Julie Smith
30 September 2021
Famously known as the home of the Brontë’s, Haworth is a picturesque West Yorkshire village that’s surrounded by breathtaking scenery and was the inspiration for the Brontë sisters’ literary classics such as Wuthering Heights. The hilltop location of Haworth means you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Yorkshire countryside as you wander along the village’s cobbled main street which is filled with charming independent stores.
Find out some of the best walks to try, pubs to visit and things to do on a getaway to Yorkshire’s Brontë Country with this insider’s guide to Haworth.
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Where is Haworth
Haworth is located high in the South Pennine hills in an area of West Yorkshire that’s often referred to as Brontë Country. The Pennine Way runs through Haworth connecting the Calderdale village to the Yorkshire Dales National Park as well as the nearby county of Lancashire. Places to visit that are within easy reach of Haworth include Ilkley, Skipton, Hebden Bridge and Saltaire. The cobbled village is surrounded by Haworth, a ruggedly beautiful landscape that’s well worth exploring during a break to this region.
Things to do in Haworth
From visiting the childhood home of the Brontës to travelling by steam train through the Calderdale countryside, here are some of the best things to do during a getaway to Haworth:
Brontë Parsonage Museum
Immerse yourself in the world of the Brontës with a visit to the fascinating Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth. This parsonage in Haworth was home to the Brontë family from 1820 to 1861 and it’s the spot where Charlotte, Anne and Emily wrote their classic novels such as Jane Eyre and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.
Today you can wander around characterful original bedrooms and studies in the parsonage and uncover a collection of original manuscripts and early book editions in the museum’s specially built exhibition room.
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
You can travel in style on a beautifully restored vintage steam train on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway which runs through Brontë Country from Oxenhope to Keighley with a station in Haworth itself. This wonderful heritage railway was famously featured in classic children’s film The Railway Children and you can follow in the footsteps of the Waterbury children by waving to the steam locomotives as they whistle through Haworth station.
Central Park
This pretty Victorian park in Haworth is a perfect spot for a picnic and features colourful flower beds, a children’s play area and a bowling green. Central Park holds a Green Flag Award and makes a great place to sit and enjoy the view after either a bracing walk in the surrounding countryside or a day exploring the shops.
Hardcastle Crags
With 400-acres of nature rich woodland to explore, Hardcastle Crags is a Yorkshire National Trust site that’s just right for spending some time in the great outdoors. There are 15-miles of dog-friendly footpaths to explore at Hardcastle Crags with tumbling streams to paddle in and rocks to clamber over. Gibson Mill is a 19th-century cotton mill in the heart of Hardcastle Crags and this fully off-grid site is home to a couple of exhibitions and the Weaving Shed Cafe.
East Riddlesden Hall
Another National Trust site that’s just a short drive from Haworth is East Riddlesden Hall, a 17th-century manor house with gorgeous grounds and gardens that was once an important Yorkshire farming estate. Special half term trails and activities are perfect for keeping the kids entertained and there are lots of colourful plants and trees to enjoy as you wander around the beautiful gardens.
Holden Park
Located in the pretty village of Oakworth near Haworth, Holden Park once formed part of a grand stately home and hidden amongst the trees and flowers are a series of grottos and caves that are just right for an outdoor adventure. After exploring the various nooks and crannies (which make for a great game of hide and seek) there are lots of pretty places in the park to sit down for a picnic and a large bowling green if you fancy a game or two.
Haworth pubs
Haworth has a collection of characterful country pubs where you can stop for refreshments during a visit to this part of Yorkshire. There’s even a microbrewery in the village where you can enjoy some locally produced beer.
Haworth Old Hall
This characterful Haworth dining pub is set in one of the oldest buildings in the village and features roaring log fires and a menu that’s full of local, seasonal food. Dogs are welcome to join you in the bar area where you can sip on a G&T, or a pint of hand-poured real ale. There’s also a spacious beer garden at Haworth Old Hall where you can enjoy some al fresco refreshments in the summer.
The Fleece Inn
Sit down to a local Timothy Taylor beer (which is brewed in nearby Keighley) at The Fleece Inn, a cosy dog-friendly pub that’s located on Haworth’s cobbled Main Street. You’ll find lots of classic home-cooked pub grub on the menu along with pie and burger nights every Monday and Wednesday.
The Hawthorn Haworth
This Georgian gastropub in the heart of Haworth manages to be both elegant and cosy with log burners, dark wood panelling and lots of original features. Local antiques are showcased throughout The Hawthorn Haworth and a Josper Grill is used to cook fresh Yorkshire Dales meat to perfection.
Haworth Steam Brewery
This microbrewery and small batch distillery features an on-site bistro and bar where you can sample their collection of pale ales, bitters, stouts and gins. The Haworth Steam Brewery is located on Main Street in the middle of the village and food available ranges from light sandwiches to classic Yorkshire fish and chips.
The Black Bull
Located just a short walk from the Brontë Parsonage Museum in a 16th century stone building at the top of the village square, The Black Bull is one of Haworth’s most popular pubs with varied events throughout the year including live music and comedy nights. The pub was famously frequented by Branwell Brontë who had a favourite chair in the bar - it’s even said his ghost can still be seen roaming the rooms here.
Haworth cafes and tea rooms
Enjoy homemade cakes, lunchtime specials or traditional afternoon tea treats at one of these Haworth cafes and tea rooms:
Cobbles and Clay
Not just a cafe, Cobbles and Clay is also a pottery painting studio where you can decorate mugs, plates and create your own unique ornaments. The food menu features a wide range of breakfast dishes including American-style pancakes along with mezze platters and homemade cakes.
Forteas 1940s tea room
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with all the trimmings at this vintage cafe in Haworth. The tea room is styled like a 1940s living room with retro photos and vintage memorabilia. The dainty sandwiches and delicious homemade cakes are all served on bone China plates by staff in authentic 1940s outfits.
The Buffet Car Carriage
Located opposite the historic Keighley & Worth Valley station in Haworth, this cosy cafe features lots of railway-themed memorabilia and is a great stop for a quick bite to eat with good value classics such as breakfast sandwiches and Yorkshire pudding wraps on the menu.
10 The Coffee House
The interiors of this wonderful Haworth cafe are as elegant as can be and 10 The Coffee House has top quality food and drink to match. Savour freshly ground-to-order coffee and delicious homemade cakes under a statement chandelier - there’s also a wonderful period fireplace at this hidden gem of a cafe.
It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque place to go shopping than the cobbled main square in Haworth and you’ll find plenty of lovely independent stores to browse if you fancy indulging in a bit of retail therapy.
Mrs Beightons Sweet Shop
This old-fashioned sweet shop features jar upon jar of classic confectionaries with more than 500 varieties of sweeties to choose from. Where you’re looking for something nostalgic from your childhood or want to stock up on some American candies, Mrs Beigntons is a must-visit Haworth institution.
The Cabinet of Curiosities
Once a Victorian apothecary, this wonderful shop features characterful period fittings that are now filled with an array of gorgeous things. You’ll find everything from books and gifts to candles and bath bombs dotted around the shelves of The Cabinet of Curiosities so it’s worth taking your time and browsing the wonderful range of items available.
Hawksby’s and Lighthouse Lane
There’s a couple of great gallery shops in Haworth where you can pick up local artwork and unique pieces. The colourful prints, cushions, coasters, and tea towels at Lighthouse Lane are designed and made by husband and wife team Katie and Howard. Nearby Hawksby’s showcases the work of a number of different artists and alongside the gallery, there’s a collection of specially curated homeware to purchase in the shop.
Number 71
The perfect place to shop for gifts (whether it’s for yourself or someone else), Number 71 is a treasure trove of trinkets, traditional toys, candles and crafts. It’s located around halfway along the cobbled high street and the stock here is constantly changing so there’s always something new to see.
Antique shops
There are several antique and antiquities shops in and around Haworth where you can pick up a range of pieces from the past. Holmes Antiques is a fourth generation shop that’s had a spot on Main Street since 1932 and specialises in furniture while nearby Clock House Antiques is the place to go for vintage timepieces.
The Souk and Oh La La Vintage
If you’re looking to pick up some vintage clothing and accessories (ideal if you are planning on going to the Haworth 1940s weekend), we recommend visiting The Souk or Ooh La La Vintage in the village. Both stores are located on the cobbled Main Street and are filled with dresses, jewellery, coats and hats from a variety of different fashion eras.
Haworth walks
With a couple of long-distance pathways running through the village and majestic moorland that was the inspiration for Wuthering Heights, Haworth is a perfect destination for walkers. Uncover crags, country parks, rivers and reservoirs in this collection of Haworth walks:
Brontë Way and Brontë Waterfalls
The Brontë Way is a long-distance walking path that takes in a collection of important locations in the life of the Brontë family. The 43-mile route crosses two different counties, starting in the village of Oakwell in Yorkshire and ending at Gawthorpe Hall in Lancashire. One of the nicest parts of the walk is a 6-mile circular route through Haworth Moor to the Brontë Waterfall and Top Withens, a ruined farmhouse that was featured in Wuthering Heights.
Pennine Way
The Pennine Way also passes through Haworth and following a section of the long-distance pathway from Haworth to Hebden Bridge is a popular walking route for visitors to this picturesque section of West Yorkshire. The scenic 10-mile route takes in sections of Hardcastle Crags woodland and the Walshaw Dean Reservoirs on route to Hebden Bridge. Take a stroll along the canal in Hebden Bridge and explore pavement cafes and quirky bohemian shops before catching one of the regular buses back to Haworth.
Stanbury to Ponden Kirk
Just over a mile from Haworth on the banks of the River Worth lies the peaceful village of Stanbury, which is the start of this scenic 2-mile walk to Ponden Kirk. After passing by the tranquil Ponden Reservoir and enjoying 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside you’ll arrive at the craggy ridges and caves of Ponden Kirk, which were the inspiration for Peninstone Crags in Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. You can stand on the crag for a spectacular view of the atmospheric moorland and crawl carefully through The Fairy Cave that was also featured in the novel.
Peninstone Hill Country Park
Located within the unspoiled moorlands that surround Haworth, Peninstone Hill Country Park comprises 179 acres in total with lots of different walking trails to follow. The moorland at Peninstone includes disused quarries, pretty ponds, and a trig point where the park rises to 1030ft above sea level. There are also several picnic sites within the park where you can stop and enjoy the view and see what wildlife you can spot amongst the backdrop of this natural landscape.
Haworth events
Haworth is also home to several great events throughout the year, where the cobbled streets are filled with shopping stalls and different activities.
Haworth 1940s Weekend
For a couple of days each May, Haworth is transported to the past by hosting one of the UK’s best 1940s events. Soak in the nostalgic atmosphere of Haworth’s 1940s Weekend with classic cars, authentic costumes, colourful bunting and rousing speeches. There’s also live music, 1940s-style dancing and food and drink stalls at this annual Haworth event.
Haworth Christmas Festival
A visit to the Haworth Christmas Festival which takes place each December is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit with twinkling lights, carol singers and torchlight processions giving the village a truly magical feel. There are craft fairs full of stalls, festive steam trains running through the village, Dickensian style costumes and live music performances to enjoy during this much-loved Christmas event.
Other Haworth events include:
- The Beer and Music Festival on the Worth Valley Railway
- Haworth Steampunk Festival
- Haworth Craft Fair
- Brontë Festival of Women’s Writing
Plan your getaway to Haworth
If you have been inspired to visit Haworth, there are lots of Yorkshire holiday cottages where you can rest your head after days of exploring. Whether you fancy immersing yourself in the wonderful world of the Brontës, wandering down cobbled streets full of independent shops or rambling in some of the UK’s most mesmerising moorland, browse our collection of Haworth holiday cottages and start planning your perfect Yorkshire getaway.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.