A thrilling cultural haven surrounded by sublime rolling countryside, Thirsk is a popular destination for couples seeking a quite and friendly getaway, those who enjoy walking, cycling or rambling and even families looking for something to suit all ages and interests.
It is easy to get to Thirsk as we are literally just off the A19, close to the main north-south A1 road. There are several trains a day from London, taking just over 2hrs without any changes. Local buses run from York, Ripon and Northallerton and there are daily coach services direct from London and other cities.
Thirsk is an ideal base for visiting Yorkshire’s many well-loved attractions and exploring the wonderful Yorkshire countryside.
Thirsk has a charm of its own, essentially unchanged and uninfluenced by the world. It centres around a bustling cobbled market square, dominated by the town clock, with its Monday & Saturday markets and independent shopping. Visitors from all over the world are impressed by the warm and friendly welcome of the residents of this gem of a town.
Visitors can enjoy a number of flat short walks through the town and along the river or may prefer to travel a little further afield to explore the small pretty villages with their sandstone cottages. More strenuous walking can be found on the Hambleton Hills and the moorland tracks such as The Drove Road. The Swale Way long distance path passes through Thirsk connecting Boroughbridge and Kirby Stephen.
Theres a base for exploring the wider area, Thirsk is an ideal starting point as it is centrally located in the Vale of York which provides the perfect opportunity to visit York itself, or enjoy time visiting the charming traditional market towns of Easingwold, Harrogate, Northallerton, Ripon, Knaresborough, Harrogate and Bedale, each with its own distinctive features, all very welcoming to visitors and any four legged friends.
The Vale of York is easily explored on foot or by bike. At Sutton Bank on the edge of the Hambleton Hills, the vale spreads out below with the Yorkshire Dales rising up in the distance and a lush green view that stretches for miles, including the White Horse carved in chalk on the hillside. Wildlife enthusiasts will be overwhelmed with variety on offer at the stunning Lake Gormire.
There are lots of things to do locally as well, from visiting the craftspeople of The Mouse Man Visitor Centre in Kilburn, having a day out at the Falconry UK
Birds of Prey Centre, finding out about old Thirsk at the Thirsk Museum or spending a day at Monks Park Farm which is close by.
Please do visit our local Tourist board here to find out more about what Thirsk and the local area has to offer.
Some great information for things to do in Yorkshire can be found here.
Within the market square you will find many small local businesses and shops, as well as cafes, take-always, bakeries, restaurants, a Co-op and coffee shops.
There is also a large number of charity shops – always some amazing bargains and finds to be had!
Thirsk and the surrounding area boasts a vast array of pubs, bars and restaurants, many providing gastro cuisine and fine dining. Try out the many bars, pubs and restaurants in the town centre itself – there are lots to choose from and all have some great things to offer for everyone!
Bianco’s offers a great evening menu and Sunday lunch!
Restaurants and pubs further afield.
Our local area is steeped in fantastic eateries, here is a short list of local places worth a try:-
Cafes, Restaurants and Places to try in Thirsk and close by
Bliss café, Bagels & Bakes or Upstairs Downstairs for amazing lunches. Don’t forget to use your voucher for Bliss that we have left you – Jacqui and the team will even give your four-legged friends a sausage if they are very lucky!
Simply turn right out of the cottage through the little passageway and left out of the iron gates – voila – there is Bliss!
Support the local businesses of Thirsk
We have some amazing local businesses in Thirsk boasting a range of fresh and often local produce.
Try the Green Grocers for the best fresh, local produce – much of it grown at Spilman’s Farm. Johnson’s the butchers also offer the most amazing meat – the pork pies are the best EVER! There is also an old-fashioned sweetshop that has proper midget gems and bullseyes and you can buy sweets in paper bags by the quarter!
If you fancy some pampering whilst you are away, Thirsk has many independent beauty salons, hairdressers, and nail bars! Just take a stroll round the marketplace and you will see several places to try. Our favourite is Watkins and Wright, which is in the marketplace near Bianco’s restaurant.
We also highly recommend Alina’s florist on Kirkgate if you want to treat yourself to some flowers whilst you are away! And the new gift shops – Coories at Number 2 is just gorgeous!
There are so many places in Yorkshire that are well worth a visit:
York: A walled city with a stunning 13th-century gothic cathedral. Great shopping, dining and entertaining city easily accessed via the train from Thirsk.
Harrogate: Its heritage as a fashionable spa resort continues in the Montpellier Quarter with the Royal Pump Room Museum, documenting the importance of local mineral springs.
Nearby is the restored, Moorish-style Turkish Baths & Health Spa. To the west, leafy Valley Gardens features the art deco Sun Pavilion. RHS Harlow Carr gardens are also situated to the south side of Harrogate
Ripon: History is everywhere you look in and around this city including a 7th Century Cathedral with its Saxon crypt and a trio of museums which explore the theme of law and order over past centuries, the history of Yorkshire is woven into it’s streets alongside eclectic shops, cafés and galleries.
Saltaire: a bit further afield but well worth a drive too. Lovely scenery to drive
through to get there. Once there you will find a world heritage site steeped in
history along with the only permanent David Hockney exhibition in the UK
Forbidden corner: Fantastic day out accompanied by a beautiful ride up
Horse racing fans will not want to miss the Middleham stables and gallops and over 500 leading flat racing and National Hunt racehorses.
On the opposite side of the valley is the world-famous Wensleydale creamery. Yum! You must eat Wensleydale when you come to Yorkshire – it’s the best cheese ever!
Roseberry Topping and Captain Cooks Memorial: lovely little hill climbs a short drive from Thirsk and perfect with the dogs or children. My favourite places as a child – stunning views and relatively easy climbs!
Cleveland Way National Trail: Brilliant for walkers follows a horseshoe shaped line around much of the lovely North York Moor National Park, with a variety of habitats to explore.
There are some great hills for the kids to climb, with some breath-taking views from the top and plenty of hidden gems to discover along the Yorkshire coast, such as fossils, rock pools and more.
You will pass a variety of lively coastal towns and old fishing villages, such as Scarborough, plus the Market town of Helmsley, which is the starting point of the walk.
Along the way, there are a number of special sites with a wealth of heritage and history to enjoy. Look out for Mount Grace Priory, which was founded in 1398, the White Horse of Kilburn and Whitby Abbey, to name just a few. Sutton Bank Visitor Centre is also along the route.
Beamish: the living museum. This is certainly a full day out. So much to see and do with something for everyone.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway: it’s an absolute must to take a trip on the steam trains along this historic stretch of railway. There are a variety of routes you can take and we definitely recommend you check it out. A lovely day out across the moors and to Whitby.
Cod Beck Reservoir: is just a short drive away and is our dog’s favourite place. Drive through the gorgeous village of Osmotherly (lovely cafes and pubs!) and is the perfect place to take your dog if they like to swim.
You can walk around the whole reservoir, or cut through the pine forest, up the gently climbing hill and get out onto the bleak wildness of the North Yorkshire Moors.
Beaches: we are incredibly lucky here and have several beaches easily
reached and all within 30 minutes to an hour. Always remember to check
the tide times and any restrictions, e.g. some beaches don’t allow dogs all
year round.
Redcar and Marske are dog friendly all year round and have miles and
miles of sand and sea. Particularly dramatic in the winter!
Whitby is a Gothic town with the famous 199 steps to the church at the top along with the Captain Cook Memorial Museum and some of the best fish and chips around. Robin Hoods Bay is a picturesque fishing village and so beautifully quant with dog friendly sandy beaches.
Staithes is our favourite seaside visit! Once one of the largest fishing ports in the North East, now this hillside gem is great for exploring Yorkshire’s cliff top paths and discovering the delights of rock pooling and fossil hunting on the small sandy beach.
Further round the coast to the south are beautiful places to call at including Sandsend, Scarborough and Filey.` Take your pick! Enjoy
Start here for everything about Thirsk | Thirsk Tourist Info (visitthirsk.org.uk)
Places to visit in North Yorkshire | North Yorkshire County Council
Enjoy a short break or a longer holiday at the top quality Nana Duck’s Cottage which is situated in the lovely, peaceful setting of Riverside Mews, right in the heart of Thirsk town centre and has picturesque views of the bubbling brook, Cod Beck, that threads its way through this beautiful and vibrant market town.
