Haworth, known as Brontë Country, is visited by thousands of people each year from around the world, and we are hardly surprised! This picturesque and historical village is a hub of activity and things to see, from independent shops, live music, festivals, and places of historical interest. However, the main attraction is being the home of the 19th-century writers, the Brontë sisters. People flock to Brontë Country to see where the sisters lived, wrote, and found inspiration for their classic novels.
If you want to make your own adventure to Haworth village, we are here to help! Our guide first dives into the Brontë sisters’ lives and classic works. We then explore the essential things to do in Haworth for the full experience of Brontë country.
Who were the Brontë Sisters?
Born in Haworth village in the early 1800s, the Brontë sisters were Charlotte, Anne, and Emily. They were famous for their significant contributions to literature through their novels and poetry. The sisters lived in the Haworth Parsonage with their father, Patrick Brontë (their mother Maria died when they were very young), which has since become the Brontë Parsonage Museum. They had two older sisters, Elizabeth and Maria, who died due to poor living conditions at school. They also had a brother named Branwell, who was a wonderful creative in his own right.
The Brontë sisters’ notable works include:
- Jane Eyre (Charlotte)
- Wuthering Heights (Emily)
- Agnes Grey (Anne)
The sisters’ books explore important themes of social critique, morality, and the struggles of women. They published their novels and poetry under male pseudonyms, which helped them navigate the patriarchal literary world of the 19th century. The Brontë sisters’ passion for writing is summed up in an extract from Charlotte’s journal – ‘I’m just going to write because I cannot help it…’
Sadly, the Brontë sisters were struck by repeated tragedy. Emily died of tuberculosis aged just 30, followed by Anne, who died of the same disease at just 29. The remaining sister, Charlotte, continued to live at the Parsonage with her father and went on to publish two more novels. In 1854, she married her father’s curate, the Reverend Arthur Bell Nicholls. Unfortunately, she died in the same year, believed to be the result of complications in her pregnancy.
Despite these tragedies taking the Brontë sisters at such a young age, they changed the course of literature forever. Their legacy lives on through their novels, which continue to captivate and inspire readers today. This legacy is also seen through the countless national and international visitors who explore Haworth to experience Brontë country.
The 5 Hotspots You Must Visit When Exploring Brontë Country
If you are one of the many admirers of the sisters’ work and are currently planning your trip to Brontë country, then we are here to help. Here are the ultimate hotspots you must visit on your next trip to Haworth.
1. The Home of the Brontë Sisters – The Brontë Parsonage Museum
There is no more obvious place to start than the famous home of the Brontë sisters, now known as the Brontë Parsonage Museum. When you walk around the house and its many rooms, all the furniture, personal possessions, and clothes you see are all originals and belonged to the famous family. In fact, the collection has the largest variety of original Brontë items in the world, and is certified a Designation Collection by Arts Council England.
The museum also has a vast library collection with books about the Brontës and local Haworth history. Also, throughout the year, the museum hosts insightful talks, family activities, and special exhibitions, all inspired by the incredible creativity of the Brontë sisters.
Here are two of the current exhibitions on at the Brontë Parsonage Museum:
From Haworth to Eternity: The Enduring Legacy of the Brontës
Running until 31st December, the exhibition explores how TV and film adaptations of the Brontës’ works and lives have shaped how we imagine Haworth and the world of the Brontë family. It traces the development from the first literary pilgrims to the tourism experienced in Haworth in recent years. It features manuscripts, souvenir albums, letters, and material taken from the museum’s drama archive.
Wandering Imaginations
The exhibition presents a collection of science fiction and fantasy stories by four emerging writers. These are Peggy Kere Osman and Akorfa Dawson from Ghana, CM Govender and Kristian Diprose from Bradford, who all take inspiration from the Brontë sisters.
The Brontë Parsonage Museum presents four stories by the authors in audiobook form. The stories are accompanied by illustrations and animations by Fran Haslam, who is a Yorkshire-based artist, and Karen Kutame, an artist based in Ghana. This must-see exhibition is running until 31st December.
The Brontë Parsonage Museum is an essential visit for anyone interested in the works and lives of the Brontë sisters. For more details, explore the museum’s website here.
2. The Family’s Final Resting Place – Haworth Parish Church
Your next stop on your tour of Brontë Country is right next door to the Parsonage Museum. Haworth Church, also known as St Michael and All Angels’ Church, is synonymous with the Brontë family. The sisters’ father, Patrick Brontë, was the parish minister for 41 years. It is also the burial place of Emily, Charlotte, Branwell, and Patrick (Anne was buried in Scarborough). Its connection to the family has made it one of the most popular places to visit in Haworth.
Inside the church, you’ll find a brass tablet just outside the chapel, marking the vault where the Brontë family are all buried. You’ll also find displays of Brontë memorabilia, including a copy of the marriage certificate of Arthur Bell Nicholls and Charlotte Brontë, and the burial records of Emily. There are beautiful stained glass windows, with the ‘American window’ donated by Thomas Hockley, an enthusiast of Charlotte Brontë.
Being such a significant part of the Brontë family’s lives and deaths, you cannot miss Haworth Church on your trip to Brontë country.
3. An Inspiration for Wuthering Heights – Top Withens
Top Withins is a ruined, isolated farmhouse in Haworth Moor, roughly a 3.5-mile walk from Haworth’s Main Street. It is considered by many to have been a significant inspiration for Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel Wuthering Heights. Due to its connection to the famous work and dramatic location, it draws thousands of walkers and Brontë fans every year.
It has to be said that the Earnshaw Farmhouse in Wuthering Heights did not physically resemble Top Withens, but its dramatic location on the wild moors will have likely been in her mind while writing her novel. This is confirmed by a stone engraved plaque, placed on the wall of the abandoned building by the Brontë Society in 1964. It reads:
“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.”
The walk to and from Top Withins is beautiful and is a must for any visit to Brontë country. The ruins are located on the Pennine Way Path, where you can also pass Brontë Bridge and Brontë waterfall, meaning you can combine all three in one walk. The path is accessible from Haworth village, allowing you to experience the wild, stunning landscapes Emily portrayed so clearly in her novel.
Fun Fact: The area is highly popular with Japanese tourists who are fans of the Brontë sisters. This is in part due to a 1988 film adaptation of Wuthering Heights set in medieval Japan, and also a 2016 novel titled ‘Yuki Chan in Brontë Country’. During your walk, you’ll even spot signs in Japanese featuring the words ‘Arashi Ga Oka’, which translates as Wuthering Heights.
4. Bramwell Brontë’s Favourite Drinking Spot – The Black Bull
At the top of Haworth’s Main Street, you’ll find one of the village’s oldest and most iconic pubs. The Black Bull is an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience Brontë Country. One of its most famous historical patrons was Branwell Brontë, the brother of the literary sisters. He was a regular visitor to the pub, known to hold court by the fireplace, entertaining locals and travellers alike.
The pub appears in the BBC drama ‘To Walk Invisible’, which tells the story of Bramwell and his famous family. Inside, you’ll still find Bramwell’s original masonic seat. It is a truly fascinating relic from the late 18th century, when the pub was home to the Lodge of the Three Graces.
Be warned, you might get spooked! The story goes that Bramwell’s ghost haunts the Black Bull, and it is a favourite location for paranormal investigators and ghost hunters. It even appeared on the TV show ‘Most Haunted’ due to its mysterious reputation.
Other than potentially seeing resident ghosts, you can also enjoy some delicious, freshly prepared food, local ales, and a warm Yorkshire welcome. Outside, there is a terrace overlooking the famous cobbled street, with live music often performed. It really is the perfect spot to relax and refuel while exploring Brontë country.
Looking to visit Haworth this festive season? Discover our guide, Unmissable Things to do in Haworth for a Truly Magical Christmas.
5. Landscapes of Brontë Country – Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
Is there a better way to enjoy Brontë country than riding aboard a traditional steam or diesel train? The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway offers a unique and nostalgic experience to enjoy the stunning countryside immortalised by Emily, Anne, and Charlotte.
With over 150 years of railway history, their trains run from Keighley to Oxenhope on a scenic journey where you can listen to the sounds of the engine as it navigates from the industrial mill town of Keighley to the Brontë Country’s rolling hills. It will be like you’ve truly stepped back in time.
The steam and heritage diesel trains run every weekend, and pass through six stations, including Oakworth station (the setting of ‘The Railway Children’) and Haworth station, the famous home of the Brontë sisters. The Railway also hosts a series of events throughout the year, including a Beer and Music Festival and a Steam Gala.
For more information about this historic railway, including tickets and events, visit the official website here.
Want to Explore More Things to do in Haworth?
Haworth village is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Yorkshire. As well as providing a step back in time to experience the lives, works, and inspirations of the Brontë sisters, it plays host to a wonderful array of independent shops, live music, and festivals. For more information about things to do in Haworth, visit our archives for informative guides to help you plan your next trip.
To find more places to visit around our incredible county, explore our Yorkshire travel section.
Read More: 9 Of Most Beautiful Villages In West Yorkshire To Visit
Feature Image Credit: Pexels
