Brontë Country
Haworth is at the heart of the area of West Yorkshire known all over the world as ‘Brontë Country.’ You will step back to a slower, more gentle time in this quaint but vibrant little village, surrounded by the wild moors that inspired ‘Wuthering Heights.’
The Village of Haworth
Haworth is a little hidden gem of a village, nestled in the Pennine Moors in West Yorkshire. It has a steep, cobbled Main Street, lined with little shops and really beautiful bars and restaurants. It is famous for being the home of the Brontë sisters, the authors of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, and fans come from far and wide to visit their home, which is now a museum. It is also a station stop on the Worth Valley Steam Railway if you’d like a day out riding in one of the old-style carriages, a popular spot with cyclists, and famously hosts the amazing 1940s weekend in May of every year. We love Haworth, and we think it’s a place like no other. And just set off walking in any direction, and you’ll quickly be stepping out on dazzlingly lovely moorland or taking a ramble along the banks of the River Worth.
The home of the Brontë Sisters
The Restaurants and Bars
Main Street has restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and all price ranges. From a simple cup of Yorkshire tea and a scone in one of the smaller cafes, all the way to the The Hawthorn, the restaurant voted as ‘the best place in the UK for Sunday lunch’ by the readers of the Times. Book early to avoid disappointment, naturally they are popular! Haworth Steam Brewing and Bistro is also worth a mention, as it not only does excellent homemade food, but they also brew their own beer, and more recently, gin as well. Don’t forget to pop into The Fleece, an old traditional pub with a fantastic local welcome, and the famous ‘Black Bull’ pub, supposedly haunted by the ghost of Branwell Brontë, who, legend has it, climbed out of the back window when his annoyed sisters came looking for him! Our personal favourite is the full English breakfast at the Villette Cafe, which is a wonderful way to start your day and sets you up for a good day of exploring or snoozing, whichever you prefer!
All of these excellent places are on Haworth Main Street, and are just a few minutes walk from the Brontë Cottages
The Brontë Parsonage Museum
The house where the Brontë sisters lived and wrote their famous novels sits in the centre of Haworth, just behind the Black Bull pub. For those interested in the Brontës, visiting the parsonage is a literary pilgrimage, but this is a fascinating place for anyone who is interested in history and how people lived in the 1800s. The gothic churchyard in front of the house is one of the most atmospheric places in England, with ornate old headstones telling the stories of those who lived in Haworth when life there was a constant challenge, even for the wealthy! Take photos, people won’t believe you otherwise!
The home of the Brontë Sisters, Emily, Charlotte and Anne, amongst the most famous English authors of all time
Nearby Places for a Day Out
We love Haworth to bits, and think you will too, but there are some great places to visit in the local area. The most interesting days out are for sure, Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall. Hebden Bridge has been voted as “the fourth funkiest town in the world” and the best small market town in the UK, so it’s definitely worth a day trip. Heptonstall, situated very near by, has a lovely museum, and is where the famous poet Sylvia Plath is buried. Hardcastle Crags has deep rocky ravines, tumbling streams, oak, beech, and pine woods and some of the best examples of upland meadows in the country. Gibson Mill is situated within Hardcastle Crags woodland beside Hebden Water. The National Trust have put in some superb waymarked walking routes suitable for all abilities. The town of Skipton is easily accessible by train from neighboring Keighley, and is a lovely day out if you’d like a break from driving.
Skipton is easily accessible by train from neighbouring Keighley