Thirsk is a popular tourist destination with many visitors every year.

It is the most visited place in North Yorkshire, England.

Looking for things to do in Thirsk? Discover markets, live music, workshops, family activities and local events happening in and around Thirsk, North Yorkshire. Browse the regularly updated listings to find the best events taking place during the week and this coming Saturday and Sunday.

What's On In Thirsk This Weekend

Saturday, March 28th 2026

Ripon Choral Society - Spring Concert
📍 Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QT.
This spring performance presents Finzi's musical interpretation of Wordsworth's Ode, composed as one continuous movement and reflecting on the line The things which I have seen I now can do no more. The programme also includes two celebrated works by Poulenc - Gloria and the Organ Concerto.
7.30pm.
Tickets £26 reserved, £24 unreserved, students £10.
tickets: Book online or on the door
email: tickets@riponchoralsociety.org.uk
web: riponchoralsociety.org.uk

Saturday, March 28th 2026

Repair Your Stuff
📍 Meadowfields, Chapel Street, Thirsk YO7 1TH.
Reduce waste and save money by bringing along broken or worn items for repair by a friendly team of skilled volunteers. A great way to be greener while giving everyday items a second life. A voluntary donation helps support the project.
10am-1pm (last repair accepted at 12.30pm).
Free, donations welcome.
email: thirskrepaircafe@gmail.com

Sunday, March 29th 2026

Write Your Memoir with Steve Harvey
📍 Meeting House Ct, Helmsley, YO62 5DW.
Come & be inspired to write about your life. Have you ever thought about writing your memoir? Everyone has a story to tell & Steve Harvey will help you develop yours.
10am.
tel: 01439 771700
web: helsleyarts.co.uk

More about Thirsk - With a history of over 1,000 years and has been mentioned in the Domesday Book. Thirsk is home to a number of attractions including the National Railway Museum, Farmers Market, Thirsk Racecourse and the Thirsk Museum.

It is the home of author James Herriot and birthplace of Thomas Lord, Thirsk is a lovely small market town situated near the Yorkshire Dales, a popular tourist destination which is located on the River Rye, also the town is close to the North Yorkshire Moors.

On the western edge of the town sits Thirsk Racecourse which boasts the world's oldest horse race, this dates back to 1730 but some say it could be as early as the Roman Times.

Do not miss the Farmers Market - on the first Sunday of every month at the Thirsk Market Place.
Experience the best of North Yorkshire with a wonderful selection of local produce, including fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and handmade crafts from talented local farmers and artisans.

The emphasis is on local, seasonal products ensures a delightful experience for residents and visitors alike.
Top features include local produce - fresh meats, cheeses, organic vegetables and baked goods. Craft stalls - Handmade crafts and artisan products.

Great community atmosphere - a regular event uniting locals and tourists.

The Farmers Market is open from 10:00am to 3:00pm, enriching the vibrant local life in Thirsk. Don't miss out on the opportunity to support local producers and experience the warmth of the community.

There is plenty to do and enjoy in and around the Thirsk area, plus with many places to eat and drink, you will have an enjoyable time.

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

Parking in Thirsk

If you’re visiting Thirsk for shopping, sightseeing or one of the town’s many events, there are plenty of convenient parking options close to the Market Place and main attractions.

Town Centre Parking

The easiest place to start is around Thirsk Market Place — there are short-stay bays and on-street parking within a short walk of shops, cafés and the cobbled square. Market days (Mondays and Saturdays) can be busy, so arriving early helps.

Long-stay car parks

If you plan to spend the day exploring, use one of the long-stay car parks a few minutes’ walk from the centre:

Marage Car Park (YO7 1PE) — near the river, handy for Thirsk Racecourse and local footpaths.
Millgate Car Park (YO7 1PE) — just off Millgate, convenient for the World of James Herriot and nearby shops.

Charges are reasonable; payment is usually accepted by cash, card or the RingGo app where available.

Disabled parking

Blue Badge holders will find designated bays in the Market Place and main car parks. Parking is generally free for badge holders when the badge is clearly displayed, but always check the signs for any time limits.

Coach & motorhome parking

Coaches and larger vehicles can normally use Marage Car Park which has larger spaces — overnight stays are not typically permitted, so check with Hambleton District Council or the visitor centre before planning a longer stop.

Electric vehicle charging

There are electric vehicle charging points in Thirsk car parks (for example at Millgate and Marage). These are part of the national charging network and accept most EV cards and apps.

Helpful tips

Thirsk is compact and easy to explore on foot — once you park you’ll rarely need the car again during your visit.
Event days may bring temporary parking restrictions — always check local signage or contact the visitor centre for updates.
Free on-street parking can sometimes be found a little further from the centre — please respect residents and parking regulations.

For up-to-date information about specific spaces or charges, contact Hambleton District Council or Thirsk Visitor Information.

Thirsk Tourist Information Centre

Located in the centre of the market place at 93a Market Place, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1EY

PLEASE NOTE: visitthirsk.org.uk is the official tourist website and can be viewed via the link below:

Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday 10.00am to 3.00pm
In July & August the centre is open on a Sunday.

Telephone: 01845 522755

email: info@visitthirsk.org.uk

Official Site:

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Market Days in Thirsk
Every Monday and Saturday, the town square comes alive with a diverse array of offerings, from fresh produce and handcrafted goods to locally sourced products. These markets have been a cornerstone of the town's cultural and economic fabric for centuries, with historical records tracing market activities back to the medieval era.

Thirsk's market holds a special allure due to its lively community atmosphere, where local vendors and patrons converge regularly.

It not only serves as a shopping haven but also as a social hub for both residents and visitors.
Moreover, the town's historical and cultural significance is further enriched by its association with the renowned author James Herriot (the pen name of Alf Wight).

Parking here - up to 1 hour for free. For longer stays, it is a reasonable £1.40 for up to 2 hours.

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National Railway Museum
Located in York, approximately just 20 miles away and worth a visit for sure. This museum stands as one of the largest of its kind globally, with a primary focus on preserving and displaying the rich railway heritage of Britain.

It boasts an extensive collection of historically significant locomotives and railway artifacts, including renowned engines such as Mallard, the fastest steam locomotive, and Flying Scotsman, an iconic steam engine.

Many visitors to Thirsk do decide to opt for day trips to York to explore the National Railway Museum due to its close proximity and easy accessibility via rail, which approximately takes around 20 minutes.
The museum offers free entry and features interactive exhibits, a working turntable, and even miniature train rides, making it a popular choice for railway enthusiasts and families alike.

Official Site:

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Thirsk Racecourse
AND THEY'RE OFF - A prominent status as a renowned flat racing venue. Established back in 1855, this racecourse is celebrated for its picturesque setting, offering spectators delightful views of the nearby Hambleton Hills.

It takes center stage for flat racing events from April to September, hosting approximately 15 meetings each season. The track itself forms a left-handed, oval-shaped circuit spanning about 1 mile and 2 furlongs, renowned for its fair and swift surface.

Thirsk Racecourse appeals to both ardent race enthusiasts and families, providing a blend of competitive racing and leisurely, family-oriented occasions. The venue boasts contemporary amenities, encompassing grandstands, hospitality areas, and diverse dining options, ensuring a delightful experience for visitors to the region. Notably, special events like Ladies' Day attract large crowds.

The season opener is Friday April 10th 2026

Best walks in & around Thirsk

Looking for fresh air and great views? Explore the guide to the best walks in Thirsk, including easy town routes and scenic countryside trails.

Step This Way...

Places to Visit

Thirsk Racecourse

National Railway Museum

Thirsk Museum

Birds of Prey Centre

Market Days Mon & Sat

James Herriot Home

St. Mary's Church

Thirsk Garden Centre

WALKIES

Suggestions for the best areas to exercise your fury friends in and around Thirsk.

Fetch...

Birds of Prey Centre

A unique opportunity to witness over 70 birds of prey - including hawks, eagles, falcons, kites, vultures and everyones favourite, the owl.

The Birds of Prey & Conservation Centre is situated at Sion Hill Hall, Kirby Wiske. YO7 4EU

Opening Times TBC:
Spring 2026

Entrance fees are as follows:

Adults: £10.95
OAP: £9.95
Children: £8.95
Children under 3 years go FREE
Family Ticket £37.00 (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children)

NB: No dogs allowed at the centre.

Contact Telephone number is 01845 587522

Visit site:

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OWL FACTS:
Not all owls hoot - they can make a varied range of sounds such as barks, screeches, hisses and even whistles.

They also have many exceptional features, including their hearing, plus the ability to rotate their head up to 270 degrees which means they can see behind them without having to move their body or turn the neck!