a must.