The town of Thirsk – North Yorkshire is a pretty, traditional market town. Everything spans out from the cobbled market square which retains its character with original shop fronts. The surrounding countryside and the proximity to the Yorkshire Dales make the town a popular tourist attraction.

Markets are still held on Mondays and Saturdays. The square is filled with stalls selling a huge range of products. The local region produces some fine foods including Yorkshire ham, cheeses and dairy products, beef, and a variety of fruit and vegetables. The market also has non-food stalls selling everything from computer games to candles.

The most famous inhabitant of Thirsk was probably the author Alf Wight, better known as James Herriot. His books about the life of a vet are hugely popular and fans can visit the World of James Herriot. It is a museum in the house of the practice from the books and shows exhibits from the forties.

For walkers, Thirsk has a range of interesting routes around the town which highlight different aspects of the history. There are also rural routes to enjoy the lovely countryside of the Vale of York. Details of all these can be found in the tourist information center. The proximity of Sutton Bank also adds possibilities for hikers. This natural feature is renowned for the amazing views of North Yorkshire as you walk along the top of it.

The surrounding region has many attractions for the visitor. There is Forbidden Corner, a modern folly near Leyburn. Various historical buildings such as Fountains Abbey are within driving distance. There are also activity centers with quad biking, horse riding, falconry, abseiling and clay pigeon shooting.

Thirsk is a charming market town with a lot more to offer besides great shopping. The region has plenty to do and Thirsk makes a great base from which to explore it. There is a range of accommodation available which you can find on the internet.

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For accommodation in Thirsk check this list of Thirsk hotels.