Enjoy a weekend in Brontë country during BLF 2024

Immerse yourself in all things Brontë with BLF this summer

Bradford Literature Festival 2024 will see the return of our flagship annual Brontë events, alongside new events which recognise the 175th anniversary of Anne Brontë’s death.

All our Brontë events will take place across the second weekend of BLF 2024, Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 July. If you are travelling from afar and would like to make the most of your weekend in Brontë country alongside our events, or if you’re a Brontë fan yet to visit Haworth, we have some excellent suggestions to help you plan a full visit to the area, soaking up amazing literary history in Yorkshire.

BLF Brontë Events

Brontë Heritage Bus Tour

Sunday 7 July. An unmissable event for fans of Yorkshire’s most famous siblings. This specially-curated tour is led by broadcaster and Brontë enthusiast Christa Ackroyd and features a number of highlights. Journey by vintage coach to the Brontës’ childhood home in Thornton village and lunch (included) at Branwell Brontë’s favourite local spot, the Lord Nelson pub. 

In the Footsteps of the Brontës: Heritage Walking Tour

Sunday 7 July. Follow in the footsteps of Charlotte, Emily and Anne and take a walking tour of the Brontë Stones with originator and author, Michael Stewart. Starting at the Brontës’ birthplace in Thornton village and ending at the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, this is a unique opportunity to hear the story behind each Brontë Stone.

We can’t wait to announce more details for this year’s Heritage Bus Tour and Walking Tour, plus our full line-up of fascinating Brontë events for 2024.

Sign up to our mailing list below to hear about all our events, or pre-order your 2024 programme to browse a printed copy.

Brontë Locations and Walks

Brontë Stones

In 2018, writer and musician Kate Bush, poet Carol Ann Duffy, poet and novelist Jackie Kay, and novelist Jeanette Winterson came together to celebrate the literary legacy of the Brontë sisters with a permanent, multi-site, public art installation commissioned by BLF, set in the rugged landscape of Yorkshire.

Each sister is remembered by a stone positioned in the enigmatic landscape where they lived, and each stone can be visited by following a nine mile walking route over the rugged Yorkshire moors.

A map for the walking route can be purchased from the Bronte Parsonage Museum: Brontë Stones Walk.

Find out more: Brontë Stones.

Brontë Parsonage Museum

A must-visit for any Brontë fan. Once the home of the Brontë family themselves, today the Parsonage Museum is home to the largest and most important collection of Brontë manuscripts, letters, and early editions of their works in the world.

Find out more: Brontë Parsonage Museum.

Brontë Waterfall

Step into the beautiful Yorkshire countryside that inspired the Brontë’s for a popular moorland hike to the Brontë Waterfall.

Make sure to stop along the way at ‘Brontë Bridge’ and ‘Charlotte’s Chair’, the spot where the author would often sit and contemplate her stories.

Find out more, including information on the walking route: Brontë Waterfall.

Where to Stay, Eat and Drink

There are many hotels, cottages, private rentals and campsites in and around Brontë country to choose from (take a look at Haworth listings on booking.com for inspiration) but we’ve chosen a few of our favourites to share with you below, along with some fantastic places to enjoy a bite to eat or some drinks after a day of events and sightseeing.

Ponden Hall, Stanbury

Truly immerse yourself in Brontë history by staying at The Peat House at Ponden Hall (via Airbnb). Ponden Hall is understood to be Emily Brontë’s inspiration for Thrushcross Grange, the fictional stately home in Wuthering Heights, and the views out to the wild moors will certainly make you feel like you’re in a Brontë novel. The Airbnb is located just a short walk to other Brontë landmarks in the area.

Find out more: The Peat House at Ponden Hall.

Weavers Guesthouse, Haworth

Located in the heart of Haworth and close to Brontë sights, walks and landmarks, guests can book a room in the main guesthouse at Weavers, or stay in one of their Grade II listed cottages.

Find out more: Weavers Guesthouse.

Haworth Old Post Office

The original Post Office in Haworth, which would have once been visited by the Brontës to post their novel manuscripts, has recently been renovated into a cosy cafe and bar. Step inside to enjoy a bite to eat or view the original Victorian features still on display.

Find out more: Haworth Old Post Office.

The Black Bull, Haworth

Dating back to the 16th century, The Black Bull has a long history atop the main cobbled street in Haworth, including visits from Branwell Brontë himself. Guests can book into a room at their bed and breakfast, or enjoy a hearty pub lunch in this iconic local pub.

Find out more: The Black Bull.

Haworth Old Hall

Steeped in history, Haworth Old Hall is full of Tudor charm and is one of the oldest buildings in Haworth, dating back to 1621. Stay the night in their bed and breakfast accommodation, or tuck into a meal after a day exploring Brontë country.

Find out more: Haworth Old Hall.

Cobbles and Clay, Haworth

For something a little different, visit Cobbles and Clay for lunch, afternoon tea and pottery painting. This creative cafe can be found on the main street in Haworth, and provide everything you need to create a pottery masterpiece.

Find out more: Cobbles and Clay.