Thirsk Holidays

Thirsk is the perfect destination for those wanting a country holiday with the benefits of easy access to the city and exciting entertainment. All the ingredients of a superb self catering UK holiday are here, with a choice of country lodges, cottages, and B&Bs in the area, and Ripon, York and Harrogate within easy reach. Thirsk, a market town set between the dales and moors of North Yorkshire in the beautiful Vale of Mowbray, is the inspiration for James Herriot’s Darrowby, and the World of James Herriot museum is a hugely popular family attraction. Thirsk is also famous for its 15^th century church and its racecourse.

 

The Vales of York and Mowbray not only boast some of the most breathtaking scenery in Yorkshire, but important archaeological sites, and Marston Moor and Stamford Bridge, sites of the famous battles of the civil war and King Harold’s defeat of the Viking forces. There are many historic buildings to visit within the area; stay at a country lodge and enjoy complete freedom to plan your days out sightseeing at sites such as Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire’s first World Heritage site. The site of the ruins of a Cistercian abbey, Fountains comprises 10 historic buildings, as well as an open air theatre and the famous Studley Royal water garden. Also close to Thirsk you’ll find Rievaulx Abbey, Castle Howard, Shandy Hall and Ripon Cathedral – or visit York Minster, the Viking Centre, Ripley Castle and gardens at Harrogate, or its Turkish Baths and Health Spa.

 

The Thirsk area offers a spectacular selection of family days out; visit Big Sheep and Little Cow Farm, a petting farm, or Monk Park Farm Visitor Centre, where you’ll see a host of farm animals plus wallabies, alpaca and llamas. Lightwater Valley Theme Park boasts England’s longest rollercoaster and many other thrilling rides, and Flamingo Land offers rides and play areas and the zoo, with lions, chimpanzees, meerkats and much more. There are Bird of Prey centres locally and some unique exciting experiences, such as ghost walks in York and the Floatation Tank Experience in Harrogate. The Montpellier Quarter in Harrogate offers an exciting shopping experience with art galleries, antique shops, designer clothes and jewellery, cafes and restaurants, all in a traditional atmosphere.