Haworth and the Dales sit in different corners of West and North Yorkshire, and a day trip that links the two is a good way to see both without driving. Haworth is the village where the Brontë sisters grew up, wrote and, for the most part, died, and the steep cobbled Main Street, the church and the parsonage still keep a sense of the nineteenth century. The wild moorland above the village inspired Wuthering Heights, and walking out onto it is the best way to understand the books. The Yorkshire Dales then offer a different landscape of green valleys, drystone walls and stone villages, and the title of this trip links it with the Herriot country made famous by the vet and author James Herriot. Together they give the day a literary theme, with the Brontës' moorland passion on one side and Herriot's warm countryside humour on the other. A driver-guide gives commentary and handles the narrow roads, and you can see in one day what would otherwise need a car and careful planning. The tour is described from York, so check the departure point when you book, and note that the route can vary by season and by the day.
How to visit
Pick a date and confirm the pick-up details in your booking, since group tours leave at a set time from a meeting place. Entry fees to individual sights such as the parsonage museum are often not included, so check what your ticket covers and budget for extras. Bring money for lunch.
What to expect
You travel by minibus or coach with several stops, and time in Haworth to walk the main street, visit the church and perhaps go into the museum if you choose to pay. The street is steep and cobbled, so wear shoes with grip. The weather on the moors is changeable, so dress in layers and pack a waterproof.
Making the most of it
In Haworth, walk to the top of Main Street first, when the crowds are thin, and then drift down through the shops, tea rooms and bookstores. If you love the novels, reread a favourite chapter beforehand, because the moors feel different when you know the passages. In the Dales, allow time to look at the stone barns and the views.
Who it suits
Readers, couples, first-time visitors and anyone who wants variety in a single day. It is less suited to hikers, who will want a longer time on the moor, or to visitors who dislike long days on a vehicle. Those wanting more time in Haworth could return by train or car.
Planning around it
Haworth is a working village as well as a visitor attraction, so shops and cafes keep their own hours, and some close early in winter. The parsonage museum has its own opening pattern, with seasonal changes, so check it if you hope to go in. If you prefer to give Haworth more time, consider a separate visit by train, using the heritage railway on the Worth Valley line, or by car, so you can walk on the moors to the ruined farmhouse of Top Withens.
For the Dales, tell your guide which parts of Herriot's world you want to see.
Alternatives
For a Dales-only day, choose the Dales full-day tour. For Haworth alone, a visit by public transport from Leeds, Bradford or Keighley is straightforward.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day trip combining Haworth, the Brontë village, with Yorkshire Dales countryside.
Best time
Spring to early autumn, when moorland and villages look their best.
How long
A full day.
Tips
Check what entry fees are included, wear shoes with grip and bring a waterproof.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Readers of the Brontë novels and James Herriot books.
- Families
- Older children can enjoy the scenery and the village, though it is a long day.
- Couples
- Moorland views and tea rooms suit couples.
- Pair with
- A Harrogate food tour on another day.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Why visit Haworth?+
It is the village where the Brontë family lived, with a cobbled main street, a church and the parsonage, set below the moors that inspired Wuthering Heights.
Does the trip include the Dales?+
Yes. The trip combines Haworth with the Yorkshire Dales and the Herriot countryside.
Where does it start?+
The title says from York, so confirm the departure point on your booking.
Are entry fees included?+
Not necessarily. Check what your ticket covers for museum entry.
What should I wear?+
Layers, a waterproof and shoes with good grip for cobbles.
