Haworth
Forever Bronte!
The old homes and shops of Haworth are solidly built of local stone. Tall and very skinny, clinging as they do to the steep valley side, overlooking the River Worth. Enjoy a stroll among them as you walk the narrow, steep, cobblestone streets – once trodden by the Bronte sisters…
The Bronte Sisters
Yes, this was the home of the Brontes in the early part of the nineteenth century. It was in 1820 when Patrick Bronte arrived in Howarth with his growing young family, taking up his place at the Parsonage. The worldwide fame of Howarth was thenceforth to become intertwined with that of the literary Bronte family. Immerse yourself in the romance and lore of Charlotte, Emily and Anne at The Parsonage Museum, dedicated to all things Bronte. The threesome wrote their wonderful, world renowned novels here, drawing inspiration from the moors and valleys surrounding their village.
1940s Weekend
Each year in May the entire village reverts to the dress styles, music and dances of the 1940’s wartime years. For a whole weekend the streets are invaded by Tommies and Yanks in armed forces uniforms.
Vintage armoured vehicles clog the narrow streets and there is nearly always a fly past of aircraft from the period. Find yourselves caught up in the fun and nostalgic atmosphere as the years melt away and life becomes simpler and just good fun. The event features food, items for sale, parades, entertainment, and dancing. Rene and I visited Haworth while the 1940s weekend was in full swing in May 2007.
The Railway Children
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway runs a schedule of passenger trains, mostly hauled by classic steam locomotives that have been in use since 1867. Ride the rails on a scenic five mile train ride through some of the most beautiful countryside you will ever see. Not just a preserved railway line, the trains are also used by locals for commuting into Keighley.
The weekends before Christmas find Santa riding the railway as well. The entire train is transformed into a wonderful, magical place. This is a very popular attraction for both locals and tourists. Be sure you book in advance and make sure you don’t miss out on this wonderful event. The railway is though, perhaps best known as the setting and location for the delightful 1970s film The Railway Children.
Haworth is well known and favoured by thousands of visitors every year for its lively shopping streets featuring olde worlde tea rooms, souvenirs, jewellery and antiques shops. The early morning sunshine in this shot warms the cobblestones before the shoppers venture out and about! If you’re looking for a fast meal, this isn’t the place for it. The restaurants here are famous for leisurely dining experiences with food that tastes great. Many of the restaurants are also pubs, serving up great drinks and entertainment throughout the day as well.
Choose to stay at a welcoming inn or in a quaint cottage while in Haworth. You’ll also find quality hotels and friendly bed & breakfast locations. It’s a wonderful village to visit, where its people have a friendly welcome and the area is rich in culture and history. Your visit or stay here could be very relaxing – or a hectic whirl of exploration and discovery. The choice, however, is all yours.
A great place to find more detailed information about Haworth is the village community website www.haworth-village.org.uk
