It's an important day for Tristan in more ways than one, as he celebrates his birthday and Siegfried gives him new responsibilities as a vet. Tristan has to withstand the pressure and succeed in the challenge set by his older brother before returning to Skeldale for his birthday festivities. Meanwhile, Mrs Hall reminds James that he needs to tell Helen some home truths.
When a familiar face from Helen's past returns to Darrowby, James worries that he has to vie for her attention and steps up to compete against them at Mrs Pumphrey's annual cricket match. The rest of Skeldale House are apprehensive as the game can be brutal. Siegfried tries his best to train James and get a reluctant Tristan to step in, but it's not looking good for their Darrowby Eleven team.
It is now spring 1939 and a potential world war looms. Tristan is now a qualified vet, while James enters a new stage of his life with Helen and at the practice. After being made joint business partner by Siegfried, James pushes to take on more responsibility via the Ministry of Agriculture's new bovine TB testing scheme, but its unexpected challenges risk pushing him to breaking point.
It's Christmas in Darrowby and everyone is trying to make the most of things while the world is at war. A young guest brings some wonder, mischief and cheer to Skeldale House while everyone waits for important news. When Mrs Pumphrey heralds the arrival of a kitten in need of extra care at Pumphrey Manor, James has just the person to take him under their wing. Siegfried is asked to pay a visit to an injured River just before a big race and makes an important discovery which Sebright Saunders uses as leverage to get the horse back on the racetrack
Previewing the Season 4 Christmas special, and featuring Peter Wright and Shona Searson from The Yorkshire Vet, and Samuel West, Anna Madeley, Rachel Shenton and Nicholas Ralph from the series. As well as behind-the-scenes footage and a look at some of the locations, we also meet Jim Wight (son of the real-life "James Herriot" Alf Wight). Narrated by Peter Davison (Tristan Farnon from the original TV series).
The cast, crew, and locals discuss filming locations in the Yorkshire Dales for All Creatures Great and Small (2020), set there. Locations act as a third cast member, alongside human and animal actors. Some locations are shown, and crew discuss why they were chosen. Logistics include transforming them to 1930s-40s authenticity and seamless transitions. Challenges include inconveniencing residents and driving on countryside roads. Transportation infrastructure, period automobiles, footpaths, and railway stations are mentioned. An animal training center is also featured, where trainers and cast interact before filming. The show's connection to James Wight's life in Yorkshire is highlighted.