Haworth - Brontë Country

The area known as the Brontë Country is a widespread area which straddles the West Yorkshire and East Lancashire Pennines area in the North of England and includes many landmarks thought to be associated with the Brontë family and the their novels, the epicentre being Haworth. They moved here when their father was appointed curate of Haworth in 1820.
Charlotte's novel Jane Eyre (1847), Emily's Wuthering Heights (1847), and Anne's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848) were all written whilst living at the Parsonage. Looking out across the barren landscape you can easily imagine where they got their inspiration from. With the release of a new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights due to be released in the next week, as well as the recent release of Jane Eyre, there has been renewed interest in the area in which most of their inspiration was acquired for their novels and poetry.
As you walk down the high street in Haworth, you are instantly taken back in time. The old apothecary (where Branwell allegedly bought his opium from), Mrs Beighton's sweet shop, and a clothes shop where you can buy old fashioned linen wear line the streets as well as little cafes, bakery's and various related shops. The chippy, although modern, I must admit, is rather tasty, although afternoon tea in one of the cafes is also a must! Or perhaps you may want a beer in the black bull pub? Beware though, its rumoured to be haunted and Branwell was also a frequent visitor!
The Brontë Parsonage Museum (www.bronte.info) in Haworth will be putting on special events to coincide with the launch of Wuthering Heights, including two evenings dedicated to Emily Brontë (16th and 23rd November) and a talk by the film's screenwriter, Olivia Hetreed (9th December). An annual event, taking place on 12th November is the traditional Scroggling the Holly event where a procession of children, dressed in Victorian clothes, welcome Santa and the Christmas spirit to the village. For more information on events in the village visit www.haworth-village.org.uk/
For accommodation look no further than Cowside, the newest self-catering property from the Landmark Trust (www.landmarktrust.org.uk). Situated in the Yorkshire Dales north of Haworth, this remote 18th-century farmstead has flagstone floors, an inglenook fireplace and a backdrop of rolling hills. The ultimate Wuthering Heights experience for any aspiring Heathcliffe or Catherine!!!