York: “All Creatures Great and Small” Yorkshire Dales Tour

The York: “All Creatures Great and Small” Yorkshire Dales Tour offers a compelling journey into the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, perfectly suited for fans of the beloved TV series and anyone eager to see the scenic landscapes that inspired James Herriot. This 8.5-hour guided tour departs from York, starting early at Coach Stop A on Leeman Road, just a short walk from York Railway Station, making logistics straightforward. For a price of approximately £59 to £69 per person, travelers gain access to a carefully curated itinerary that highlights famous filming locations, picturesque villages, and historic sites. The tour boasts a stellar rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 147 reviews, emphasizing the strong reputation of Yorkshire Day Tours and the high satisfaction among past participants.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the locations used in both the old and new series of “All Creatures Great and Small”. The experience combines the charm of the Yorkshire Dales with detailed commentary from knowledgeable guides, ensuring an engaging and informative day. Travelers who enjoy scenic drives, historical insights, and TV history will find this tour particularly appealing. While the tour maintains a full schedule with many stops, it is designed as a coach-based experience, meaning there are no stops to disembark at individual sites, which suits those preferring a relaxed, sightseeing-only adventure.

Key Points

• Duration of 8.5 hours offers a comprehensive look at Yorkshire Dales filming locations and scenery
• Guided by friendly, knowledgeable guides, with Trevor, John, Ben A, and others receiving high praise for storytelling
• Visits to both old and new series filming sites, including Grassington, Askrigg, Bolton Castle, and Hawes
• Includes cheese tasting at Wensleydale Creamery, and picturesque villages like Hawkshead and Carperby
• Stops at iconic sites like Bolton Castle and Holy Trinity Church in Wensley
• Small group size limited to 15 participants, providing a more personal experience
• No off-bus disembarking, but ample photo opportunities and scenic views

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Exploring the Yorkshire Dales Filming Locations from York

The tour starts early at Coach Stop A, located opposite Memorial Gardens on Leeman Road. Guests are encouraged to arrive 5 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth start. The route primarily focuses on showcasing the areas where “All Creatures Great and Small” was filmed, along with other stunning landscapes of the Dales. The bus is described as modern, clean, and comfortable, allowing for a relaxed sightseeing experience with large windows for optimal views.

The guide narrates stories about the series, the filming locations, and local history, creating an engaging atmosphere that keeps everyone informed and entertained. Past reviews highlight guides like Trevor, John, Ben A, and John S as outstanding storytellers who bring the scenery to life, often going beyond the basic script with witty anecdotes and detailed insights. The small group setup, capped at 15 participants, means the commentary feels personalized, and questions are welcomed throughout the day.

Visiting Grassington and Askrigg: The Heart of Darrowby

The tour’s highlight includes stops at Grassington, which served as Darrowby Village in the new series. Here, visitors see the Drovers Arms and Skeldale House, instantly recognizable from the show. The town’s charming streets and local scenery give a real sense of the series’ setting. Past participants note that more time at Grassington would enhance the experience, suggesting about 90 minutes might be ideal for exploring the village and enjoying a quick coffee or snack.

In the old series, Askrigg doubles as Darrowby Village, and the tour makes a stop here as well. The group visits the Drovers Arms, the Holy Trinity Church in Wensley, where James Herriot’s characters got married, and other filming sites. The stops at these locations allow for photo moments and appreciation of the quaint village atmosphere. The scenic views in the area often feature drystone walls, rolling hills, and historic architecture, all adding to the authentic Yorkshire feel.

Bolton Castle and the Yorkshire Dales’ Heritage

A visit to Bolton Castle ranks as a major highlight, especially for history lovers. The castle, which dates back over 600 years, bears traces of its Civil War siege, imprisonment of Mary Queen of Scots, and its role in the Pilgrimage of Grace. The site offers stunning gardens, birds of prey shows, and the chance to feed wild boars, which many reviews mention as a delightful surprise.

Past guests remark that the visit to Bolton Castle is sometimes limited by the schedule, with some wishing for additional time to explore more thoroughly. The castle’s combination of history, scenery, and interactive experiences makes it a memorable stop.

Wensleydale Creamery and Cheese Tasting

A visiting highlight is the stop at the Wensleydale Creamery, where a cheese tasting is included. This offers a tasty break from the scenic drives, and the opportunity to learn about traditional cheese-making methods. Travelers often say that the cheese tasting is a real treat and a good value addition to the tour, with some reviews mentioning longer time at the Creamery would be preferred.

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The Village of Hawkshead and Carperby

The picturesque village of Hawkshead is part of the itinerary, offering classic Yorkshire views and a peaceful atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Wheatsheaf Inn in Carperby is celebrated as an idyllic countryside spot where James Herriot and his wife had their honeymoon in real life. The inn’s cosy ambiance and beautiful surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for appreciating the rural charm of the region.

Final Stops in Hawes and Wensley

The tour concludes in Hawes, famous for its Darrowby cattle market and country club scenes from the series. This vibrant town offers wonderful views of the Dales and is a fitting ending point for the day. Past travelers mention more time in Hawes could make the experience even better, but overall, it provides a satisfying finale with plenty of photo opportunities and local flavor.

The Role of the Guides and Overall Experience

Throughout the day, guides like Trevor, John, Ben A, and John S earn praise for knowledgeability, friendliness, and their ability to tell stories vividly. The small group size encourages interaction, and the comfortable coach makes long drives pleasant. Past reviews consistently mention the guides’ storytelling skills, the scenic beauty, and the value for money as key strengths.

The pacing of the tour is generally well-received, but some suggest a little more time at key stops like Grassington or Bolton Castle would improve the experience. The tour’s combination of film history, local scenery, and lively guides makes it a popular choice among fans and lovers of Yorkshire’s landscape.

Yorkshire’s Film and Heritage Scene: What Makes This Tour Special

This tour distinguishes itself through its focus on “All Creatures Great and Small” filming locations, making it ideal for TV fans. The stops in Grassington, Askrigg, and Hawes connect visitors directly to the series’ setting, while sites like Bolton Castle add a layer of historic allure. The inclusion of cheese tasting at the Wensleydale Creamery introduces a local flavor, tying in the culinary traditions of the region.

Past participants frequently mention the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides as a major factor in the tour’s success. Their stories weave together TV history, local legends, and geological features, creating a comprehensive picture of Yorkshire’s character. The scenic views across Wharfedale, Wensleydale, and Swaledale offer breathtaking photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the vast, open landscapes that have inspired generations.

Who Will Benefit Most From This Tour?

This small-group experience suits those who prefer not to walk or disembark at stops but still want to see key locations. It’s perfect for TV enthusiasts, history buffs, and scenery lovers alike. The guide’s storytelling ability enhances the trip, making it a rich, informative outing. The 8.5-hour schedule makes it suitable for a full-day excursion, giving enough time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed.

Travelers should be comfortable with coach travel and bus seating, and are advised that no off-bus stops occur during the tour. The small group size ensures a cozy atmosphere, but those seeking more active exploration might find it limiting.

Final Thoughts on the “All Creatures Great and Small” Yorkshire Dales Tour

This tour offers a well-organized, scenic, and historically engaging look at the landscapes that inspired the beloved series. The combination of filming locations, historic sites, and local culinary experiences make it a rewarding day out from York. The high praise for guides like Trevor, John, and Ben A suggests that the storytelling is a major highlight.

While some reviews suggest slightly longer stops would improve the experience, the overall value remains strong, especially considering the small-group setting and expert narration. This tour is particularly perfect for fans of “All Creatures Great and Small” and those eager to see the classic Yorkshire scenery in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any off-bus walking involved?
No, this tour does not involve stops where passengers disembark. It is a coach-based sightseeing experience with many scenic views and photo stops.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 8.5 hours, providing ample time to visit multiple locations, with scheduled stops at key filming sites, villages, and attractions.

What are the main stops included?
Stops include Grassington, Hawkshead, Bolton Castle, Wensleydale Creamery, and Hawes, among others. The itinerary focuses on filming locations and picturesque villages.

Are guides knowledgeable about “All Creatures Great and Small”?
Yes, the guides are highly praised for their storytelling, local knowledge, and ability to bring the series’ locations to life through engaging commentary.

What should I bring or prepare?
Participants should arrive 5 minutes early at the meeting point. Since the experience is coach-based, comfortable clothing and camera are recommended, but no special gear is necessary.

This “All Creatures Great and Small” Yorkshire Dales Tour from York combines scenery, TV history, and local culture into a memorable day for those eager to see the landscapes behind the stories. With excellent reviews and friendly guides, it remains a popular choice for fans and sightseers alike.

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