Thirsk Market Place, North Yorkshire

Thirsk, North Yorkshire  ·  Wednesday, 27th May 2026

Your guide to what's on in Thirsk

Markets, live music, family activities, workshops and local events — updated weekly for visitors and locals alike.

Happening soon

This weekend in Thirsk

View all events 🔎
Sunday, May 31st 2026

Sunday, May 31st 2026

Thirsk Races - The Racecourse is proud to host a Sky Bet Sunday Series Raceday, an exciting addition to the calendar featuring high-quality, competitive racing broadcast live on ITV. With strong prize money on offer. It's an ideal way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon with family and friends.

This fixture will operate as a single enclosure event, with Premier areas accessible to all. Grandstand tickets will be the only admission option available.

What's On: Enjoy live entertainment from THE FLAT CAP BRASS BAND, along with a variety of bars and food vendors. For an enhanced experience, you can upgrade to one of the hospitality packages and reserve a table for the day.
As a Family Day, there's also plenty of free entertainment for children, including inflatables, fairground stalls, a laser battle zone, games, face painting, a kids disco, and more.

First Race - 3.45pm   Gates Open: 1.00pm

Planning your visit

Everything you need to know

Parking in Thirsk town centre

Parking in Thirsk

Short-stay bays near the Market Place, plus long-stay car parks at Marage and Millgate. EV charging available. Blue Badge bays throughout.

Parking guide 🚗
Accommodation in and around Thirsk

Accommodation

Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering options in and around Thirsk, from cosy countryside retreats to town-centre stays.

View accommodation 🛌
Walking trails around Thirsk and the Hambleton Hills

Walking trails

Easy town routes and scenic countryside trails around Thirsk, including paths along the River Rye and into the Hambleton Hills.

Explore walks 🚶
Dog-friendly walks and pubs in Thirsk

Pet friendly Thirsk

Dog-friendly pubs, walks, cafés and accommodation in Thirsk — because your four-legged companions deserve a day out too.

Pet friendly guide 🐶
Birds of Prey Centre at Sion Hill Hall near Thirsk

Birds of Prey Centre

Over 70 birds of prey at Sion Hill Hall — hawks, eagles, falcons, kites and owls. Adults £10.95 · Children £8.95. Opening spring 2026.

Visit the centre 🐦
Thirsk market days — Monday and Saturday in the Market Place

Markets & shopping

Thirsk's famous market runs every Monday and Saturday in the Market Place. The Farmers Market takes place on the first Sunday of each month.

Market dates 📅
Monday market
Every Monday · Market Place
Saturday market
Every Saturday · Market Place
Farmers Market
1st Sunday monthly · Market Place
Visitor Information
93a Market Place · Mon–Sat 10–3pm

About Thirsk

A market town with over 1,000 years of history

Thirsk is a charming North Yorkshire market town nestled between the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors, situated on the River Rye. It's the birthplace of Thomas Lord and the home of author James Herriot (Alf Wight), whose stories brought the Yorkshire countryside to life for millions of readers.

Compact and easy to explore on foot, Thirsk makes an ideal base for discovering the wider region — with York's world-class attractions just 20 miles away.

Official visitor site
1,000+
Years of history, mentioned in the Domesday Book
20 mi
From York and the National Railway Museum
15
Race meetings per season at Thirsk Racecourse
1730
Year of the first recorded race at Thirsk
Thirsk cobbled Market Place, North Yorkshire