Upon arriving in Haworth and venturing onto the moors for the first time, you might experience something strange. If you have read the novels penned by the Brontës sisters, it’s hard to shake off the uncanny feeling that you know this place intimately.
As you enter Haworth, you can sense that this isn’t just another English village. It’s a journey through myth, memory, and the world of the Brontës.
“…I bounded, leaped, and flew down the steep road [from Wuthering Heights]; then, quitting its windings, shot direct across the moor, rolling over banks, and wading through marshes: precipitating myself, in fact, towards the beacon-light of the Grange.”
– Chapter 17, Wuthering Heights
Brontë country
Haworth is best known as the former home of the Brontë sisters – Charlotte, Emily, Anne and also their brother, Branwell. It’s fair to say that the Brontës put Haworth on the map, and in many ways, the village is a living homage to their lives.
You’ll find places and landmarks named in their honour: Brontë Bridge, Brontë Falls, their namesake museum, and Wuthering Heights Inn.
Every corner seems steeped in their presence – the post office that sells Brontë stamps, the bookshop stacked with endless reprints, the pubs where visitors trace literary lineage over pints of local ale. It’s a pilgrimage of sorts – where history and imagination all fold into one.
The quaint cobbled streets, traditional stone houses, and cosy tea rooms evoke a sense of stepping back in time to the 19th century, when the Brontës crafted their timeless works.
Explore the bookshops
Haworth’s literary legacy runs deep and attracts visitors and bookworms from all around the world. It seems fitting then that the village is home to a higher-than-usual number of bookshops.
It’s easy to spend several hours snooping around bookshelves filled with second-hand paperbacks and new editions. As you would expect, all the bookshops dotted around Haworth are patriotically stocked with Brontë novels mixed side by side with contemporary writers like Martin Amis and Salman Rushdie.
Take a look inside and have a good gander – maybe pick up a memento. You’re sure to find something for your taste.
Bookshops to visit Haworth:
- Wave of Nostalgia
- Hatchard & Daughters
- T. Venables
Don’t miss: the charming book exchange that’s located inside a red telephone booth located at the bottom of Main Street. It’s one of those old relics of quintessential Britain that has now been repurposed in the name of community spirit. Better still, why not participate by swapping a book you’ve already read with another that’s already been donated?
Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum
At the top of Haworth, just before you reach the moors, you’ll find the Parsonage – their former home – which has been turned into a small but beautiful museum.
You’ll enter the ground-floor rooms including the study of their father, Patrick Brontë, and the dining room where the sisters gathered and worked. The collection includes writing desks, original letters, clothes, furniture and other personal items belonging to the sisters.
As I pottered around, I found myself thinking of them feverishly writing away in the rooms barely lit by oil lamps. I also couldn’t help picture them looking down in amusement at the fuss that’s been made about them.
The entrance fee is £13 (adults) and concession price £8. Included in the price is repeat entrance for the whole year so keep hold of your ticket if you plan to make another trip within 12 months.
For up-to-date information see their website: www.bronte.org.uk.
St. Michael and All Angels Church
Just steps away from the Parsonage, the whole family except Anne Brontë are buried in a crypt beneath the east end of St. Michael and All Angels Church. Highlights include the Brontë Window, dedicated to Charlotte, and a south-east chapel with the Bronte memorial.
In case you’re wondering, Anne was buried in Scarborough by her own wish. This spared her elderly father, who was also the church’s vicar, the anguish of conducting the funeral of his third child. Sadly, Patrick outlived all his children.
Address: 125 Main St, Haworth, Keighley BD22 8DR
When is the best time to visit Haworth?
Haworth is an all year round destination, though the atmosphere differs depending on the time of year you go.
During the late spring and summer the nature truly sings. You’ll spot lambs racing around their mothers who stare at you cautiously as you pass them on the trails. The flora is alive with shades of green and the most beautiful blanket of purple appears from June – September when the heather blooms.
In late autumn and throughout winter, the moors become still and silent. It’s the kind of isolation that permeates through the sisters’ writings. If you want that Gothic kind of feeling, then come here in winter. It’s darker, perhaps gloomier, but the beauty still exists.
Explore the Moors
It’s not just its literary legacy which keeps this place going, being on the doorstep to the Moors, Haworth delights both readers and walkers in equal measure.
Walking through the Moors is a captivating experience, not just for lovers of Wuthering Heights who imagine Heathcliff calling for Cathy; but for those wanting to experience the best of Yorkshire’s natural scenery.
From Haworth village enjoy the scenic walk to Brontë waterfall. I spotted families with their children, larking around and playing in the stream. Very wholesome! If you still have some fuel left in your tank, a little further the trail leads to Top Withens, the ruined farmhouse said to have inspired the backdrop of Wuthering Heights.
You can also visit The Brontë garden, an area often visited by the famed sisters. You’ll find a bridge now known as the Brontë Bridge which crosses a moorland stream.
Where to go for a post-hike drink
Wuthering Heights pub has been supplying Yorkshire folk and visitors with beer since 1763. After all that walking you’ll deserve a pint or two!
Address: Wuthering Heights Inn, Stanbury, Keighley BD22 0HB
Website: www.thewutheringheights.co.uk
Where should you stay in Haworth?
Accommodation options in Haworth are mostly in the form of B&Bs. Due to the popularity of this relatively small-sized village this does push up the prices.
For somewhere reasonably priced, I recommend staying overnight at Rosebud Cottage Guest House, located only a few minutes away from Brontë Parsonage Museum. The interior is tastefully decorated with original period features to offer a cosy, light and airy atmosphere. To ensure you’re set for the day, they do a stellar English Breakfast too.
How to get to Haworth
The best way to get to Haworth is by train or car.
There are direct trains to Keighley from cities such as Leeds and Bradford. From Keighley hop on a bus to Haworth (approx 15 minutes). You can check all routes and train times via the Trainline. I recommend booking online in advance to get the best price.
Further reading
- Here’s my full archive dedicated to Yorkshire
- Explore more literary landscapes around the world
- Take a gander at my guide to exploring the medieval city of York
- 12 most beautiful places to visit in North Yorkshire
- Celebrate Yorkshire tales on National Poetry Day
