A guide to visiting the Brontë parsonage & other Brontë family locations
The Brontë family is closely associated with the village of Haworth, West Yorkshire. Their lives and work are deeply rooted in this area, affectionately known as Brontë Country. Around the Bradford district, as well as the Brontë parsonage, there are several places connected to the family, but there are three main locations I’d highly recommend if you’re a fan of the Brontë sisters.
Charlotte Brontë, author of Jane Eyre; Emily Brontë, who wrote Wuthering Heights; and Anne Brontë, known for Agnes Grey, lived alongside their brother Branwell and father Patrick Brontë, a priest in the parsonage, at the edge of the moors and the top of the main street in Haworth.
The Brontës have contributed immensely to Yorkshire’s literary and cultural heritage. Their works celebrate the region, particularly the dramatic moorland landscapes Emily captured so vividly in Wuthering Heights with the classic gothic love/ghost story of Catherine and Heathcliff.
Below are three of the best places to visit if you’re interested in Brontë family locations. Alongside these key sites, Haworth village itself is full of references and inspiration linked to the Brontës.
Originally written by Caroline Towers in 2022 & updated by Sally Bendall
The Brontë sisters were all born in a small house on Market Street in the village of Thornton. A plaque now marks the property, commemorating the family’s roots in this quiet corner of Bradford. While you can’t currently enter the house, simply seeing the birthplace of such iconic writers holds a special significance. Visit the Brontë Birthplace to learn more about other parts of Thornton village that form part of Brontë history, such as the Brontë Bell Chapel.
///forget.taken.feels
At the top of Haworth’s charming, cobbled Church Street, you’ll find the Brontë Parsonage Museum. This was the family home and has now been lovingly preserved and transformed into a museum. It holds a scrupulously maintained collection of artefacts, manuscripts, and personal items that offer a deeper insight into the lives and inspirations of each family member.
The museum is run by the Brontë Society, one of the oldest literary societies in the world, and plays a key role in keeping the Brontë legacy alive.
During summer season (1st April to 30 September) the parsonage is open every day except Tuesday 10am to 5pm. Standard tickets are £12.50, concessions available. Use the ‘further details’ link below to get more information.
///ambushed.topping.heartless
Just a 10-minute drive from Haworth, Penistone Country Park offers free parking and a scenic walk to the Brontë Falls, with an optional hike up to Top Withens. This picturesque moorland route is steeped in Brontë history — the sisters often wandered here, finding inspiration in the rugged beauty of the landscape. Look out for Charlotte’s Chair, a stone where Charlotte Brontë is said to have sat and written.
The walk can be extended into a circular route, but it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues or pushchairs due to the uneven terrain. See my article here for details of the route. The Wuthering Heights pub & campsite provides a warm welcome at the top of the hill on Main Street.
Brontë Falls ///redefined.denote.fewest
Top Withins ///delusions.progress.protects
Wuthering Heights Pub ///hello.bless.pacifist
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See you soon,
Sally
