Nestled between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, Thirsk is a pretty market town with a rich heritage. The cobbled square at the centre holds a bustling weekly market selling local produce. Through the surrounding streets you’ll find an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes, pubs and galleries as well as a cinema, library and parks.
It’s easy to stay active in Thirsk, with plenty of walking paths meandering over Cod Beck and into the surrounding fields and woodland. There’s a leisure centre complete with 25m pool and gym and the Sowerby Sports Village is fantastic for families and adults alike, with a running track, skate park and tennis courts. There’s also a large racecourse, which holds regular meets throughout the year.
If you love spending your days in the great outdoors, the Sutton Bank National Park centre is just 7 miles away, with panoramic views from The White Horse across the Vale of Mowbray and the Vale of York. This is a fantastic base for walking, running and biking on your doorstep, and opens out into the great expanse of the North York Moors for adventures further afield.
Thirsk is famously the home of James Herriot, the local vet and author who wrote ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ and other stories about his life as a country vet. You can find all about him at ‘The World of James Herriot’, the award winning museum converted from his house and surgery. There are plenty of other cultural attractions in Thirsk and the surrounding area for both families and adults including Thirsk Hall Sculpture Park, Thirsk Museum and Rural Arts, which has a rolling programme of events, exhibitions and activities.
Thirsk is well connected to the local towns and larger cities for work and for leisure. It’s 10 minutes from the A1 by car and has a train station, connecting you to York within 20 minutes. Many professionals enjoy the quiet rural charm of Thirsk and its surrounding villages and commute to Leeds, Harrogate, York and beyond for their work – you can be in London within 2.5 hours.
Families are spoilt for choice with many rural primary schools to choose from. There are five within Thirsk, Sowerby and Carlton Minniot and many more in the surrounding villages. For secondary education, many local children choose Thirsk School and Sixth Form College and in the nearby town, Ripon Grammar and Outwood Academy in Ripon have both been rated Outstanding by Oftsted.
If you’re excited to live the rural life in Thirsk, let our team help you make it happen. Give us a call on 01845 501830.
