The delightful UK town with cobbled streets and lots of independent shops

Haworth, in West Yorkshire, is a popular tourist destination and is known for its connection to the Brontë sisters – but it’s also a great place to visit in autumn

Summer is drawing to a close, with autumn poised to make its entrance. Fortunately, certain pockets of the country are ideal for embracing the autumnal atmosphere.

Haworth, tucked away in the Pennines west of Bradford, Yorkshire, just over two hours in the car from Nottingham, stands as one such destination. Attracting hundreds of visitors daily, the town’s ancient cobbled lanes, distinctive shops and stunning landscape have earned nationwide recognition.

Its welcoming atmosphere makes it an excellent destination to visit as the foliage transforms to shades of amber, crimson and gold, perfectly capturing autumn’s cosy embrace, reports Yorkshire Live.

Haworth isn’t quite a museum piece – modern amenities like supermarkets are readily available – but ascending the hill to the village’s Main Street does create the sensation of travelling back through the centuries.

Main Street features complete cobblestone paving and is flanked by independent coffee houses, pubs and shops, with numerous pedestrians about, even during midday on a Thursday.

Strolling along Main Street, one overhears conversations from people of various backgrounds, as tourists travel from both nearby and distant locations to experience the town. Charlotte Milson and John Cotton had journeyed from Liverpool and shared their impressions of the destination.

Charlotte said: “We’ve not been here too long, only been here about an hour or so, but it’s so nice, I love it. It’s very vintage, and everything looks like it is from the past.”

Charlotte and John were taken aback by an unexpected visitor – a lone chicken that had decided to grace Main Street, adding to the quaint charm of the place. Regrettably, the chicken declined an interview.

Nestled among the cafés and pubs on Main Street is the Cabinet of Curiosities. Overflowing with exquisite perfumes, soaps, and books, the shop attracts quite a gathering.

Once inside, it’s easy to see why. It’s a truly delightful spot, boasting friendly staff and a warm atmosphere. Mahogany shelves stretch from floor to ceiling, laden with potions, lotions, powders and more, lending the space an authentic apothecary feel, despite primarily stocking beauty products.

Every autumn, they adorn their window with eerie Halloween decorations, from broomsticks to pumpkins, with twinkling fairy lights whimsically illuminating the entrance to this treasure trove of delights. At the rear of the shop, there’s a section dedicated to folklore books, alternative therapies, herbal and homegrown remedies, and botany.

Just a stone’s throw away from the Cabinet of Curiosities, you’ll find a collection of buildings linked to the Brontë sisters. This includes the Brontë Parsonage Museum, located in the renowned authors’ family home where many of their most famous novels were penned.

The town capitalises on this renowned literary link, with numerous shops promoting Brontë merchandise and souvenirs. One visitor, who had travelled from Hartlepool, explained he had made the journey specifically because of the Brontë association.

He remarked: “It’s lovely, the shops are fantastic.”

When questioned about his preferred locations within the town, he continued: “This street up here [Main Street], and the parsonage, and that shop’s [Cabinet of Curiosities] absolutely gorgeous.”

However, it’s not solely tourists who flock to the town, as plenty of Yorkshire residents visit as well. Dave and Jill, from Thornton and Oakworth, had travelled to the town for lunch.

With the abundance of cafés and public houses available, it’s simple to understand the appeal. Jill commented: “There’s nice, independent shops, they’re more the places you browse really and not buy anything.”

Dave remarked: “But then we’re looking at the shops as locals, if I’d come for the time I probably would buy one or two things.”

Specifically, Jill praised the “ambiance” throughout the town as brilliant and highlighted its beautiful scenery and walking routes surrounding the area.

Following a period of exploration, I chose to rest inside the Haworth Old Post Office, which had been converted into a café. It provided an excellent range of food and beverages, whilst I opted for an apple juice and a Crispy Chicken Open Sandwich.

The meal was delightful, and the sandwich proved substantial enough to leave me thoroughly satisfied. The staff were welcoming and despite the bustling atmosphere, the food arrived promptly.

As I descended the numerous hills of Haworth, I passed by the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway that runs through the town. Unfortunately, the heritage railway was closed for the day due to maintenance work, but it’s just another testament to the variety of attractions Haworth has to offer.

It’s evident why Haworth attracts so many visitors from across the UK, but it also serves as a splendid spot for locals seeking good food and a chance to delve into our own history.