Despite its small Haworth size, Haworth is known all over the world. A charming village nestled in the picturesque landscape of West Yorkshire, a place steeped in literary history and captivating beauty.
Best known as the former home of the Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, Haworth exudes an enchanting ambiance that reflects the literary legacy of these remarkable authors.
The village’s 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, so it seems fitting that the town is home to a higher-than-usual number of bookshops.
Though it’s not just its literary legacy which keeps this place going, being on the doorstep to the Yorkshire, Haworth delights both readers and walkers in equal measure.
It’s easy to spend several hours in the traditional bookshops located down the main shopping street where you can find a huge variety of classic novels and writers. From 20th century writers Anton Chekov and Ivan Turgenev, to contemporary writers, Martin Amis and Salman Rushdie, you’re sure to find something for your taste.
Most importantly however, all bookshops in Haworth, are patriotically stocked with books authored by the Brontë sisters.
Bookshops to visit include:
- Wave of Nostalgia
- Hatchard & Daughters
- T. Venables
Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum
At the top of Haworth, just before you reach the moors, you’ll find the Parsonage where the sisters used to live.
It’s now been turned into a small but beautiful museum. It’s a must-visit site for anyone wanting to know more about their lives, including their childhood.
The entrance fee is £7.50 (adults) and there’s also concessions. 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, and to spare her elderly father, Patrick Brontë 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 best visited on a sunny day when you’re sure to spot lambs racing around their mothers and the sunshine has given birth to a landscape of blue skies and green flora.
But if you’re partial to Gothic fiction, save Haworth for a crisp, wintery day. During this time, the moors become still and silent, evoking the isolated setting of Emily Brontë’s Gothic novel, Wuthering Heights.
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.
Taking a walk to the Brontë waterfall is a popular place to relax and enjoy a picnic. I spotted families with their children, larking around and playing in the stream.
The location is also home to The Brontë garden, an area often visited by the famed sister. You’ll find a a bridge now known as the Brontë Bridge which crosses a moorland stream.
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
Where should you stay in Haworth?
There are plenty of accommodation options Haworth, mostly in the form of B&Bs.
I recommend the lovely Rosebud Cottage Guest House, located only a few minutes away from Brontë Parsonage Museum. The cottage is set in an authentic 18th Century, beautifully and lovely maintained. The interior design is tastefully decorated with original period features to offer a cosy, light and airy atmosphere. To ensure, you set for the day, they do a stellar English Breakfast too.
Further reading
For more information on things to do in Yorkshire including Haworth, take a dip into my archive.
