Yorkshire: All Creatures Great and Small Mini-Coach Tour

If you’re a fan of the beloved All Creatures Great and Small series—whether the classics from the 1970s or the newer Channel 5 adaptation—you’ll likely find this tour appealing. It promises a full day of exploring the stunning scenery of North Yorkshire while enjoying the world of James Herriot. We haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, but based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, it sounds like a lovely way to connect with the stories and landscapes that have captured hearts for generations.

One aspect we especially like is how this tour combines famous filming locations with authentic Yorkshire scenery. It’s a chance to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters and see real villages and countryside where the shows were filmed. Plus, the inclusion of the James Herriot Museum provides a tangible link to the man behind the stories. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour covers a fair amount of ground in just one day, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full schedule and some walking.

This experience seems perfect for show fans, nature lovers, or anyone curious about rural Yorkshire. It’s also quite accessible for those who prefer guided, small-group outings rather than self-driving adventures. If you like a mix of scenery, history, and a touch of TV magic—this tour could well be worth your time.

Key Points

• Famous Locations: Visit iconic filming sites from both the original BBC series and the latest adaptation.
• Expert Guides: Tour guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and full of interesting facts.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy a visual feast of Yorkshire Dales landscapes, with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Museum Visit: Entry to the James Herriot Museum offers a deeper dive into the author’s life and work.
• Authentic Experience: Stop at real locations used in the shows, like the Drovers Arms pub and Darrowby village.
• All-Inclusive Feel: The tour covers over 15 locations but doesn’t include food and drinks, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Off in York

The adventure begins centrally in York, where you’ll meet your small mini-coach at Memorial Gardens on Leeman Road. The van’s compact size is perfect for navigating narrow country roads and small village streets, giving you a more intimate experience than a large bus might.

The James Herriot Museum and the Formner Surgery

Your first stop is at the ‘World of James Herriot’ attraction. This is where the show’s fans will get a nostalgic thrill—seeing the original surgery and the home of Alf Wright, the real vet who inspired the stories. It’s a worthwhile way to set the scene and get oriented before heading out into the Yorkshire countryside.

Filming Locations and Cultural Stops

Next, the tour hits some of the most recognizable Darrowby sites, including the location where James proposed to Helen, the site of their wedding at the Darrowby Bus Stop, and Darrowby Station from the show. These spots are carefully chosen to give fans a tangible sense of connection and provide excellent photo opportunities.

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Lunch at Hardraw

A highlight is lunch at the Hardraw pub, which was used as the interior setting for The Drovers Arms in the series. It’s a genuine pub that has become part of the show’s lore, so you’ll get to enjoy authentic Yorkshire fare in a cozy atmosphere while retracing some of the show’s most memorable scenes.

Visiting the Original and Current Show Locations

After lunch, the tour takes you through several original series sites like Darrowby Church, Cattle Market, and Skeldale House—the veterinary practice central to the stories. These visits are often highlighted by visitors as the real “wow” moments, especially if you’ve watched either version of the series.

The Newer Adaptation’s Village

The tour also stops in a remote village that’s been used as the setting for the latest series. Here, the guide will lead a short walk to see exteriors and local shops such as Handleys Booksellers, Darrowby Hardware, and the exterior of the Drovers Arms. This part of the tour offers a more immersive feel as you stroll through the fictional town brought to life on screen.

Scenic Drive and Reflection

Throughout the day, you’ll get a dose of the Yorkshire Dales’ natural beauty. The rolling hills, stone walls, and patchwork fields are what make this part of England so special. Several visitors have mentioned how the scenery alone is worth the trip, and that the guide’s commentary helps paint a vivid picture of local history and film production.

End of the Day

The tour wraps up back in York, offering a full 9 hours of sightseeing, with plenty of time to reflect on the day’s highlights and perhaps plan a return visit. The small size of the group and expert guiding make for a personable experience, as confirmed by several glowing reviews praising guides like John S. for their friendliness and knowledge.

Assessing the Value

At about $107.76 per person for a full day, this tour offers solid value—especially considering it includes entry to the James Herriot Museum and visits to more than 15 locations. While food and drinks aren’t included, the choice to dine at the historical pub adds to the authentic feel without extra booking fuss.

Visitors consistently mention the expert guides as a major plus, with reviews highlighting how friendly, funny, and informed they are. This personal touch makes a big difference when navigating a busy itinerary and trying to absorb a lot of info in a day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re a series fan, this is a particularly good pick—it’s a chance to see the real places that inspired the stories and to stand in the same spots seen on screen. Nature lovers will appreciate the stunning scenery, and history buffs will enjoy the authentic villages and landmarks. It’s a manageable day trip for those comfortable with 9 hours of sightseeing, walking, and some bus travel.

While the tour isn’t expressly marketed as family-friendly, the pace and content are generally suitable for older children and teens who enjoy the TV series or countryside adventures. People with mobility issues might find some parts challenging, as the tour involves walking around villages and uneven ground.

Final Thoughts

This Yorkshire All Creatures Great and Small tour offers a well-rounded dose of scenic beauty, cultural history, and TV nostalgia. It’s a good fit for fans eager to see the filming locations up close, as well as those simply wanting to enjoy a picturesque day in the Dales. The guides are a definite highlight, making sure you get the most out of every stop, and the overall experience feels thoughtfully curated.

While it’s not a tour for those craving a relaxed, slow-paced day, it’s definitely rewarding for those who want a comprehensive, fun, and visually stunning trip through some of England’s most charming countryside. If you’re happy to spend a day exploring, learning, and snapping photos, this could be a highlight of your Yorkshire visit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for older children and teens, especially fans of the series. However, it involves walking around villages and some uneven terrain, so younger children or those with mobility issues might find it more challenging.

Does the tour include meals?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there is an opportunity to buy lunch during the stop at Hardraw pub, which was used as the interior of The Drovers Arms.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about 9 hours, starting from York and returning in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on the day.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers transport in a mini-coach, entry to the James Herriot Museum, and a full commentary from an experienced guide.

Are there bathroom stops?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s route through villages and countryside likely includes brief stops, but it’s best to ask your guide on the day for specifics.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, positive reviews highlight guides like John S., who are friendly, informative, and attentive, making the experience more engaging.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking around various locations and uneven terrains.

Is this a small-group tour?
Yes, with a 16-seater minivan, it offers a more intimate experience compared to large bus tours, ideal for personal interaction and better access to photo ops.

If you’re a James Herriot devotee or just want to experience the charm of the Yorkshire Dales, this tour seems like a well-considered way to spend a memorable day. It balances scenery, history, and TV magic, all guided by friendly experts who make sure you get a lot out of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: