WITH breathtaking scenery and quaint cobbled streets, who wouldn’t be wooed into a visit to Haworth, for long stay or just a stroll?
Haworth was one of many places throughout Yorkshire beamed around the world as the Tour de France Grand Depart peloton weaved its way around the county in glorious sunshine, illuminating the village’s dramatic moors and rambling landscape.
Already a popular magnet for tourists from around the globe, Haworth is an appealing destination. It is, of course, world famous as the home of the Brontes - the moorland, bleak and brooding, inspired the Bronte siblings to put pen to paper and produce their classic novels. For those eager to find out more about the family, the Bronte Parsonage Museum is the place to visit. The museum, maintained by the Bronte Society, sets the scene for the siblings’ domestic life and provides a range of information and artefacts.
With its cobbles and quaint old shops, this village is brimming with character. Along the cobbled Main Street, where a global audience was treated to the spectacular scene of the Tour de France peloton making its way through the village, a mix of retailers are plying their independent trades.
Boutiques selling beautiful clothes dwell among places offering lifestyle inspiration. Cafes and restaurants whet your appetite with tasty things to eat and there are places to turn your hand to pottery painting too.
In Haworth you are more likely to find unusual gifts you wouldn’t necessarily find on an urban high street - a draw for any discerning shopper.
According to Sarah Howsen, senior tourism development officer for Bradford Council, the village has seen a surge in new businesses showcasing more niche products from artwork to hand made chocolates. That, along with the many calendar occasions which take place here are proving to be a real draw for tourists and visitors alike.
It is such a quaint traditional place,” says Sarah. “In the last 12 or 18 months we have seen a real surge in new businesses, some really unique high end businesses are coming back in. You get the experience of Main Street and all the literary heritage as well.”
Steam enthusiasts bound for Haworth can be transported back in time along the Keighley and Worth Valley heritage railway, giving passengers a stunning view of Bronte country during their travels. From October 10 to 12 the railway hosts its popular Autumn Steam gala and real ale lovers can look forward to the Beer and Music Festival from October 23 to 26.
Traders are also proactive in making Haworth a place people want to visit. One of the most popular events is the annual 1940s weekend in May which draws huge crowds of visitors, many of them wearing costumes from the Second World War and recreating the atmospheric wartime period. The event has raised thousands of pounds for charities including the national armed forces charity, the SSAFA, and Help for Heroes.
From October 25 to December 20 the Haworth craft fairs will be pitching up at the Bronte Schoolroom, offering unusual gift inspiration in time for Christmas.
Following on from last year’s success of Haworth’s inaugural Steampunk Weekend, the event, combining science fiction with Victoriana, returns from November 21 - 23.
November is also the month when festivities really begin in Haworth. The traditional ‘Scroggling of the Holly’, with parades and entertainment, runs from November 29 - 30. The Victorian Christmas, running on December 6 and 7, sees traders sporting period costume and the torchlight procession on December 13 and 14 weaves its way down the Main Street, an atmospheric event, complete with carol singers, that promotes Haworth as the place to visit during the festive period.
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