The works of the Brontë sisters are going to be firmly put in the spotlight this month with the release of the 2026 adaptation of Emily Brontë’s famous novel Wuthering Heights starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. If you are a fan of the book and/or the film, you’ll be interested to know that one of the rumoured inspirations for Wuthering Heights was Top Withens, a wild and deserted farmhouse on the Haworth moors.
We’re sure you’ll be excited to hear that you can visit Top Withens for yourself the next time you visit Haworth village. Your walk to this iconic building will take you across the dramatic and beautiful moors that captured the imaginations of Yorkshire’s favourite literary family.
In our guide, you’ll gain insight into what Top Withens is, why it is often regarded as an inspiration for Wuthering Heights, and why it is one of the best places to visit in Yorkshire for all Brontë enthusiasts.
What is Top Withens, and why did it inspire Wuthering Heights?
Top Withens is an isolated, ruined farmhouse found on Haworth Moor, approximately a 3.5-mile walk from Haworth’s Main Street. Its first recorded owner was Thomas Crawshaye, way back in 1567. It is considered by many to have been a major inspiration for the 1847 novel Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Brontë. With its connection to the famous work and its dramatic location, it draws thousands of visitors from around the world every year.
While it is worth noting that the Earnshaw Farmhouse in Wuthering Heights didn’t have a physical resemblance to Top Withens, its location on the wild and wind-swept moors will have likely inspired Emily when writing her novel. On a stone engraved plaque placed by the Brontë Society in 1964 on the wall of the abandoned building, it confirmed this by saying:
“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.”
A visit to Top Withens will help you gain a deeper understanding of the characters and storyline of Wuthering Heights, as you will be able to picture the life and times on a Yorkshire moorland farm around this time. It’s a brilliant visual aid to the wild and dramatic setting that Emily wanted to display in her book.
Can You Walk to Top Withens from Haworth Village?
Absolutely yes! The walk to Top Withens is wonderful and is truly one of the best places to visit in Yorkshire. You’ll find the ruins located on the Pennine Way Path. The circular route from Haworth to Top Withens is approximately 7 miles, so you’ll need about 3.5 hours to complete it. It is definitely worth it.
Here is what you can expect to experience on your walk to Top Withens:
Brontë Waterfall
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En route to Top Withens, you’ll find two other significant Brontë locations – Brontë Bridge and Brontë Waterfall. The waterfall in particular was said to be a favourite spot of the Brontë sisters. Charlotte Brontë said in 1854:
“We set off, not intending to go far, but though wild and cloudy it was fine in the morning; when we got about half a mile on the moors, Arthur suggested the idea of the waterfall; after the melted snow, he said it would be fine. I had often wished to see it in its winter power, so we walked on. It was fine indeed; a perfect torrent racing over the rocks, white and beautiful!”
The water cascade is most impressive after heavy rain, when it turns into a powerful flow that pours down the rocks. This makes for an impressive spectacle.
Brontë Bridge
Next, you’ll see the bridge, which is just moments from the waterfall. It is an old stone crossing that crosses the South Dean Beck. Unfortunately, in 1989, the bridge was swept away by a flash flood. However, it was rebuilt in 1990. When visiting the bridge, you’ll see a plaque donated by the Brontë Society that commemorates the reconstruction.
Navigating through the Wild Moors to Top Withens
After admiring the bridge and waterfall, you’ll head uphill and across the moors. The paths are clearly marked out and easy to follow. We recommend wearing sturdy boots, as there are sections that are uneven, rocky, and sometimes muddy. Obviously, you can’t always trust the British weather, so take some warm clothing just in case. The moors are very remote, with nothing around for miles, making it a peaceful and adventurous walk.
Once you’ve explored Top Withens, the circular route will take you down to Stanbury. Here you can stop off at the Wuthering Heights Inn for a well-deserved pint before heading back to Haworth village.
Fun Fact: If you do take the walk to Top Withens, you may come across a few Japanese tourists. It is a highly popular spot for visitors from Japan, partly due to the 1988 film adaptation of Wuthering Heights set in medieval Japan. Also, there was a 2016 book titled ‘Yuki Chan in Brontë Country’. Whilst on your walk, you’ll even see signs featuring the words ‘Arashi Ga Oka’, which is Japanese for Wuthering Heights.
As well as Top Withens, there is so much more to see and do for Brontë enthusiasts in Haworth village. For more information about the places you simply have to visit, discover our guide –Top 5 Must-See Spots for Your Next Brontë Country Adventure.
Looking for More Fun Things to do in Haworth?
Top Withens is just one of many locations you must visit when exploring this picturesque part of the world. If you want to discover more things to do in Haworth, then discover our archives. Here you will find guides on places to eat and drink, fun and quirky events, and places of historical interest. Haworth village has so much to offer. So start exploring and discover why it is one of the best places to visit in Yorkshire.
Looking to go further afield and discover more of Yorkshire? Check out our travel section and see what our beautiful county has to offer.
Check out our visit to Haworth for a weekend here:
Read More: Discover 7 of the Best Pubs to Visit in Haworth Village
Feature Image Credit: Photo © Graham Hogg (cc-by-sa/2.0)
