Events in Thirsk

Upcoming events in and around Thirsk

Today's Date - Thursday 26th February 2026

Wednesday, March 11th 2026

Taste of Art: Fabric Corsage
Rural Arts, The Courthouse, 4 Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS.
Enjoy a hands-on creative workshop designing and making your own fabric corsage. Choose from a range of materials to craft a decorative piece that can be worn as a brooch or added to an accessory. Learn how to draft and cut your pattern, then layer, stitch and shape the fabrics into a unique handmade design to take home.
10am - 1pm.
£25.
tel: 01845 526536
tickets: Online
email: admin@ruralarts.org
web: www.ruralarts.org

----

Wednesday, March 11th 2026

Fused Glass Sun Catchers
Rural Arts, The Courthouse, 4 Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS.
Celebrate the colours of spring with this inspiring half-day workshop led by Rachel from The Glass Forge. Create your own vibrant fused glass sun catcher, learning how to arrange and layer coloured glass to produce a striking decorative piece that will sparkle beautifully in the light.
1:30pm - 4:30pm.
£75.
tel: 01845 526536
tickets: Online
email: admin@ruralarts.org
web: www.ruralarts.org

----

Friday, March 13th 2026

Needle Felt Birds
Rural Arts, The Courthouse, 4 Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS.
Join artist Claire Ford for a creative needle felting workshop and make your own charming winter bird. Discover how to shape and sculpt wool fibres, blend colours and add delicate details to bring your handmade decoration to life. A relaxing and rewarding session suitable for beginners and improvers alike.
10.30am - 1.30pm.
£35.
Tel: 01845 526536
tickets: Online
email: admin@ruralarts.org
web: www.ruralarts.org

----

Saturday, March 14th 2026

Clay Workshop & Afternoon Tea
Rural Arts, The Courthouse, 4 Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS.
Celebrate Mother�s Day weekend with a special three-hour ceramics workshop led by Rebecca Norris, the creative force behind The Clay Place and a featured contestant on The Great Pottery Throwdown. Enjoy hands-on guidance as you shape and design your own clay creation, followed by a delicious afternoon tea for a truly memorable experience.
10:30am - 3:00pm.
£90.
Tel: 01845 526536
Tickets: Online
email: admin@ruralarts.org
web: www.ruralarts.org

----

Sunday, March 15th 2026

10 Years of Yarnbombers
Around Thirsk.
Join the Yarnbombers as they celebrate a decade of colourful, creative street art in Thirsk. Enjoy their vibrant and playful knitted and crocheted displays around the town, bringing art, community spirit, and a splash of colour to everyday spaces.
web: www.facebook.com/tyb2016

----

Sunday, March 15th 2026

Thirsk Artisan Market
Market Place, Thirsk YO7 1EY.
Discover a variety of handmade and artisanal products at this vibrant market. Supporting local communities, the market provides a platform for traders to showcase their crafts and connect with customers seeking unique, high-quality goods.
10am - 3pm.
email: info@littlebirdmade.co.uk
web: littlebirdmade.com

----

Monday, March 16th 2026

Lecture: Ethics, Religion and Life - Just War
Quaker Meeting House, 24 Kirkgate, Thirsk YO7 1PL.
A thought-provoking lecture by Peter Vardy exploring the Just War tradition from Augustine to Aquinas. The talk examines how these principles apply to modern conflicts, pacifism, and the ethical implications of drone warfare.
6.30pm for 7.00pm.
Free, with complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments.
Tel: 07749 504140
tickets: Booking essential by email
email: clerk@thirskquakers.org

----

Tuesday, March 17th 2026

Book Club
Rural Arts, The Courthouse, 4 Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS.
Join the Rural Arts Book Club for a friendly and engaging evening of discussion. Connect with fellow readers as you explore the book of the month in a welcoming and relaxed environment. Sessions are for over 16s only.
6:30pm - 8:00pm.
£5.00.
Tel: 01845 526536
Tickets: Book online
email: admin@ruralarts.org
web: www.ruralarts.org

----

Friday, April 10th 2026
AND THEY'RE OFF at Thirsk Races - Season Opener - A day at the races - an Afternoon Meeting at Thirsk Racecourse - Tickets on sale from Tuesday 2nd December 2025, for all advanced dining or private hospitality enquiries please email info@thirskracecourse.net

----

Saturday, April 18th 2026
AND THEY'RE OFF at Thirsk Races - Afternoon Racing - A day at the races at Thirsk Racecourse - Tickets on sale from Tuesday 2nd December 2025, for all advanced dining or private hospitality enquiries please email info@thirskracecourse.net

----

Previous Page 1 Page 2 3 4 Next Page

Keep checking back for new events

Make sure to visit Thirsk - A PERFECT LOCATION FOR ANY OCCASION...

Back to the Home Page

HOW TO GET TO THIRSK

By car - Thirsk is located just off the A19 and around 40 minutes from the historic city of York.

By train - LNER and Grand Central Trains run regularly to Thirsk train station.

ATTRACTIONS - Thirsk Cinema

Since 1995 the cinema has been run by a dedicated team, the cinema always aims to screen recent film releases to the town at affordable prices. A volunteer operated cinema in Thirsk.

Open seven days a week screening current films.
The Ritz doors open at 7pm each evening with the main film being shown at 7.30pm.

16 Westgate, Thirsk, YO7 1QS
Tel: 01845 524751

Visit site:

James Herriot Museum in Thirsk: A Tribute to the Beloved Veterinarian

worldofjamesherriot.com

Thirsk is famously associated with Alf Wight, the vet-turned-author known as James Herriot.

Step inside to the multi award winning visitor attraction - for fans of the beloved veterinarian and author James Herriot, a visit to the James Herriot Museum in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is a pilgrimage that offers a unique glimpse into the life and work of the man behind the heartwarming stories of country life and veterinary practice.

The museum, located in the very building where Herriot once practiced, provides a captivating experience for fans and anyone with an interest in rural life, animals, and the history of veterinary medicine.

The James Herriot Museum is housed in a beautifully preserved 1940s period house, reminiscent of the days when Herriot, whose real name was James Alfred Wight, tended to the animals of the Yorkshire Dales. The museum is a celebration of not only Herriot's literary achievements but also his dedication to the welfare of animals and the rural community of Thirsk. With its carefully curated exhibits, the museum offers visitors an intimate look at the world that inspired Herriot's iconic tales.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a treasure trove of personal memorabilia, including Herriot's writing desk, personal artifacts, and original veterinary instruments. These authentic items provide an immersive experience, transporting visitors back to the time when Herriot treated his quirky animal patients and forged enduring bonds with the local farmers and residents.

The museum also houses a recreation of his famous surgery, complete with the actual instruments and equipment he used during his practice.

One of the most charming features is its meticulously recreated 1940s-era living room, which offers an evocative portrayal of domestic life during Herriot's time. The attention to detail in this exhibit helps visitors understand the everyday life and challenges faced by Herriot and his colleagues, further enriching the experience of stepping into the world of "All Creatures Great and Small."

The museum doesn't just focus on the professional life of James Herriot; it also showcases his literary legacy. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of editions of his books, foreign translations, and rare manuscripts.

Additionally, the museum hosts temporary exhibits that delve into various aspects of Herriot's life and work, ensuring that each visit offers something new and engaging.

For fans of the "All Creatures Great and Small" television series, the museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at the show's production, featuring original props, photographs, and anecdotes from the cast and crew. This aspect of the museum serves as a delightful addition for those who have been charmed by the small-screen adaptation of Herriot's tales.

In conclusion, the James Herriot Museum stands as a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of a man whose love for animals and the Yorkshire countryside captured the hearts of readers around the world.

Whether you're a die-hard fan of his literary works or simply have an appreciation for the art of storytelling, a visit to the museum in Thirsk promises an immersive and enriching experience that celebrates the life and work of James Herriot, the beloved veterinarian and author.

Tel: 01845 524234 - World of James Herriot Ltd, 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PL

Shopping in Thirsk

Once upon a time ... if my memory serves me well, there was the traditional half-day closing on a Wednesday in my hometown.

These days however, the shops (including the ones in Thirsk) are open mainly from 9am to 5.30pm - Monday to Saturday, including Sundays too, with restricted hours.

INDEPENDENT STORES
In Thirsk, you can shop in the smaller, more independent stores and there are plenty of them to choose from, along with the bigger traditional shops, like Tesco, Lidl, The Co-operative and Heron Foods.

Just one of the delightful things about shopping in Thirsk is the little alleyways tucked away, where you will discover tea shops, clothes shops and furniture sellers that you may not have known even existed.

Also, you will hear the sounds and the smells of bakers, butchers and flower shops spread out around this lovely historic place.

MARKET PLACE - GET YOUR FRESH FRUIT & VEG
Try not to miss the open-air market in the Medieval market square on a Monday or Saturday and a chance to buy your fresh produce - the regular weekly markets are operated in the town's historical cobbled Market Place - come along and enjoy the experience of the market, which is part of the local scene. Make sure to get down there nice and early if possible. Opens at 8.30am.

PARKING
Car parking is free for one hour in the market place.

BANKS
At the time of publishing this site - the Banks in the town include Barclays Bank, HSBC, Lloyds Bank and Nationwide Building Society, all situated in the Market Place.

CITY OF YORK
If you fancy visiting York for even more shopping - the city is just over 23 miles away from Thirsk Via the A19 (around 35 minutes).
There is also the train you can hop onto, whch takes around 16 minutes. Thirsk Railway Station, Station Road, Thirsk YO7 4LS

nationalrail.co.uk

Weather in Thirsk

THIRSK WEATHER

The Ritz Cinema

16 Westgate, Thirsk YO7 1QS

Whats On

More info:

Thirsk Hall

A stunning Georgian-style country house. It was constructed in 1723 by John Bell. This timeless residence has been lovingly maintained by generations of the same family and holds the prestigious Grade II listing, symbolizing its historical and architectural significance.

Nestled within expansive, exquisitely landscaped grounds, Thirsk Hall boasts formal gardens, walled gardens and extensive parkland. In recent times, the addition of modern sculptures has beautifully blended traditional landscaping with contemporary art.

Having transformed into a vibrant cultural venue, the hall regularly hosts art exhibitions and events.

The sculpture garden proudly showcases works by contemporary artists, while the estate welcomes the public for open garden days and weddings, despite being a private residence.
Certain parts of the estate are also occasionally accessible to the public for special events or private tours, offering a captivating insight into its rich history and art collection.

Thirsk Hall's influence extends beyond its architectural grandeur, as it stands as a cultural focal point in North Yorkshire, seamlessly intertwining its heritage with modern artistic expression.

A Country Home to the Arts

More info: