A Spring Trip to Haworth for a Bronte inspired stay

If you’re looking for a literary way to spend a spring weekend, look no further and visit Haworth! 

Last spring I set off to Yorkshire to visit Bronte country for the most wonderful few days in Haworth, the home town of the Bronte family. Here’s what we got up to!

Day one

We arrived a little too early to check into our Airbnb and so this gave us a brunch opportunity that was not to be missed. We stopped in at the ‘Old Post Office’, a cosy restaurant/cafe with plenty of original features! I was feeling whimsy and imagined the Bronte sisters handing their manuscripts over the counter that still features on the ground floor of the building! I was trying my best to imagine how Emily, Anne or Charlotte must have felt handing over the wrapped up product of hard work and dedication, wishing it safe passage on the bumpy road to a London publisher! But then I realised I was not a woman writer of the 19th century having to write under a male pen name to avoid the scrutiny of their peers and shun of society! So I did my best guessing and ordered a brunch burger- 10/10! 

We then had a wander down the cobbled high street and made our way into ‘The Cabinet of Curiosities’. If you’re into a mooch, this was Mooch City. An old chemist, or apothecary, this shop is a magical mixture of gifts, witchcraft and literature. Stunning! 

After checking into our Airbnb, which was suitably Bronte themed, we set off across the moors for a Bronte walk! We took in the Bronte waterfalls, Bronte bridge, Bronte seat and Top Withens farm, the rumoured inspiration for Wuthering Heights, in Wuthering Heights. Even if you weren’t bookish, the views of reservoirs and heath were undeniably breathtaking. It was a pub tea before back to the Airbnb for an early night.

Day 2

The next morning, we visited the Bronte Parsonage museum. A real piece of living history, walking through the rooms really does feel like you’re walking alongside the family. Seeing an ‘E’ carved into the dining table or the famous Branwell portrait in which he painted himself out, is simply unbeatable. It’s such an incredible feeling of connection to the family, despite time spanning decades. The spooky view from the front windows of the Parsonage of the graveyard paired with the expanse of skyline yesterday really puts Bronte literature into perspective. 

After lunch in a cafe, during which we were visited by morris dancers (I think), we set off again up the grassy slopes for a view of Haworth. Taking a different route this time, we appreciated the stone walls and green and purple fields, passed farms with sprinklings of chickens and very much enjoyed the climb back down, with another pub tea waiting for us at the bottom.

Day 3

Day three meant carrying our backpacks down the worlds steepest stairs and checking out of the Airbnb. 

On our drive home we stopped off in Hebden bridge where we spent some time walking along the tree lined canal in the sunshine. It is hard to think of the hustle and bustle and energy these canals once contributed to when you’re walking peacefully, stopping to read the little canal information boards and listening to the birds! 

We were at the conclusion of our lovely long April weekend. It was one of our happiest few days away and made even better (for my book loving self anyway) by the treasure trove of Bronte-ness we unlocked! 

An Itinerary for Inspo!

Day One

• Brunch @ ‘The Old Post Office’ 

• Visit to ‘The Cabinet of Curiosities’

• Bronte Hike

• Pub dinner at ‘Haworth Old Hall’

Day Two 

• Bronte Parsonage Museum 

• Lunch at ‘The Apothecary Tea Rooms’

• Another Hike!

• Dinner at ‘The Black Bull’ 

Day Three

• A quick stop at Hebden Bridge!