Best Things to do in Haworth, Yorkshire
Planning to visit Haworth? Since I’m lucky enough to live down the road in beautiful West Yorkshire, I’m here to share some of the best things to do in Haworth when you go!
Once home to the Brontë sisters and now home to a ton of cute cafes, restaurants, and independent stores that lie along the picturesque, cobbled Main Street. Standing at the top of the hill and looking down at the village has to be one of the most postcard-perfect views of any West Yorkshire town.
Things to do in Haworth, Yorkshire
Parsonage Museum
Ready to discover Wuthering Heights in Haworth? For lovers of all things books and Brontës, visiting the Brontë Parsonage Museum is a must-do.
The family lived here much of their lives, and many rooms of the museum are set up to represent what they would have likely looked like many decades ago.
The heart of Haworth is in the beauty that no camera can capture, for it lies within the stories written here. Not only do the sisters’ famous works remain classics, but they also captured Yorkshire in such a magical way that people want to visit not just for the authors, but to see Yorkshire through their eyes.
So, if you want to imagine what it would be like to live among the Brontë sisters? To listen in on the dreams and discussions that rang between these walls before the sisters turned their words into dazzling stories? This is the place to do it.
St Michael’s and All Angels Church
Peek your head inside this stunning church, known for its association with the Brontë family. Most of the family are buried here, and Patrick in particular had a close connection with his local parish.
Although a religious building has been on this site since the 1400s, the most recent iteration was largely built in the late 1800s, though the tower is much older.
The sign below reads: “This was the site of the gate leading to the church, used by the Brontë family, and through which they were carried to their final resting place in the church.”
The Old School Room Haworth
The school room is right opposite the church, so while it’s not fully open to the public, it’s worth taking a peek if you have an interest in its historic connections to the Brontës.
As the sign reads: “Patrick Brontë (1777-1861) built this school for the children of Haworth. Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne all taught here. Site of Charlotte’s wedding reception in 1854.”
Since the beginning of the 20th century, it’s continued to benefit locals as a community building, and is still open for event bookings today. These days, the site is looked after by a small local charity, and has been lovingly renovated to keep as many original features as possible.
The plaque below reads: “Charlotte Brontë (1816 – 1855) taught at this school built in 1852 and restored by the church in 1966 with help from the Brontë Society.”
Indie Shops on Main Street
From home decor and art stores to second-hand books and gift shops, Haworth isn’t the best (or cheapest) place for practical shopping, but it sure is adorable.
Step inside the vintage sweet store, pick up magic supplies to curse your ex, or the most beautiful edition you’ve ever seen of your favourite book.
The Cabinet of Curiosities
And if you only visit one shop, make it The Cabinet of Curiosities! They have some STUNNING hardcover classic tomes, as well as a few magical modern books with themes of folklore and nature.
Their seasonal decorations are also a treat before you’ve even gone inside – here’s what they conjured up for last Halloween!
Brontë Waterfall
Since the landscapes here are said to have inspired the Brontë sisters (particularly Wuthering Heights), these pretty falls are no stranger to the rumours – the square rock to the side of the falls (see the photo below) is also known as the Brontë chair, with some believing the sisters enjoyed sitting here.
As a West Yorkshire local, I won’t pretend that this is my favourite waterfall in the area, but the links to the sisters make it special… and I loved seeing it as part of the longer circular walk alongside Top Withens (more on that next!). Walking beside the crowds doesn’t quite capture the essence of these wild, rugged landscapes like the Brontës could, but my own imagination is set alight by the quieter, wilder hikes that straddle the moors.
Hiking the Top Withens and Brontë Falls Circular
The Brontë Falls & Top Withens hiking trail is my personal favourite thing to do in Haworth!
What you need to know about the hike:
- 11.7km circular trail with an incline of 319m
- about 3 to 3.5 hours
- Begin this circular route from the car park opposite the Brontë Parsonage Museum (pay and display) or Penistone Hill Carpark (free).
- The hike is listed as Top Withens and Brontë Falls Circular on AllTrails.
What You’ll See Along The Way:
Top Withens ruins: 413m high up on the Moors, you’ll find the ruined farmhouse of Top Withens, which is often considered to be the inspiration behind the Earnshaw family home in Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights. However, it’s hard to know whether this is entirely true, as it doesn’t match the book’s description.
Brontë Waterfalls: see above!
Miles and miles of moorland: Nothing beats the Yorkshire scenery, but be prepared for boggy fields underfoot, and make sure you’re wearing waterproof boots if it’s been raining recently!
And finish off in Haworth Village with a well-deserved coffee.
Haunted Haworth Ghost Walks
As for more unusual things to do in Haworth, West Yorkshire, check out the Haunted Haworth Ghost Walks. From spooky ghost tales to local folklore, if there’s one thing that’s certain about Haworth, it’s that it’s full of stories. You’ll soak up a ton of info about the area from your local guide who is super passionate about passing on his favourite tales. With over one hundred five star reviews, you’re in for fun evening.
Grab a bite
While Haworth has just enough things to do to warrant a full day trip (especially if you’re adding the waterfall and museum to your itineraries), it’s also a great place to stop for a coffee or lunch break while exploring elsewhere in West Yorkshire. While wandering downhill along the idyllic cobblestoned Main Street, complete with its ramshackle assortment of indie shops and serene views of the Yorkshire hills beyond, there is a fab array of cute cafes and pubs to warm up in and grab some grub.
So whether you’re here for the day or passing through, you certainly won’t go hungry (or without coffee!) in Haworth.
A few places to eat in Haworth, UK
Haworth Old Post Office: Delicious meals made from seasonal produce, served over the original Brontë Post Office counter; this is a Haworth classic!
Steam Brewing Co.: If it’s good enough for Patrick Brontë, it’s good enough for me; this is one of the town’s oldest drinking establishments and is still known for its traditional brews.
Hawthorn at Haworth: I haven’t visited Hawthorn yet but I’ve heard such good things about it! With a talented chef and an à la carte menu, this is the place to come if you’re celebrating something special. Or just yourself; you’re special too <3
Keighley Heritage Railway
If you’re after fun things to do in Haworth with kids, I suspect taking a vintage steam train at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is a brilliant choice. The five-mile journey winds through Brontë country as you look out at Yorkshire’s ever-gorgeous countryside and learn a little about its history.
If the family needs feeding, you can visit one of the cafes at the lovingly preserved vintage stations. But if you’re after something more refined, you can book a ticket on one of the dining trains – they serve everything from afternoon tea to special dining experiences for those special occasions.
When to visit Haworth
Haworth really is a year-round destination. I’ve visited in both Autumn (think Halloween storefronts and autumn leaves), Summer (a bit too crowded on the main street for me, but that’s easily avoided by arriving early for a coffee and then enjoying the nearby hikes), and early Spring (when fresh flowers were beginning to bloom), and all were idyllic.
From experience, there’s plenty to do in Haworth even on a rainy day, as you’ll spend the time nipping in and out of shops, warming up in one of the many cafes, or enjoying the Parsonage Museum… Though the nearby walking trails can get very muddy!
Is Haworth worth visiting?
Yes, Haworth is definitely worth visiting! I’ve been multiple times and will most certainly go again. Here are a few reasons why:
- It’s one of England’s top literary destinations, along with places like Bram Stoker’s Whitby or Shakespeare’s Stratford, and an absolute must for Brontë and Wuthering Heights fans.
- Lots of lovely places to eat and drink, so it’s a good place to spend a day out, head for dinner on a special occasion, or stop at while travelling through Yorkshire.
- There are lots more things to do near Haworth, like visiting charming Hebden Bridge, hiking the Yorkshire moors, or learning about the witch trials at Pendle Hill.
Your photos are absolutely beautiful—they really capture the charm of Haworth! The views down the cobbled Main Street are stunning, and I’d love to visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum and hike to Brontë Waterfall. This looks like such a lovely destination for a relaxing weekend in Yorkshire.