Located in Yorkshire, Haworth is a cute village in Bradford. It was Britain’s most famous female writers ,Brontë sisters. Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights ring a bell? It was also the worlds first Fairtrade Village back in 2002. Here is why you should visit Haworth in Yorkshire.
If you love exploring, get ready to take in the breathe taking views of the Pennine countryside as you trek down Bronte Way. The lifestyle is also more laid back and even shops open up later. The village has kept its traditional look even with some modern additions, you get that vintage lifestyle feel.
Things to do:
- Walking & exploring: If the Yorkshire weather was better on our visit we would have gone on some walks however on the day we were there the winds were high and it had rained heavily so the paths were really muddy ( I imagine it would have been like the scenes from Wuthering Heights). A walk to Bronte Waterfalls/Bridge was highly recommended alongside a walk to Top Withens. We drove to Ponden Hall on our way home to have a look at the Grade II country house, the inspiration for the interiors of both Wuthering Heights and Wildfell Hall.
If we had more time, we would have parked up somewhere safe and taken in the views of the Ponden Reservoir and surrounding rolling hills and rocky terrain.
- Main Street: Take a stroll down the postcard perfect Main Street. The cobbled hill looks beautiful from every angle with little cottages and independent shops on each side. We walked on the main street after it had rained and when it was dry – what a contrast. The street goes from being shiny with the reflection of the sky to dry and a lovely stone colour. At the top of the Main Street lies the Parish Church with an old graveyard that is interesting.
On the Main Street you come across some of the best independent stores. From the apothecary that Branwell Bronte got his Laudanum (The Cabinet of Curiosities), to the chocolatier and sweet shops, there is something for everyone. The vintage shops and galleries are amazing too and it is like going back in time. I managed to get some food props.
There are traditional quaint pubs, a restaurant and cafes on the main street. Cobbles & Clay was where we had breakfast and lunch because they were serving food and had an outdoor seating area. I can only imagine how nice it would be to sit in and have had a traditional meal at one of the pubs ( a reason to go back)
There are traditional quaint pubs, a restaurant and cafes on the main street. When we arrived in Haworth the restaurants were shut however we were able to get a takeaway. Cobbles & Clay was where we had breakfast and lunch because they were serving food and had an outdoor seating area. I can only imagine how nice it would be to sit in and have had a traditional meal at one of the pubs ( a reason to go back). The Villette Bakery Shop has some great fresh baked goods. Their bakery in Keighley makes the famous Grandma Wild’s biscuits since 1899. The ginger ones are just so delicious and I bought quite a few back.
- Walk around the gardens and beyond this Victorian town: There are quite a few stately homes and gardens in and around Haworth. We had a stroll around Central Park in the evening just as the sun was going down. The park has Haworth Central maintained the coveted Green Flag award since 2006.
- Keighley and Worth Valley Railway: Take the Steam Railway that runs at the bottom of the village. It only runs at the weekend ( or wasn’t at the beginning of May). The railway is a preserved standard gauge line that runs 5 miles. The steam train and line is popular for TV & film productions due to its authenticity.
- Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum: This is where you can find the Brontë collections which are largest and most important in the world and continue to inspire scholars, writers and artists
Accommodation
We went when hotels in the UK were not open. There were only two self catering options and we went for The Sunny Cottage. The Sunny Cottage, which was located on Sun Street. This two bed cottage is perfectly located and has all the essentials you need. It was walking distance from the Main Street and we were able to park on the street easily.
There are nearby towns, like Keighley where you can find more hotels.
Haworth was also the film set for The Wild child film and The railway children 1970 (Pretty Penny building) . Tour de France took place right through the Main Street too.
A place I do want to go back to and would recommend. It is such a great base to explore more of Yorkshire too.
