page_title: Thirsk
section_title: Economy
hierarchical_section_title: Thirsk / Economy
caption_attribution_description: English: Thirsk is an important town for tourists with accommodations, restaurants and attractions
context_page_description: Thirsk is a small market town and civil parish in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire, England. Historically part of the North Riding of Yorkshire, it is 8 miles south-south east of the county town of Northallerton.
  According to the 2011 UK Census, the population was 4,998. Thirsk is a popular tourist destination close to the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. It was the home of author James Herriot and birthplace of Thomas Lord, after whom Lord's Cricket Ground is named. Thirsk Racecourse is on the western edge of the town.
context_section_description: Thirsk is built around a large medieval market square, which still hosts an open-air market each Monday and Saturday. The market was established in 1145 and is the focal point for local farmers, traders and visitors. The town was once known for its leather tanning and saddlery trade, but this was replaced in the 19th century by the production of farming implements. This was aided by the establishment of the Mechanics Institute in 1848.
  The modern economy is based on hospitality, tourism, public administration, finance, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, small industrial, retail and service businesses. It is home to online retailer VetUK. 
  Tourism is an important part of the economy, with accommodations, restaurants and pubs as well as attractions that encourage visitors. Users of the worldwide TripAdvisor site recommend the following as some of the best things to do in and near Thirsk:
  Falconry UK Thirsk Birds of Prey Centre
  Kilburn White Horse (hill carving)
  World of James Herriot Museum
  St Mary's Church
  Sutton Bank National Park
  Thirsk Museum
  Larks Edge Alpacas
  Garbutt Wood Nature Reserve
  Thirsk also has a livestock auction market on a large site at Blakey Lane on the A19, south-east of the town.
caption: Thirsk has many facilities for tourists.
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