It’s a bright, crisp, perfect winter’s day as I cross the moors towards Haworth, and the north feels anything but grim as I take in the sweeping views before me.
This is Brontë country, a landscape immortalised by the literary sisters in the pages of their world-famous novels.
Some footpath signs to sites made famous through their association with the Brontë's books are written in Japanese and English, an indication of how popular this corner of Yorkshire is for enthusiasts worldwide.
For many who visit, this isn’t just a day out, it’s a pilgrimage - a chance to step into the world that shaped some of the greatest novels in English literature.
The charm of Haworth and the surrounding area is being appreciated by an even wider audience, thanks to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
It goes without saying that the Brontë connection is a major pull for many visitors to Haworth, but it's also had a ‘moment’ after being compared to Stars Hollow, the fictional Connecticut town in the hugely popular television series, Gilmore Girls.
Type Haworth into the search bar, and you’ll find video after video of content creators taking their audience along as they explore the famous village.
Long-standing family business The Cabinet of Curiosities sits at the top of Haworth Main Street, in a building lovingly restored to its former glory as an apothecary.
With its ornate shopfront, beautiful displays, and treasure trove of delights inside, the unique spot is at the centre of many of the viral videos shared across social media.
Owner Caroline Rose tells me: ‘It’s great to see Haworth well and truly back on the map for visitors.
‘There is such a wonderful mix in Haworth at the moment - literature, culture, beautiful independent shops, charming eateries, cosy pubs - we feel lucky to be in such a bustling, vibrant place.’
With stylish places to eat and a unique shopping scene, Haworth feels firmly rooted in the 21st century, but there is still a great reverence for its history and Brontë heritage.
There’s something special in that enduring legacy and the sense that this small West Yorkshire village is still inspiring people as they walk the same streets as Charlotte, Emily, and Anne more than 200 years on.
House prices in Haworth averaged £195,019 over the last year, according to Rightmove.
Overall, sold prices in Haworth were five per cent down on the previous year and five per cent down on the 2022 peak of £204,990, says the property website.
Places to shop
From the top of Haworth Main Street to the bottom, the pretty cobbled street is full of shops to explore. The Cabinet of Curiosities' antique interior and cabinets filled with beautiful products make it a must-visit. This isn’t just a shop; it’s an experience to savour. Lovers of vintage won’t want to miss The Souk, while lovely jewellery items can be found in Silverland with Passion. Nice Things, Betty Moore, the store, Hawksbys, Lighthouse Lane, and modo&co are shops with a unique, curated offering, while book lovers will be enticed by Wave of Nostalgia and Hatchard & Daughters.
If you have a sweet tooth, add …and Chocolate of Haworth - with its divine range of handcrafted chocolates - and traditional sweet shop Mrs Beightons to your list.
Meanwhile, you’ll find handcrafted pies at Hunters of Haworth, and artisan cheese at Riddle & Rind.
Haworth is fascinating as, naturally, many of the buildings have a connection to the Brontë sisters, including Oh La La – The Original Brontë Stationery Store, which sells literary gifts, as well as arts and cultural ephemera. In the 1800s, it was a grocers and tea merchant, which sold general goods and writing paper. Charlotte Brontë was a close friend of the owner, and it was from him that she bought her writing paper. Her books Jane Eyre and Villette were also sold in the shop.
PLACES TO EAT
Haworth Old Post Office
A historic dining spot. As the Post Office during the Brontës’ lifetime, it was here the sisters posted their manuscripts to their London publishers. The original counter remains inside and in use to this day.
hawortholdpostoffice.co.uk
Pavé
Find great coffee and an extensive meat and cheese selection. Charcuterie and cheeseboards are central to the menu, alongside home-cooked recipes to enjoy with a glass of wine. If the sun is shining, grab a table outside and watch the world go by.
pave-haworth.com
The Hawthorn
Another historic dining spot, this gastropub in the heart of Haworth Main Street is packed with period features. John Barraclough, clockmaker to the Brontë family, lived in the building, and a collection of his clocks is on display.
thehawthornhaworth.co.uk
Step back in time
A trip to Haworth wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Brontë Parsonage Museum. Once the Haworth Parsonage, it was here where the Brontë family lived from 1820 to 1861, and where the sisters wrote their novels.
‘The house still evokes the atmosphere of the Brontës' time, and the rooms they once used are largely unchanged and filled with a world-class collection of clothes, personal possessions, letters, and manuscripts, including the famous ‘little books’,’ says the museum.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts special exhibitions, contemporary art, insightful talks, family activities and more.
In the village of Thornton, a drive of around 20 minutes from Haworth, is the Brontë Birthplace, where Charlotte, Branwell, Emily. and Anne were born, while their father, Reverend Patrick Brontë, served as curate at the nearby Bell Chapel. The Grade II-listed building has been lovingly restored and offers overnight stays - each room is named in honour of a Brontë family member
Haworth is also home to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, made famous by the classic 1970 film, The Railway Children.
Celebrate the wonder of steam and take in the splendour of Brontë country on this five-mile heritage railway, which regularly hosts events.
Explore the outdoors
Haworth is ideally placed for those who want to explore the outdoors, and a walk to Top Withens is a must.
The ruined farmhouse has long been associated with Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights - a plaque was placed at the site in 1964 by the Brontë Society 'in response to many inquiries'.
It says: 'This farmhouse has been associated with Wuthering Heights, the Earnshaw home in Emily Brontë's novel. The buildings, even when complete, bore no resemblance to the house she described, but the situation may have been in her mind when she wrote of the moorland setting of the heights.'
Whether Emily Brontë drew inspiration from Top Withens or not, those looking for spectacular views will find them here.
The area is also home to Penistone Hill Country Park. This is part of the Bradford Pennine Gateway National Nature Reserve (NNR) - the first in West Yorkshire.
The NNR forms part of the King’s Series, a national initiative to protect and celebrate the natural heritage of the United Kingdom.
The 72-hectare moorland offers various walking routes for all levels - whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike - and more breathtaking views of Brontë country.
Town Life
Katie and Howard Shelmerdine run Lighthouse Lane.
'We’ve traded in Haworth for over 10 years now, and in that time we’ve really seen the village bloom,' say the couple.
'Haworth is a truly special place. We feel so privileged that our business sits on the iconic cobbled Main Street – a street where every single shop, pub, café and bar is independent. Each has its own personality and is run by passionate people determined to keep the village thriving.
'Working a weekend is always such a joy. We meet so many interesting people, including visitors who’ve travelled miles just to be here. Event weekends are especially vibrant, filled with music, food and happiness.
'In contrast, weekdays are peaceful and slow-paced, and you often feel as though you have a slice of Haworth all to yourself. It’s blissful to sit in a cosy café and watch village life drift by.
'There’s so much to enjoy in Haworth – it could keep you busy for days. A visit to the Brontë Parsonage is a must, and the beautiful park and historic railway station are firm favourites.
'Beyond the village lie the stunning moors – the perfect place to feel invigorated, clear your mind and collect your thoughts.'
