The journey to Haworth, Yorkshire always begins with the scenic drive over the moors and our regular stop at the spot where we feel like we are on top of the world as we overlook the beautiful scenery that encapsulates both Yorkshire and Lancashire’s finest views. If there is a more beautiful, natural spot in the world than here I would love to visit it because these views are absolutely breathtaking.
You can see rolling hills for miles and the lush, rugged countryside just emphasizes the rustic English countryside given the terrain and battering it takes from the climatic conditions in this part of the world. Whenever Heather first visited here in 2010, she claimed that this was the most beautiful and favorite place on Earth and she still maintains this.
There are so many gorgeous vantage points on the drive over from Colne that you could probably spend all day just taking in the beauty surrounding you. An interesting point that Heather made was the amount of public footpath signs that you can see and it is clearly apparent that fell walking and hiking in this area are ideal for anyone with this sort of interest.
Driving around the winding roads is an art in itself especially as you carefully wander through the small towns along the route into Haworth. Anyone with any hint of car sickness should beware though because for many this is probably like riding a roller coaster (Heather kindly pointed out that my driving tends to enhance the ‘sick’ feeling but I would prefer to think it is just improving the experience!).
Driving out of Haworth was particularly interesting this time given that as we approached one of the smaller towns we were faced with a bus on the other side of the road and the road really wasn’t wide enough for the two of us to pass through. Needless to say with some careful maneuvering we were able to get through but for a moment I think both of us thought we were going to be at a standstill for a while.
So what makes Haworth so charming and picturesque? There are so many reasons but if you had to say one thing about this quaint village I would suggest it is the relaxed feeling that you get as you are walking along those old stone cobbles passing by old school shops and delicatessens. Below are our top 5 reasons that you should visit Haworth:
Home of the Bronte Sisters
Steeped with history and heritage, Haworth is world renowed as being the home of the famous Bronte sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne. Would Haworth be as inviting for tourists without this recognition? On a global scale the answer is probably no and this is not because there is nothing to do aside from visiting the Bronte Parsonage, it is more so because Haworth would probably dwindle away like many other towns dotted across the English countryside.
There is so much beauty in Haworth that fortunately people that do visit here purely for the reason of seeing the home of the Bronte’s, also get to experience everything else that this unique town has to offer. Anyone visiting Haworth can walk into the Bronte Parsonage Museum and at £7 per person it is a relatively inexpensive attraction. The museum is open daily from 10:00AM – 5:30PM during the months of April to September and is open between 11:00AM – 5:00PM during the Winter months.
So if you are reading this post and still trying to figure out who we are referring to with the Bronte’s, here is a quick snippet from the Bronte Parsonage website indicating who they are:
The Brontës are the world’s most famous literary family and Haworth Parsonage, now the Brontë Parsonage Museum, was their home from 1820 to 1861.
Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë were the authors of some of the best-loved books in the English language. Charlotte’s novel Jane Eyre (1847), Emily’s Wuthering Heights (1847), and Anne’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848) were written in this house over a hundred and fifty years ago, yet their power still moves readers today.
It is a great experience to just walk around the town and speak with locals on this historic fame. The older generations are generally proud to be part of this heritage though as generations move on, the younger folks probably feel less inclined to boast about where they are growing up.
The cobbled streets and local shops
There are very few places in the world today that still have original cobble stoned streets from the 18th and 19th centuries but Haworth can still lay claim to this. Walking up and down the main street along those beautifully knitted cobbles is a perfect way to relax as you take in the local shops. The local shops for many will seem tiny, in fact there is even a gift shop along the street named “The smallest shop” as there really is only room for two or three people to browse around.
Taking in the atmosphere as you walk along the street passing the stereotypical English red phone box and also by the steps to the towering Haworth Parish Church, providing ample wonderful photograph opportunities. The cobbles enhance the overall attractiveness of Haworth’s architecture and infrastructure. There is so much originality in how everything is designed and you can see at first hand that locals are refusing to let modern infrastructures dominate this idyllic landscape. Visitors can enjoy browsing in the shops or simply passing them by along the descent to the bottom of the valley.
Enjoy the local cuisine
If you plan on spending half a day or even longer in the town of Haworth, you have to sample some of the local cuisine on offer. There are countless bakeries and delicatessens to choose from along with several pubs and “chippy’s” depending upon your preferences. We decided to sample afternoon tea in one of the local bakeries and we were certainly not disappointed with the quality and atmosphere on offer. Anyone looking to experience a typical English Cream Tea (Scone, Jam, Cream and a Pot of Tea) would be well advised to visit the “Villette Coffee House and Bakery”.
Heather indulged in the cream tea and I decided to try the toasted teacake and pot of tea. Both of our snacks/beverages were excellent and the service was second to none! A definite five star experience and reasonably priced so no complaints at all here.
Tourist Information Centre
When looking at the county of Yorkshire as a whole, there is just so many attractions and things to see, it is imperative that local towns have informative tourist information centres. Haworth certainly has one of these located at the top of main street inside the local post office. For all the latest events, attractions and local news in the town of Haworth, this is the place to go. There are always people willing to help and point you in the right direction and you can even take home a small piece of Haworth history with you or maybe a stereotypical English gift such as a model telephone box is more your thing!
Haworth Railway Station
Haworth is also famous for being the home of a railway station that is on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway line. Although this may seem trivial, when you learn that this line was used for the 1970s hit classic ‘The Railway Children’, the line has ever since been a magnet for visitors. Visitors are able to travel through the Bronte Country and enjoy the beautiful landscapes on offer along this line. Christmas is a great time for visitors to enjoy the ‘Santa Steam Specials’ which are a true hit among locals and visitors alike.
Cobbled streets always make anytown look pretty I think – it’s part of charm of so many European cities and I for one can’t get enough of them.
Definitely about the cobbles! They really are a dying aspect of many of the older cities but at least in many of the European locations we are seeing them being preserved which is great.
Always up for some Bronte sisters! I’d definitely hit the Bronte Parsonage Museum – when not running through the fields shouting “Heathcliff!”. Love your photos! Haworth looks really picturesque. Good luck!
Cheers! We seem to make it an annual visit now to cross the Yorkshire Moors to Haworth. The drive over is idyllic with the views, even in winter, and then when you arrive in Haworth just wandering up and down those cobbled streets it’s very relaxing. Thanks so much for the kind remarks on the photos!! We visited the Bronte Parsonage Museum gift shop but the museum was actually closed when we arrived so were not able to take the tour – maybe next time!!
That’s pretty cool that they still have all the original cobblestone. Sets them apart for sure. I’d be up for visiting the Bronte sisters!
You would enjoy Haworth a lot if you have an interest in the Bronte sisters. Honestly, even if you don’t (I have to admit that Heather probably has more of an interest in that aspect than I do) you will still get plenty out of wandering around the little stores. The world’s smallest shop is located here and well…you just have to see it for yourself to do it any justice 🙂
I love old, winding roads almost as much as I love historic sites, cobbled streets, and railroads . . . so basically, this looks like a perfect spot!
Jess, I think you have hit the nail on the head when you indicated that this is the perfect spot. If you have any interests at all in old-style British villages or any of the above that you listed – Haworth is the spot for you!!
Can’t believe Haworth is on my doorstep and I’ve never Visited! We’ll have to have a family visit in 2014 from supermegahybrid.blogspot.co.uk
You need to head on over there but I agree with you, before Heather came over to the UK in 2010 I had only been with my parents a couple of times to Haworth but it really is worth a visit. It would be a great little place to go with the family, either nipping into the chippy at the bottom of the hill for lunch or just grabbing something in one of the idyllic cafes along the way!!
I love scenic drives! And this one seems really beautiful. But now you dared me to find even the nicer one :). Haworth looks really pretty.
My Father is from Yorkshire, and I lived there until I was 9… This post and the lovely pictures took me right back! 🙂
Thanks Emma! The whole county of Yorkshire is beautiful. We spent quite a bit of time in the Yorkshire Dales over the last week after visiting Haworth. Exploring those country roads and finding new things you never knew existed is a wonderful way to pass time!!
Thanks so much for the kind remarks!
Would it make me sound shallow if I said this reminds me of Midsomer Murders? 🙂
Not at all Bob, Haworth is almost a perfect setting for that particular series of episodes. You always see those old-school villages that look quaint on the outside but under those cobbled stones you never know what you may find 🙂
Chris, great, informative post on Haworth. I must admit to being a Bronte sisters fan. Loved Jane Eyre, didn’t like Wuthering Heights and haven’t read The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.
That aside, it sounds like Howarth is well worth a visit for the atmosphere you’ve painted here. I’ll be sure to pop in when I return to Blighty. Cheers!
Cheers Andy! I would highly recommend Haworth to anyone. It’s not the sort of place you are going to spend a full day at because there just isn’t a great deal of things to see, but you can certainly spend a few hours here and then move on to some surrounding locations that are equally as good (Skipton, Keighley, Harrogate etc. are all in close proximity and worth a visit if you are in that neck of the woods)!
Oh, I love this post!
England is the only place I feel at home (and I am a Brazilian born and raised!) and seeing this beautiful scenery just makes me want to go back to visit as soon as possible!
Thank you for sharing your experience in Haworth! It’s on my travel wish list!
Monique
This definitely looks like a place I want to go – history plus sweet treats? Looks like a lovely place for a day trip!
I would love to go here one day! I love the Bronte sisters, railroads, history, cobbled streets and so on haha…great post guys! 🙂
I love the cobblestone – thats one of the main things I love about living in Europe.
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