Where is All Creatures Great and Small filmed?

As a fan of James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small, I must say that watching the show is like stepping into another world – a world filled with charming characters, picturesque landscapes, and heartwarming stories. The attention to detail, from the period-appropriate sets to the intricate taping of windows at Broughton Hall, truly speaks to the dedication of the cast and crew.

The much-loved television series based on James Herriot’s novels, All Creatures Great and Small, is set to make a comeback on our TVs for its fifth installment, taking us back to the imaginary town of Darrowby once more.

This season promises a bustling and vibrant Skeldale House like never before, as James and Tristan make their way back home after their respective assignments during World War II, and the household warmly welcomes the newest addition, baby Jimmy, who made his debut in the 2023 Christmas episode.

In the television show, which takes place in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, several breathtaking spots have been skillfully time-traveled to create the on-screen atmosphere. You may be curious whether viewers can actually explore some of these filmed locations in real life.

Although certain locations are set-bound and inaccessible, the series is primarily filmed outdoors at various scenic sites. Here’s a rundown of some of the main locations that play significant roles in the show.

Delve right in as we reveal the filming spots for All Creatures Great and Small – here they are!

Where is fictional village Darrowby filmed?

Where is All Creatures Great and Small filmed?

In my perspective as a film enthusiast, when the 1970s version of All Creatures Great and Small was made, they used Askrigg to represent the fictional village of Darrowby. However, for their modern adaptation, Channel 5 chose Grassington, nestled in the heart of the southern Dales, as their setting instead.

Several old-style structures in Grassington served ideally as backdrops for the 1930s scene, with The Devonshire pub effectively representing the exterior of the fictitious Drovers Arms in the show.

In the show, The Stripey Badger, a local bookstore, was used as well, for scenes involving green grocer GF Endleby.

Rachel Shenton, portraying Helen Alderson, commented: “The eagerness and supportiveness of the community were truly invaluable. We could not have asked for anything better.

Samuel West, the actor portraying Siegfried Farnon, shared with reporters his hope that “should the series prosper, it may attract some tourists to places such as Grassington where it was filmed.

Where is All Creatures Great and Small filmed?

He went on to say: “I trust it’s clear how joyful the occasion was for everyone, and it would have lacked authenticity without experiencing it right in the core of the location.

West later added: “Grassington is the most delightful place, and for the first couple of weeks I made sure I bought plenty of wine from the wine shop and books from the bookshop.

In reality, I went back in February this year, right after finishing our work and on the brink of lockdown. It felt like coming home as the prodigal son; they welcomed me warmly with open arms, asking about my well-being and when I would return again.

Is Skeldale House a real place?

As an ardent admirer, I can share that the man known as James Herriot, in reality Alf Wight, operated his veterinary clinic from 23 Kirkgate in the quaint village of Thirsk. In his enchanting stories, he transformed it into “Skeldale House” nestled in the picturesque town of “Darrowby”. Remarkably, that very structure now serves as The World of James Herriot Museum.

For the Channel 5 series, producers opted to shoot the exteriors at a private residence in Grassington, while the interior scenes were constructed within a studio setting instead.

James Anthony-Rose (Richard Carmody) described the Skeldale set as operating just like a real house,” he said. “You move along a hallway, and then suddenly you’re in another room. It doesn’t try to be anything fancy. Everything functions smoothly. The faucets work. When you turn a corner, there you are in the living room.

Indeed, as soon as I crossed the threshold, I found myself wholly engrossed in the entire universe of All Creatures. It was a sensation I can’t forget, a heartwarming one that will stay with me forever.

Is The Drover’s Arms a real pub?

The ambiance inside The Drovers Arms was captured on camera at the Green Dragon Inn, a centuries-old pub nestled within the Yorkshire village of Hardraw.

Where was Mrs Pumphrey’s house filmed?

Broughton Hall, an elegant Georgian mansion situated close to Skipton, frequently serves as a backdrop for films and TV shows, including Netflix’s series “The English Game”.

Channel 5 used the property as the residence of Mrs Pumphrey, a well-off local resident (portrayed by the late Dame Diana Rigg in season 1 and Patricia Hodge beginning in season 2), whose pampered dog Tricki-Woo received only top-notch care from James Herriot.

Additionally, certain sequences were filmed within the grounds of Broughton Hall – its park, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, proved ideal for capturing scenes set in the past.

It’s truly stunning, I must admit, but due to the numerous shooting scenes, those days can be quite lengthy for me when we work there,” expressed Hodge.

As a cinema enthusiast, I stumbled upon an intriguing detail during our filming at Broughton Hall – a wartime precaution. To ensure the safety of everyone involved, each window was meticulously taped in a cross pattern, pane by pane. This was done to fortify them against potential blasts, preventing shattering and ensuring that they remained safe.

At Broughton Hall, it’s quite a sight to see so many windows covered with tape, all done meticulously. It makes me wonder who’s responsible for removing each and every tape after filming is done.

“So I’m always very admiring of people who do that. It’s laborious.”

Where is the Chapman’s cottage filmed?

During the 2020 holiday season special, James and Helen stopped by the home of Bert and Anne Chapman, portrayed by actors Dave Hill and Cleo Sylvestre, as their pet dog, Suzy, encountered difficulties giving birth.

Instead of being filmed inside a studio, the charming little cottage where the elderly pair resides was actually captured on location.

Where was the bus stop scene filmed?

In the very first episode of Season 1, as a passionate filmgoer, I find myself embarking on a risky voyage from Glasgow, Scotland, headed towards the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Unbeknownst to me, I alight from the bus at an inopportune moment – Darrowby Station, to be precise – and am compelled to complete my journey on foot for the rest of the way.

The setting vividly demonstrates the immense amount there is for Herriot to learn, and at the same time, it underscores the expansive, uninhabited beauty of the rural landscape – devoid of any people or buildings.

A breathtaking scene featuring expansive farmlands was captured right on-site at the scenic Malham Lings, nestled within the charming landscape of North Yorkshire.

Nearby Malham is also used later in the series, for the scene where Herriot swims in the waterfall pool, Janet’s Foss, at Malham.

The general area, including Malham Cove, has been used for multiple film and television projects, including The Trip and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1).

All Creatures Great and Small seasons 1-4 are available to watch on My5. Season 5 will air on Thursday 19th September at 9pm on Channel 5 and My5. You can order James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small from Amazon.

If you’re searching for additional shows to watch, check out our TV Schedule or browse through our Drama section. For insights into the world of television with top celebrities, tune into The TopMob Podcast.

2024-09-19 16:34