The Channel 5 series All Creatures Great and Small, set in the 1930s, brilliantly captures the essence of the Yorkshire Dales. Its rich, rural landscapes and charming villages provide an immersive look at Herriot's fictional town of Darrowby. Filming locations around Yorkshire offer viewers a visual treat, preserving historical architecture and stunning natural scenery that transport fans to another time.
Source: Yorkshire Live
Central to the series is Grassington, which stands in as Darrowby. This picturesque village was carefully transformed to represent the look and feel of the period, with locations like The Devonshire Arms pub serving as the exterior for the fictional Drovers Arms, while its interiors were shot in The Green Dragon Inn in Hardraw. Shops in Grassington, including the Stripey Badger bookstore and Walker’s Bakery, were also modified to create authentic 1930s storefronts, embodying the bustling community of Herriot’s world. Even details like the town square in Grassington add an extra layer of period charm, enhancing the show’s visual allure.
The surrounding countryside further adds to the show’s scenic appeal. Malham, known for its striking limestone formations, was used for filming scenes like Herriot’s arrival in Darrowby and for outdoor adventure shots. Malham Cove and the waterfall Janet’s Foss were featured, showcasing the area’s distinctive natural beauty. These dramatic landscapes lend authenticity to Herriot’s veterinary calls across the Dales, reinforcing the isolation and close connection to nature that defines the show’s characters.
Source: Yorkshire Live
Several heritage railways also play a part in the series. Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, a preserved heritage line, was used to depict James’s journey to Darrowby, with Keighley Station standing in as the point of departure. This railway has a history dating back to the 19th century and perfectly fits the 1930s aesthetic, giving viewers a glimpse into the modes of travel from Herriot’s time.
Beyond its villages and landscapes, All Creatures Great and Small features several grand estates to represent affluent characters’ residences. Mrs. Pumphrey’s mansion, with its opulent setting, was filmed at Broughton Hall near Skipton. The estate, with a history spanning nearly a millennium, provides a luxurious contrast to the quaintness of Darrowby, capturing the era’s social dynamics. The show also used settings like Ripley Castle and Newby Hall to bring the upscale residences of the Yorkshire elite to life.
For fans of All Creatures Great and Small, visiting these locations offers a deep, visual immersion into James Herriot’s world and an authentic slice of Yorkshire’s heritage. Each location, with its unique character, lends a fresh look at the way historical architecture and natural landscapes can create a powerful backdrop for storytelling. From cozy village pubs to sprawling estates and dramatic countryside, the filming locations not only serve as the show’s setting but also as a celebration of the timeless beauty of Yorkshire.
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