Living in Thirsk

Your guide to moving to Thirsk

Why Thirsk is a good place to live

Thirsk offers an impressive blend of rural charm, convenience, and heritage. Resting between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, living in Thirsk ensures you're constantly surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The town is rich with character, featuring a mix of Georgian and medieval buildings, with a vibrant market square at its heart, bringing in local produce on Mondays and Saturdays. Moving to Thirsk means enjoying the convenience of excellent road and rail connections. With the A19 and A1 nearby, coupled with direct trains to London, it offers easy modest commutes. Those with families can take delight in the town's reputable schools.

What's Thirsk famous for?

Thirsk is renowned for its connection to author James Herriot, known globally as a veterinary surgeon whose works introduced many to the beauty and eccentricities of Yorkshire. The 'World of James Herriot', an attraction in the heart of Thirsk locale, pays homage to the household name. Thirsk is also well-known as the birthplace of Thomas Lord, the man behind the esteemed Lord's Cricket Grounds in London. His birthplace now houses the Thirsk Museum, open year-round, adding historical narrative to Thirsk's charm.

Things to do in Thirsk

There are plenty of things to do in Thirsk for both locals and visitors to enjoy. Film enthusiasts can take in a show at the volunteer-run Ritz Cinema, dating back to 1912. For those fond of the outdoors, the area around Thirsk allows for cycling adventures with the choice of flat, hilly, or even off-road experiences at nearby Boltby Wood. Horse racing fans can enjoy exciting events at Thirsk Racecourse, which also hosts music nights and family days. The town also boasts a colourful food scene with a Thai bistro, Rasha, a new Italian restaurant, Bianco, and historic coaching inns like The Three Tuns and The Golden Fleece to dine at.

We have used a bespoke generative AI model to help us research and create our area guides. All of our content is reviewed, and edited where needed, by our trusted team of Zoopla content editors.