Bronte Sisters’ Haworth
Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte at the Parsonage Museum
Visit Haworth, Yorkshire, the city the Bronte's grew up in
The charming village of Haworth, Yorkshire, is best known for producing the world famous Bronte sisters. Charlotte’s Jane Eyre, Emily’s Wuthering Heights, and Anne’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, remain the titles most associated with the family.
Driving up the steep hills on the way to Haworth is like quietly stepping into the Bronte’s world. For those who have studied the sisters’ work, familiar bar names and the famous Main Street made of Yorkshire setts (large, thick, deep stones made specifically to help the horses get up the steep hills) feel familiar. For those who are new to the sisters, the picturesque village is a breathtaking site.
Visitors can walk the moors that were once the playground of the Bronte children. The most popular walk is to Top Withens, said to be the location Emily had in mind when writing Wuthering Heights. Find it on the main website for the area.
The main attraction in the village is the Bronte Parsonage Museum, which the Bronte family lived in from 1820 until Patrick Bronte passed away in 1861. Run by the Bronte Society, guests can experience the 1778 Georgian house almost as the Bronte’s lived in it.
Each of the rooms has been restored as much as it can be to the early 1850’s composition. Personal belongings of the family’s have been given or bought by the society. They are not limited to: the sofa that Emily reportedly died in, kitchen utensils and pieces of china, Charlotte’s dress and shoes, as well as the bonnet she wore on her wedding day, and various letters, manuscripts and early works from the sister’s actual notebooks.
Where to Stay
Staying at the Ashmount Guest House is a treat not even the most devoted of Bronte fans can resist. The building was once the home of Dr. Amos Ingham, the physician who treated both Charlotte and her father. The original interior has been well preserved in its gothic style and Victorian furniture decorates the rooms, as well as the pleasant breakfast area. The bathrooms are modern, the suites impeccably period, and the personal welcome from owners Ray and Gill make the guesthouse a warm place to be even in the often blustery weather.
Where to Eat
By far the most highly reputed restaurant amongst the many fine choices is Weaver’s. The family run establishment prides itself on using fresh local ingredients and making everything in-house. Their specialty is regional cooking, with a dash of unique new dishes. They also have 3 rooms available above the restaurant that have views over the museum, church and moors.
How to Get There
GNER (Great North Eastern Railway) runs train services from London’s Kings Cross station to Keighley many times a day with a change to the Northern Rail line. From there, a Keighley & District bus takes visitors on a scenic route right up to the top of Haworth, within a three minutes walk to Ashmount Guest House. The train services are easy to navigate and make renting a car unnecessary.
Another option from Keighley to Haworth is the popular Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. This steam engine service runs through gorgeous stations with its’ fleet of historic trains.
Staying in London
Coming or going from Heathrow airport? If visitors arrive too late to catch the trains north or their flight leaves early in the morning, the easiest option is staying at the Jury’s Inn Airport Hotel. Located one tube stop from the main terminals, this three star accommodation offers great rates for comfortable rooms. The breakfast is buffet style and the amenities great for both personal and business travel.
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