Thirsk has become a magnet for fans of Wight's books.[40] Following his death, the practice at 23 Kirkgate was restored and converted into a museum, The World of James Herriot, which focuses on his life and writings. A local pub renamed itself the "Darrowby Inn", after the village name that Wight created to represent the locale in which he practised. (By 2020, the pub had been renamed The Red Bear.)[41]
Portions of the surgery sets used in the All Creatures Great and Small BBC series are on display at the museum, including the living room and dispensary. Some of the original contents of the surgery can be found at the Yorkshire Museum of Farming in Murton, York.[42]
Grand Central rail company operates train services from Sunderland to London King's Cross, stopping at Thirsk. Class 180 DMU No. 180112 was named 'James Herriot' in Wight's honour, and was dedicated on 29 July 2009 by his daughter Rosemary and son James.[43] Actor Christopher Timothy, who played Herriot in the BBC television series, unveiled a statue of Wight in October 2014 at Thirsk Racecourse.[44]
Wight received an honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University in 1979, and was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 1979 New Year Honours.[45][46] In 1994, the library at Glasgow Veterinary College was named the 'James Herriot Library' in honour of Wight's achievements. Wight was deeply gratified by this recognition, replying in his acceptance letter, "I regard this as the greatest honour that has ever been bestowed upon me."[8]: 351–352 He was a lifelong supporter of Sunderland A.F.C., and was made an honorary president of the club in 1991.[8]: 342
A blue plaque was placed at Wight's childhood home in Glasgow in October 2018.[47] There is also a blue plaque at 23 Kirkgate, Wight's former surgery.[48] Another blue plaque was unveiled by his children at his Brandling Street birthplace in Sunderland in September 2021.[49]
Minor planet 4124 Herriot is named in his honour.[50]
