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All Creatures Great and Small movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was All Creatures Great and Small filmed?

1978

City Locations

Yorkshire (UK)

Location Types

Mansion, House, Hotel, Bar, Church

Location Styles

Castle, Gothic/Victorian, Georgian, Building Dated/Retro, Rustic

About All Creatures Great and Small

All Creatures Great and Small was a British comedy-drama television series aired on BBC One from 1978 to 1990. Peter Moffatt directed the series, and Bill Sellars produced it. All Creatures Great & Small, which enjoyed immense popularity on British television, had two distinct multi-season runs: the first from 1979 to 1980 and the second from 1988 to 1990. It received equal acclaim on its broadcast in the United States through PBS.

The series drew inspiration from the biographical novels of James Herriot (Christopher Timothy), a Yorkshire veterinarian. From the late ‘30s to the mid-’40s, the series focused on the selfsame Dr. Herriot, a medical school graduate assigned to a Yorkshire County farming community. He joined the thriving veterinary practice of the brothers Farnon, with Siegfried Farnon (Robert Hardy) thoroughly dominating the young, easygoing Tristan (Peter Davison).

As he gets accustomed to his new environment, Dr. Herriot soon realizes that the countryside has unique characters and unusual animals alike; he even falls in love and eventually marries Helen Alderson (Carol Drinkwater), the daughter of a local farmer who wasn’t fond of doctors at all.

BBC has struck gold with All Creatures Great and Small, serving as the much-needed uplifting antidote for 1978 and even now. It resonates with sentimentality and radiates a strong sense of positivity. In 2020, a reimagining of the same title was brought to life by Playground Entertainment, airing on Channel 5 in the UK and PBS in the US.

All Creatures Great and Small Locations

The production of All Creatures Great and Small relied heavily on the region of North Yorkshire, England. The vast countryside provided a stunning backdrop to the stories of James Herriot and his adventures as a country veterinarian.

From Askrigg village, which doubled for fictional Darrowby, to Bainbridge, every exterior scene came to life in this historic part of England. The Yorkshire Dales National Park captures 4 million visitors a year with its rolling hills and lush green valleys, and Broughton Hall offered the home of the wealthy local character Mrs. Pumphrey (Margaretta Scott) and her beloved pup Tricki-Woo. The legendary Green Dragon Inn in Hardraw also served as a filming location.

A trip to the locations associated with All Creatures Great and Small would be worthwhile as many sites look as they did decades ago. Imagine taking a stroll down Askrigg’s picturesque cobbled streets or exploring Holy Trinity Church in Low Lane, where James Herriot and Helen Alderson married in the show.

You can even visit Skeldale House, formally known as Cringley House, which doubled up as Herriot’s veterinary practice. With such landmarks scattered across North Yorkshire, exploring them is an excellent way to relive some of your favorite moments from one of Britain’s most beloved shows.

The Skeldale House scenes in All Creatures Great and Small

Skeldale House, Main St, Askrigg, Leyburn DL8 3HG, UK

Fans can vividly reminisce about the veterinary practice at Skeldale House. In the concluding episode of the second series, "Merry Gentlemen," we see the room to the left of Skeldale's main entrance. Once a dining room, it now serves as Siegfried's (Robert Hardy) wine storage area, housing his surplus collection.

The room, covered in dust, is revitalized by Helen (Carol Drinkwater) and Mrs. Hall (Mary Hignett). They light up the fireplace, and a Christmas tree is positioned in one corner, breathing new life into the space.

The location for this scene is Cringley House in Askrigg, near Leyburn. This exquisite Grade II-listed building showcases the beauty of 19th-century architecture with its charming stone walls and elegant mullioned windows.

It has also become known as Skeldale House over the years because of its appearance in this popular television show. In 2013, Keith and Lisa Wright bought the property and officially renamed it Skeldale House — transforming the building into luxurious holiday apartments and studios for guests to enjoy throughout the year.

To get to Cringley House/Skeldale House, fly into nearby Leeds Bradford Airport or take a train to Leeds or Northallerton stations before taking a bus to Leyburn. From there, it is just 12 miles away by car via A684 road.

Mrs. Pumphrey's party scene in All Creatures Great and Small

Ellerton Abbey, Richmond, DL11 6AN, UK

The scene from series 1, episode 3, features the ever-generous Mrs. Pumphrey (Margaretta Scott), who loves her pet dog Tricki-Woo so much that she insists on taking him from the vet after only a week. In response to James (Christopher Timothy), that Tricki-Woo needs to stay at the surgery a little longer for his safety and well-being, Mrs. Pumphrey sends an extravagant gift basket full of expensive treats as a thank-you for caring for her beloved pet. To officially welcome Tricki-Woo home, Mrs. Pumphrey holds a grand celebration in her mansion where all his friends can come together to celebrate his return.

Ellerton Abbey in Richmondshire, North Yorkshire, provided the backdrop for the scene. Ellerton Abbey dates back to the 12th century and has undergone renovations to become a stunningly luxurious hotel with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the recreated Mrs. Pumphrey's tearoom to enjoy afternoon tea while reliving memorable moments from All Creatures Great and Small.

To reach the Ellerton Abbey, take a train from London’s Kings Cross station and disembark at Northallerton station. From there, it is just a short drive by car or taxi to reach Ellerton Abbey.

James Herriot proposing to Helen Alderson scene in All Creatures Great and Small

Bolton Castle, Nr Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 4ET, UK

The scene at Bolton Castle, where James (Christopher Timothy) proposes to Helen (Carol Drinkwater), is one of the most iconic and romantic scenes on British television (series 2, episode 8). The castle is situated on a hillside, surrounded by beautiful green rolling landscapes that stretch out into the horizon. The backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales provides an idyllic setting for such a romantic moment.

The walls of Bolton Castle, constructed in 1399, still show signs of its medieval past. Preservations allow parts to stay open to visitors, including gardens and vineyards. Falconry displays during some months enable visitors to experience traditional hunting methods up close.

Take the train or coach from London Euston Station directly to Leyburn Station in North Yorkshire, only a few miles from the castle. The journey lasts four to eleven hours (depending on the selected mode of transportation) and is quite scenic as you pass through villages scattered around stunning English countryside vistas.

The Drovers Arms scenes in All Creatures Great and Small

The King's Arms Hotel, Main St, Askrigg, Leyburn DL8 3HQ, UK

Mr. Hartley (Peter Martin) convinces Siegfried (Robert Hardy) to address a gathering of local farmers at the Drovers Arms. Reluctantly agreeing, Siegfried employs every tactic to escape this commitment. As the audience watches, Siegfried skillfully attempts to evade his responsibility, all while enjoying a pint in the company of Mr. Hartley (series 6, episode 5).

The filming of the Drovers Arms scenes took place at The King's Arms Hotel in Askrigg. This hotel, with its invaluable historical significance, seamlessly merges antiquity with modernity, providing a sophisticated mix of delectable cuisine, renowned local brews, and a meticulously curated selection of wines. All of this is against a breathtaking countryside backdrop. Images of the original cast, alongside other historical images related to the Pub, grace the wall.

Getting to The King’s Arms Hotel is easy — 5 miles from Aysgarth Falls in Wensleydale. If traveling by car, take A684 towards Hawes until you reach Askrigg Village; The King's Arms will be on your left-hand side after driving through town.

James and Helen's wedding scene in All Creatures Great and Small

Holy Trinity Church, Low Ln, Wensley, Leyburn DL8 4HX, UK

The sequence featuring James (Christopher Timothy) and Helen's (Carol Drinkwater) wedding begins with exterior views of the church. Following this, we see a jubilant couple exiting the church amidst their loved ones. The scene concludes as they step into a car, ready to embark on their honeymoon.

Their radiant smiles were evident as they left the church, reflecting their sheer happiness, while friends and family clapped enthusiastically, celebrating the commencement of their shared life journey (series 3).

The Holy Trinity Church in Wensley provided the setting for this scene. Constructed on the remnants of an eighth-century Saxon foundation, this church from the thirteenth century is beside the Ure River at the scenic eastern extremity of Wensleydale.

The interior is a testament to its deep-rooted history, showcasing splendid examples of medieval wall art. The location is accessible to fans and has remarkably maintained its appearance from the film.

Get there by taking a train from London Kings Cross to York and then a bus or taxi to Wensleydale.

The market day scene in All Creatures Great and Small

Hawes, North Yorkshire, England, UK

In the second episode of Series 1, viewers explore Hawes, a bustling market town in England. As Tristan (Peter Davison) returns from veterinary college in Edinburgh, having failed pathology and parasitology, James (Christopher Timothy) picks him up from the station.

Upon their arrival, Siegfried (Robert Hardy) puts Tristan to work collecting payments on market day, but he misplaces the receipt book soon afterward. This scene provides viewers an insight into the everyday lives of characters living and working in a small rural community.

Hawes, recognized as the loftiest market town in England, was depicted as the Darrowby Cattle Market in the original series of All Creatures Great and Small. Traditional stone constructions, cobblestone lanes, and a historic marketplace characterize the town, all encircled by the striking Wensleydale scenery. Various cafes scattered across Hawes provide ideal spots for visitors to stop for a bite.

Hawes is accessible by car or bus as roads and public transport links from nearby towns like Leeds and Leyburn well connect it. The nearest international airport is Leeds Bradford Airport, which is approximately 49 miles away from Hawes.

Conclusion

All Creatures Great and Small is a highly acclaimed British television series aired from 1978 to 1990. It showcased the story of James Herriot, a veterinarian who established himself in the small town of Darrowby. The show was immensely popular with viewers due to its captivating characters, warmhearted plotlines, and beautiful cinematography.

The actors did an excellent job bringing their characters to life and giving each unique personality. The casting was spot-on, especially Peter Davison as Tristan, whose performance provided comic relief. The script also perfectly captured rural life's gentle charm and undeniably contributed to its success.

The series has become a classic in the movie industry for its heartwarming story and lighthearted tone. It remains a source of nostalgia for those who grew up watching the show in its heyday, while newcomers can still appreciate it for its charm and social insight. All Creatures Great and Small is one of those rare shows that stands the test of time.

It is worth watching — whether you experienced it as a child or are looking for something new to watch. All Creatures Great and Small will make you laugh, cry, reminisce about simpler times, and appreciate all life offers.