8 of the best things to do in Haworth and Bronte Country

On the edge of the windswept Yorkshire Moors sits Haworth, an adorable village with a wealth of attractions to visit. As well as the heritage of the famous Bronte family at the Parsonage Museum, there are plenty of shops and pubs to visit to mingle with Haworth’s thriving community.

You can explore the whole area in style by hopping on a heritage steam train or discover it at your own pace by bike on one of the varied cycle routes. Heading off on foot is equally rewarding with two lovely spots within walking distance of the village, a farmhouse that was the inspiration behind Wuthering Heights and the waterfall where the author favoured to sit and think.

We have compiled some of our favourite things to do in Haworth and you’ll find plenty of cottages in the heart of Bronte Country where you can rest your head after days of exploring.

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Ride on a Haworth steam train

The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is a tiny branch line that runs just 5 miles between Keighley and Oxenhope. Haworth Station is the jewel in its crown, with the fleet of perfectly maintained locomotives based here.

If you’re a train buff, you can take a guided tour, or if the romance of the steam age is more your thing, wave as a vintage steam train puffs past to recreate a scene from The Railway Children, which was filmed here.  

Visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum

The impact the Bronte sisters had on the literary world is fully explored at The Bronte Parsonage Museum. Housed in the imposing Georgian building on Church Street where the family lived for over 40 years, it’s the world’s largest and most significant collection years of their manuscripts and personal items.

For 2025 there’s a specially updated exhibition showcasing the family’s legacy.

Take a walk to Bronte Waterfall

For an exhilarating waterfall walk on the moors and a chance to see one of the favourite spots of the Brontës, head to Bronte Waterfall. It’s an easy 3-mile walk from Haworth with footpaths making it suitable for most ages and abilities.

If you do want to trim a little time from your walk, you can save around 1 mile by starting at Penistone Country Park, where you’ll find a free car park and lovely views. It’s an uplifting spot with a picturesque, gently trickling stream that takes you right into the heart of Yorkshire’s Bronte Country.

Enjoy a picnic at Top Withens

This derelict farmhouse is said to have been the inspiration for Emily Bronte’s novel, Wuthering Heights, and anyone familiar with the book will agree that Top Withens’ dramatic location is just the ticket.

Nestled in a dip in the hillside and sheltered by one solitary tree, the crumbling 17^th-century building overlooks the rolling Pennine Way. The invigorating walk there will work up an appetite and hopefully the weather will stay fair for an al fresco lunch.

Relax in a Haworth pub

There are plenty of opportunities to soak up the atmosphere of a traditional Yorkshire hostelry in Haworth. At the top of cobbled Main Street sits The Black Bull, said to have been visited by Branwell Bronte, who dodged being collared by his family by escaping out of the kitchen window. 

Just down the hill from The Black Bull, Haworth Steam Brewery is the place to go to try locally brewed tipples. Sample the cheekily named By’Eck pale ale and Up T’Summat, or choose from the tempting range of gins including Miss Mollies, which have sweetshop flavours.

Dating back to Tudor times, Haworth Old Hall is another excellent choice, with roaring open fires and a sunny beer garden – perfect in any weather. The selection of well-kept ales has earned it a spot in the CAMRA directory. 

Shop on Haworth’s Main Street

Did you know that Haworth was the world’s first village to be awarded Fairtrade status? This means you can indulge in some retail therapy with a clear conscience. Spend a pleasant afternoon working your way up the steep Main Street, dipping in and out of its variety of independent shops. Many have a sepia-hued feel, with The Cabinet of Curiosities’ vintage shop fittings overflowing with retro goodies.

Another establishment with its foot in the past is Mrs Beighton’s, a traditional sweetshop that sells childhood favourites such as black bullets and barley sugars, weighed out from the handsome glass jars that line the shelves.

Continuing the old-school theme, Haworth’s bookshop is aptly named Wave of Nostalgia. This award-winning independent store promotes books written by or about inspiring women, nature, the environment and inclusivity.

Cycle through the moors of Bronte Country

Emily Brontë called them ‘wild, bleak, solitary moors’ and this atmospheric place with ever-changing weather and abundant wildlife demands a full investigation. What better way to do it than by bike? On the Bronte Trail you can visit the birthplace of the Bronte sisters, Thornton, and wend your way around key landmarks of their childhood before traversing a section of The Great Northern Railway Trail that takes in the awe-inspiring Thornton Viaduct.

The Haworth Hills cycle route is great for getting those legs working – there are a few hills to climb. It passes the charming Worth Valley Railway – keep your eyes peeled for one of the splendid steam trains chuffing by – and goes through picture-perfect Oakwood and Oxenhope.

For a peaceful meander taking in rolling hills, reservoirs and fields, choose the Haworth and Denholme cycling route. It is moderately challenging due to the topography of the area, but you’re rewarded with incredible scenery.

Explore East Riddlesden Hall

We’re lucky to still be able to visit East Riddlesden Hall as it has been on the brink of dereliction several times during its 400-year history. Once the heart of a thriving agricultural estate, it now provides a carefully preserved glimpse of a 17^th-century household. The manor house retains breathtaking period features such as the distinctive rose window in the yellow porch chamber and the Great Barn is one of the best examples of its type in the north of England.

In the garden, there’s formal planting and wild areas as well as a mud pie kitchen and den-building corner to keep the kids entertained. Dogs are welcome in the formal gardens on leads and you can let them have a run in the Lower Fields.

Map of things to do in Haworth

Discover all the best things to do in Haworth with this handy map:

Book your Yorkshire Cottage

Are you bonkers about the Brontes? Emily wrote evocatively about the countryside around here, and you can easily imagine yourself as a Victorian author while snug in one of our period properties to call your own, if only for a few days!

There’s a tempting selection of holiday homes in and around Haworth to stay in, from cottages to converted barns, all beautifully maintained to ensure you’re as comfortable as you can be after a day exploring the area.