Weird, Quirky, And Wonderful Things To Do In Haworth

When looking for things to do in Haworth, you really are spoilt for choice. There is an abundance of independent shops, wonderful restaurants, walks on the wild and stunning moors, and of course, the opportunity to explore its connection to the Brontë sisters. While these are highly worthwhile activities when visiting the village, what if you want something a bit quirky and away from the norm? Well, we’re here to help.

Our guide will explore five of the more unusual things to do in Haworth. We will discover events ranging from Steampunk weekends to ghost tours, so you can ensure your next trip to Brontë Country is one to remember.

Our Top 5 Recommendations for Your Next Trip to Haworth

If you are looking at what to do in Haworth and want something a little bit different, here are some of our favourites.

1. Haworth Festival Balboa Weekend

Get on your dancing shoes and head down for a relaxed weekend of Balboa dancing as part of the Haworth festival. Balboa hails from the crowned dance halls of the 1920s and 1930s jazz era in Southern California. This close-hold swing dance has gained a recent global resurgence in popularity.

Next taking place on Friday 17th to Sunday 19th July 2026, there will be social classes with live bands performing Cactusville Jazz (Friday) and Hot Club of Halifax (Saturday). On Sunday, there is an afternoon tea dance with live music from David Broad and The Meanwood Valley Stompers (what a name!). This is followed by an after-party session to close out the weekend, where you’ll get music perfect for slow Balboa and blues dancing.

Whether you are a seasoned Balboa dancer or just want to give something new a try, you’ll have fun, laughter and an experience you’ll never forget. For more information, visit the Haworth Festival website here.

2. Keighley and Worth Valley Railway 1940s Weekend

The hugely popular 1940s weekend has gone through several changes over the last couple of years. In 2024, the event was cancelled as the original organising committee stepped down in 2023 after running the event for more than 30 years. However, the popular festival was relaunched this year with the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (KWVR), which has a station in Haworth village, now hosting.

And what a host it is! You’ll join them on a trip back in time for a memorable journey into the 1940s for a celebration of wartime Britain. The railway is transformed into a living historical experience. There’s entertainment, re-enactments, and music, meaning you’ll be fully immersed in the sights and sounds of the period.

What Can I Expect on the Weekend?

Here’s just a snapshot of what you’ll find on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway 1940s Weekend.

Living History – You’ll get to meet the home guard, visit a wartime corner shop, explore ARP encampments, try code breaking, and so much more.
Entertainment and Music – Talented singers performing popular songs of the era, a traditional fairground organ, and Balboa dancers all add to the sights and sounds of the festival.
Special Guests – As you travel across the railway, one of the people you’ll encounter is Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris delivering rousing speeches.
Food and Refreshments – There’s so much choice for your food and drink at the 1940s weekend. You can grab a delicious ice cream and a brew at the NAAFI (Tea Hut) at Oakworth, tea and cake at Ingrow, a buffet serving hot and cold sandwiches at Oxenhope, or a meal at the Railway’s own The Old Post Office, located at Keighley Station.

So, if you’re looking for a quirky day out, a history lover, or a vintage fashion enthusiast (or a mixture of all three!), then the 1940s weekend is for you. The next edition takes place on May 16th and 17th, 2026. So, make sure you put it in your diary, you won’t regret it.

3. Haworth Steampunk Weekend

Next on our list of things to do in Haworth is one of the village’s most unique annual events. The Haworth Steampunk Weekend takes place in May and October. It is a fun and welcoming celebration of creativity and alternative fashion at the heart of Brontë country.

Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that imagines a future powered by clockwork and steam but from a Victorian or Edwardian perspective. It is hugely popular, and this can be seen every year as the streets of Haworth come alive as enthusiasts from across the country arrive in their imaginative and striking Steampunk-inspired outfits. These outfits can include ornate hats, features, goggles (including on dogs!), corsets, pocket watches, and many other wonderfully inventive accessories.

Whether you are a dedicated Steampunk fan or just a casual visitor, there is plenty to see and do for a highly enjoyable experience. The programme usually includes singers, drummers, dancers, games, and family-friendly activities, alongside the village’s many independent shops, cafes, and pubs. Previous years have seen quirky events such as Yorkshire Pudding Tossing and dog shows. There’s also live music at great local pubs such as the Black Bull and The Kings Arms.

The Haworth Steampunk Weekend is a fantastic mixture of imagination, heritage, and fun. So, if you are looking for quirky things to do in Haworth, then look no further. The next event in the calendar is from May 2nd to 3rd, 2026.

4. Haunted Haworth Ghost Tours

Get ready to discover the dark secrets of haunted Haworth by joining guide Adam Sargant on a spine-chilling ghost tour. As a local ghostologist, Adam has been a ghoulish storyteller for many decades. He has a fascination with local folklore, ghosts, and the Brontës, and takes great pleasure in telling you his spooky tales.

There are two main walks to choose from: ‘Grave Tales: Haworth’s Buried History’, and ‘Haunted Haworth Ghost Tour’. You’ll discover stories such as:

The ghost of Emily Brontë walking the streets of Haworth
How the village and the surrounding areas are an inheritor of an ancient tradition used to warn off malevolent spirits
Bramwell Brontë’s creepy encounter with local spectral presences, and many more.

The tours start at 7pm, and the meeting point is at the steps leading to the church at the top of Main Street. It is priced at £10 per adult and £7 per child. If you are ready for a scare and a lot of fun from one of the town’s best storytellers, then check out the website here for more information on tour dates and booking tickets.

5. The Cabinet of Curiosities

When looking at what to do in Haworth, shopping is one of the first things that comes to mind. The Cabinet of Curiosities is one of the village’s most unique independent shop. It offers you the chance to step inside a beautifully restored Victorian apothecary. It has been owned and run by the same family for three decades, and has been carefully restored to its 19th-century character. Its antique fittings have been salvaged from old grocers, museums, and chemists. It is also a key part of local history, as it was the apothecary where Bramwell Brontë purchased laudanum.

As you step inside, you’ll find a welcoming and museum-like atmosphere, with warm lighting and cabinets filled with handmade goods. The Cabinet of Curiosities offers a variety of products, like blended oils, candles, botanical shops, and therapeutic bath powders. The best thing is, all these products are still produced in the workshop behind the shop.

So, if you are looking for a unique and memorable shopping experience, visit the Cabinet of Curiosities on Main Street. For more details about this fascinating store, visit their website here.

Want to Discover More Things to do In Haworth?

There are so many fun, educational, and memorable things to do in Haworth. Whether you are fascinated by the Brontë sisters, love walking on the moors, or looking for retail therapy at one of the many independent shops, there is something for everyone in one of the county’s most picturesque villages.

To discover more about what to do in Haworth, explore our Haworth archives. You’ll find informative guides on events, food and drink, history, and much more going on in Brontë Country.