Area Guide

The small hamlet of Askrigg, Wensleydale, is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the dales, due to the well-known BBC TV series, All Creatures Great and Small.

All creatures great and small

The filming of the television series All Creatures Great and Small begun in 1977, based on the books written by the Yorkshire vet Alf Wight under the guise of James Herriot. The series was shot mainly between the village of Askrigg (Darrowby) and Bolton Castle.
Today you can still have a pint in the Kings Arms, known during filming as Drover’s Arms and visit the interior of Skeldale House Surgery, at the Richmond Museum. The rest of the displays of the series can be found in the James Herriot Museum in Thirsk.
We had a lot of fun, and would recommend filming you’re own version of the titles of the programme by driving between Feetham and Langthwaite to recreate the well-known ‘Splash’ when driving over the ford.

History  Askrigg

Askrigg is steeped with history, the narrow cobbled streets and market place tell a busy story but the most interesting/sad tail comes from the iron bull ring set into the cobbles. Historians say the bull ring dates back to the 18th century or even earlier. The locals would tie their bulls in the bull ring for them to be attacked or baited with dogs.
According to a local historian it even became custom for men of Askrigg to turn the bull ring over when they were looking for a fight and if another man felt the need for a fight, then he would do the same and they would fight each other – we’d recommend not to try this!