Find the Best Thirsk Bed and Breakfast

If you're looking for a traditional Yorkshire break, look no further than the small market town of Thirsk, which lies roughly halfway between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. It's a charming place, with a bustling market square, some splendid 19th-century architecture and enough independent stores to keep even the pickiest of shoppers satisfied. Its most famous resident was the author, James Herriot, who wrote All Creatures Great and Small, and you can find out all about his life during your stay. Throw in some fascinating nearby attractions, several restaurants that celebrate Yorkshire cuisine and a few ancient pubs, and you've got the makings of a mighty fine weekend break.

• Score a B&B with historic character and personality
• Stay with locals who know the area like the back of their hand
• Be close to 2 astonishing national parks
• Start the day right with a proper Yorkshire breakfast

Stone Cottages and Detached Family B&Bs, Thirsk

The bed and breakfasts in Thirsk have always been the accommodation of choice for visitors. Their cosy ambience and friendly owners, who have mastered the art of homely hospitality, attract guests back year after year. They are typically a fraction of the cost of a hotel, leaving you more money to spend on things to do and places to eat. There are B&Bs for all occasions. Some are centuries-old stone cottages that ooze charm and historic character. Others are found in detached red-brick houses, surrounded by grounds. If you're just looking for a place to kick off your muddy boots at the end of a day of hiking in the national park, you'll find several budget properties that offer much more than you would expect for the money. Whatever you are looking for, you can always find your perfect match on Expedia, which lists every property, along with detailed descriptions and photos. All you need to do is search on Expedia by budget, location and dates, search through the filtered listings and book your favourite in just a few clicks. Thanks to Expedia, arranging your accommodation just got a whole lot easier.

Depending on which Thirsk bed and breakfast you pick, you might have a secure parking spot to leave your car when you arrive. As you're settling into your room, you can start to make use of the facilities, which often include things like a flat-screen TV on the wall, a kettle for making hot drinks and free WiFi, which you can use to plan your break. On Expedia, you'll be able to check whether the B&B has an ensuite bathroom or shared, family-sized facilities. There are other features to look out for, too, like an in-room desk – perfect if you need to catch up on a little work during your stay – or pet-friendly B&Bs, so you don't have to leave the dogs at home. After a comfortable night's sleep, you can fuel up for the day with a proper English breakfast, or lighter options, like scrambled eggs on toast or fruit and yogurt. If you're looking for a different type of break, maybe a few nights getting into Manchester activities might be more your speed.

Racecourse Fun and Museums Near Your B&B, Thirsk

If you're coming to stay in one of the Thirsk bed and breakfasts at the right time, you can head down to the famous racecourse, which has been hosting meetings since the mid-18th century. There are more than 17 fixtures between April and September, so there's no shortage of days to have a flutter. While you're in town, you can explore its history at the Thirsk Museum, which is teeming with artefacts and memorabilia, or the World of James Herriot, an award-winning museum that celebrates the life of the famous author. If you've got an interest in nature, set aside a day to explore the nearby Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve, where you can spot several bird species among the oak and birch woodland.