Summer is unfortunately over now in the UK, with autumn sweeping in and bringing colder temperatures. Fortunately, there are certain parts of the county which are ideal for embracing the autumnal atmosphere.

Haworth, tucked away in the Pennines west of Bradford, is one such destination. Attracting hundreds of visitors daily, the village’s historic cobbled lanes, distinctive shops and stunning landscape are famous throughout Britain. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it an excellent spot to visit as the leaves transform to amber, crimson and golden colours, perfect for settling into autumn’s cosy embrace. 

Haworth isn’t quite a living museum – modern amenities like supermarkets are readily available – but after climbing the hill to the village’s Main Street, Yorkshire Live writer Sebastian McCormick said: “It does feel a bit like stepping back in time.”

Main Street is entirely cobbled and surrounded by independent coffee houses, taverns and shops, bustling with pedestrians even during the week. 

Strolling along Main Street, you can hear diverse accents from various locations as tourists travel from both nearby and distant places to experience the town.

Charlotte Milson and John Cotton were visiting from Liverpool and shared their thoughts about 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 wandered onto Main Street, adding to the quaint charm of the place.

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

Once inside, it’s easy to see why. Sebastian said: “It is a really charming place, with friendly staff and a great atmosphere. It has mahogany wooden shelves from floor to ceiling filled with potions, lotions, powders and more, giving it a real-life apothecary feel, even if the goods are essentially beauty products.”

Every autumn, the shop window is adorned with eerie Halloween decorations, from broomsticks to pumpkins, illuminated by twinkling fairy lights that whimsically light up the entrance to this treasure trove. At the back of the shop, there’s a section dedicated to folklore books, alternative therapies, herbal and homegrown remedies, and botany.

Just across from the Cabinet of Curiosities are buildings linked to the Brontë sisters. This includes the Brontë Parsonage Museum, located in the family home of the famous authors, where many of their most renowned novels were written.

But it’s not just tourists who flock to visit the town, there are also plenty of Yorkshire locals present.

Dave and Jill, from Thornton and Oakworth, had travelled to the town for lunch. With all the cafés and pubs available, it’s easy to understand why.

Jill said: “There’s nice, independent shops, they’re more the places you browse really and not buy anything.”

Dave continued: “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” in the town as fantastic and highlighted its beautiful views and walks throughout the area.

After strolling around for some time, Sebastian chose to sit inside the Haworth Old Post Office, which had been converted into a café. It provided an excellent range of food and beverages, and he opted for an apple juice and a Crispy Chicken Open Sandwich.

He said: “The food was delicious, and the sandwich was enough to leave me completely full afterwards. The staff were friendly and despite how busy it was, the food came in good time.”

As he walked back down the hills of Haworth, Sebastian came across 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 rich variety of attractions Haworth has to offer.

It’s no wonder that Haworth attracts so many visitors from across the UK, but it also serves as a splendid spot for locals to enjoy some quality food and delve into history.