'Step into the home of All Creatures Great and Small': Grassington to create visitor attraction to celebrate Channel 5 series
The Yorkshire Dales village of Grassington is to launch a visitor attraction that will celebrate its filming role as James Herriot’s fictional home of Darrowby, as seen in Channel 5’s huge global hit TV adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small.
Discover Grassington, the official community, tourism and visitor hub website for the village, has released a statement saying: “We’re delighted to share our vision for a dedicated All Creatures Great and Small (ACGAS) Community Space in the heart of Grassington.
“With the support of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, we aim to celebrate our town’s rich heritage while recognising the worldwide success of All Creatures Great And Small and the positive impact it has had on our community, economy, and visitor numbers.
“Our project will transform the undercroft beneath Grassington Town Hall - Grassington Devonshire Institute - into a sustainable, donation-supported visitor attraction, creating a lasting legacy for residents and visitors alike.”
It added that the new space will feature All creatures Great and Small Celebration reels and immersive photo opportunities, posting on its Facebook page: “Visitors will enjoy a 7 to 8-minute presentation featuring photographs and short film clips capturing the magic of filming in Grassington, from transformed shop fronts and behind-the-scenes moments to fan experiences and local stories.
“We plan to recreate two to three iconic locations from the series, allowing visitors to step into the world of ACGAS. Potential displays include the surgery telephone stand, Siegfried’s desk, and the entrance to Skeldale House.
“Wherever possible, antiques and furnishings will be sourced locally, helping to preserve authenticity while supporting local businesses and craftspeople.”
Filming for All Creatures Great and Small season seven began in the Yorkshire Dales in February this year, and is drawing to a close this month.
Grassington has been transformed into 1940s Darrowby on several days, and leading cast members Nicholas Ralph, Rachel Shenton, Samuel West, Anna Madeley and Callum Woodhouse have all been seen in village as they film their scenes.
In-between scenes, they have been happy to chat and pose for photos with fans visiting from the UK and across the world, especially from the US, where All Creatures Great and Small is broadcast and streamed on PBS.
The Devonshire pub once again became the exterior of vets’ watering hole The Drovers, and the fronts of shops in and around the village square were given 1940s makeovers to provide authentic locations and backdrops for the closely guarded series seven storylines.
Filming has also been spotted in Arncliffe (where the back of Skeldale House is filmed), in Kettlewell, in Ripley and Yockenthwaite, the location for Helen’s family farm.
Discover Grassington said it aimed to complete its All Creatures attraction by July 31 this year, with “flexibility as the project develops”, adding: “Together, we can create a unique visitor experience that honours Grassington’s heritage, celebrates the global success of All Creatures Great and Small, and provides a welcoming space for generations to come.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to develop a project that aligns with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s commitment to supporting culture, heritage, tourism, and thriving communities. We also thank David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, for championing initiatives that help local communities grow, attract visitors, and celebrate the unique character of our region.”