Nestled amongst the atmospheric Yorkshire Moors there sits a charming little village with a literary importance that makes it an incredibly popular place to visit. Haworth was the home of the Brontë family, one of the most famous and influential literary families in history. Walk through the streets that the family would have spent their time in, learn more about their lives at the Parsonage and take a walk out to be inspired by the places the sisters were inspired by. I’ve been so many times to this lovely place and I’d happily go back plenty more because it’s one of those special villages that has such an enchanting appeal.
1. Main Street
Once you’ve parked your car or hopped off your train (from the Keighley Worth Valley Railway) make your way to Main Street. If you’ve seen a photo of Haworth, it’s probably a shot of this street. From the top of the historic village centre, the cobbles of Main Street drop away steeply (it’s a bit of a workout to get up!) and you have the most fantastic view across the rooftops towards the moors beyond. At sunrise this is particularly atmospheric to see.
2. Spot the film locations
As you’re making your way along Main Street keep your eyes peeled for recognising film locations. Haworth’s picturesque setting and buildings make the village a popular filming spot. If you watched the iconic chick flick Wild Child from 2008 then you’ll notice a few – check out my post 8 locations in Wild Child you can visit in Yorkshire to find them all. Both the original The Railway Children and the 2022 sequel had parts filmed around Haworth as did the dark comedy Rita, Sue & Bob Too. Of course, a film about the Bronte’s couldn’t be created without filming taking place in their home village and so the 2016 TV film To Walk Invisible had scenes shot here. In the world of TV series, Peaky Blinders filmed at the Haworth station on the KWVR line.
3. Independent Shops
Whilst enjoying the stroll (or workout perhaps!) down Main Street there are plenty of independent shops to find a gift or treat for yourself inside. At the top of Main Street, Pretty Penny has some really lovely hand crafted gift ideas in a boutique treasure trove. Big and little kids alike will love choosing old fashioned sweeties at Mrs Beighton’s Sweet Shop. Soor plooms and kola kubes are some of my favourites! The Cabinet of Curiosities is always a favourite. The shop has been restored to its former life as a Victoria drugstore and apothecary but now those charming cabinets contain handmade candles, fragrances and bath & body treats.
If you’re looking for a new piece of art then step into Hawksby’s, Abrahams Gallery or Wuthering Arts. Stop in at The Store for a new plant of flowers and at Hunters of Haworth for a pie and pastries to take home.
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4. Stop for Coffee
Once you’ve exhausted your shopping (or window shopping) refuel for the rest of your exploring with a coffee and cake at Cobbles & Clay or something a little larger if you need brunch or lunch. You can continue your browsing in their deli and pottery shop. On a more recent trip to Haworth (December 2024) I had a flat white at Pavé which was lovely but they’re better known for the wines and charcuterie and I’ve heard a few reccos! Again, if you’re looking for something more substantial then enjoy lunch at The Hawthorn which is a fabulous restaurant set in a Georgian building with historic details and antiques throughout. The building was once home to John Barraclough who was a master clockmaker and made clocks for the Brontës. There is one in the Parsonage so look out for it when you visit.
5. St Michael and All Angels’ Church
Patrick Brontë was the patriarch of the Brontë family and he was an Irish minister that moved to Haworth in 1820. Patrick and Maria (his wife) had already had all six of their children prior to the move and took a curate post at St Michael and All Angels’ Church in the village and the family moved into the Parsonage. The church itself is a peaceful place to sit and remember the Brontës’ legacy. The Brontës are not buried in the graveyard but in a vault beneath the church and you can see a memorial on a pillar under which they are buried. Anne is the only family not buried here as she died in Scarborough.
6. Visit the Brontë Parsonage
The Brontë Parsonage is the pinnacle of any Brontë visit to Haworth. This was the home of the Brontës for the duration of their time in Haworth and for Branwell, Charlotte, Emily & Anne, the home for the majority of their lives. The Parsonage is now a museum with rooms set how the family would have lived and other rooms with information and exhibitions about the lives of the families and the literary works they would create.
7. Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) is a beautiful heritage railway that runs 8km through a slice of West Yorkshire with historic diesel and steam trains. You can take a short ride on a train which is an activity which will certainly please small children but I’m pretty sure all ages will enjoy it as well! Even if you don’t choose to take a ride on the railway it’s worth visiting the railway station as it’s super cute and historical.
8. Brontë Waterfall
It’s the beautiful but rugged scenery that surrounds Haworth which served as an inspiration to the Brontë authors. The Haworth that they grew up in wasn’t as peaceful and charming as the one that we enjoy today and instead would have been overcrowded, dirty and noisy. When you walk out to the moors and follow in their footsteps you can see why they would want to get out and they’d be inspired by the desolate, weather beaten scenery beyond. On the Brontë walk you’ll pass the Brontë waterfall and bridge before you can choose to continue onto Top Withens.
The pretty waterfall was names as an ode to the sisters as they would have passed it on their walks. Around the bridge is a lovely spot to stop for a quick bite to eat and to soak up the atmosphere in this spot.
9. Top Withens
Continue onwards from the Brontë waterfall and you’ll reach Top Withens after around another thirty minutes walking. Top Withens is a ruined farmhouse that sits alone and battered by the elements which is thought to have inspired Emily Brontë in her writing of Wuthering Heights as the Earnshaw House. Wuthering Heights is one of the most famous and important works of literature ever written (and Emily’s only novel) so a walk to Top Withens is a must for anyone that has studied or read it. You can step right into the windswept scene. Circle back to Haworth or if you’ve got a longer walk on your agenda continue on (ensure you have a map and appropriate attire in case the weather changes).
10. Finish with a pub
After your hike out onto the moors, finish your day off with a stop in at a pub. There are a good number you can choose from! Choose the Black Bull for more Brontë history as this was Branwell Brontë’s favourite watering hole. It’s alleged that if the family thought he might have had a bit too much to drink they’d send someone to the Black Bull to fetch him 🍻 Steam Brewery is a must for anyone that’s a fan of craft beer as they brew their own. Other classic pubs include the Old White Lion, the Kings Arms and the Fleece Inn. Try Tap & Tonic if you prefer cocktails and and gins if that’s more your tipple of choice 🍹
Make sure to check out these other posts that Haworth features in 🧡
Cat x
We visited Haworth in late November, a beautiful place to stay for a short break. We walked to Bronte falls with our daughter Bronte and puppy Buddy. We stopped off at Forteas tea room on two occasions for a wonderful late lunch. We would definitely recommend it.
Fantastic! It’s a lovely village 😊