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Local Area
Oxenhope - where we're based
Oxenhope is a small village in the Yorkshire countryside, close to the adjoining borders of West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Lancashire. It is an area of natural beauty and distinctive character. The landscape is rugged moorland, hills and valleys, interspersed by pretty reservoirs (a setting made famous by the descriptions it inspired in Emily Brontë's famous novel 'Wuthering Heights'). We are the last/first stop on the preserved Worth Valley Railway, which is a quaint steam railway running from Keighley, on through the famous, picture-postcard village of Haworth (just 2.5 miles from here) and finally to us.
Haworth - 2.5 miles away
Haworth is internationally famous for its connection with the fascinating Brontë family, the most well-known of whom being Charlotte Brontë and Emily Brontë who wrote two of the most famous books of all-time 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights'. Haworth is graced by visitors from around the globe, throughout the year, people wishing to gain a deeper appreciation for the lives of the Brontës and connection to the surroundings that inspired their works. The historic part of Haworth centres around a steeply rising cobbled street, at the top of which is St Michael And All Angels Church where Emily and Charlotte's father (Rev. Patrick Brontë, who outlived his entire family) was the Curate. Behind that is the Parsonage where they all lived together, which is now a museum. Due to the fact that the Brontë sisters were famous within their lifetimes, much of the historical interest has been preserved.
Hebden Bridge - 8 miles away
Accolades about Hebden Bridge have ranged from it being the best, coolest and quirkiest place to the wettest place in Yorkshire (or even Britain), it is also thought to be Prince Charles' favourite town. Hebden Bridge has a strict, community-enforced "No Supermarkets" policy. The town centres around a canal and features art and music events throughout the year. Originally a mill town producing woolen goods, during the 70s and 80s the town was taken over by hippies, artists, musicians, alternative practitioners etc., something that has left a strong impression on the place today.
Skipton - 15 miles away
Skipton is a beautiful market town on the boundary with the Yorkshire Dales. Skipton boasts one of the most well-preserved medieval castles in England, where you can explore all the way from the dungeons to the tower. Within the centre of town there is also a cobbled street, canal/river and woodland. There is also a steam railway nearby and it is very close to the 680 square miles of Yorkshire Dales National Park.
More Attractions Nearby
Brontë Parsonage Museum
Due to the national fame of three of the daughters within their lifetimes, subsequently leading to international fame and eventually making 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights' two of the most popular novels of all-time, the Brontës' family home has been preserved as a museum. Downstairs the museum is laid-out just as their house was back in the 1800s, even the wallpaper has been reproduced. Upstairs there is a mixture of originally laid-out rooms and rooms full of the Brontës' artwork, clothing and other historical artifacts. This leads out into a newly-built annex with even more displays. The museum also has a library, which contains more original writing and artwork.
St Michael and All Angels Church
The present-day church was built around 1880, twenty years after it's most famous reverend, Patrick Brontë, passed away. At that time there was national outrage towards the idea of rebuilding the church because it had already become a place of important historical significance (following the fame of three of Patrick's daughters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne). However, the rebuild proved to be absolutely necessary. Today the church stands on the original grounds, and the Brontë family are buried in a vault beneath. Around the church there are subtle reminders and memorials to the family and, more noticeably, fabulous stained glass windows.
Top Withens (aka Wuthering Heights)
Top Withens is a ruined farmhouse, 2 miles (as the crow flies) both from here and from Haworth. It is likely that the house is not literally the 'Wuthering Heights' that Emily Brontë wrote about, which was more likely a fiction inspired by her surroundings. However, it is preserved as somewhere for people to experience a more visceral sense of the surroundings she described in the story. There is a stone engraving on the farmhouse wall and it is a place of pilgrimage for many thousands of the Brontë fans who visit the area every year.
Haworth Main Street
Haworth's steeply-rising cobbled Main Street is the ideal place to buy a small gift, any kind of card or some art. In fact we would wager that it's the best place within a 50 mile radius to do so. Every shop is unique and you can tell that their contents have been carefully selected by someone who really cares about the products they put on sale. The Cabinet of Curiosities and Mrs Beighton's Sweet Shop, which we will cover in their own sections, our favourites include Deadpan & Ginger, Hawksby's, Rosie Bobbin's, Oates & Wiles and Daisy Days.
The Cabinet of Curiosities
We're a family business in Haworth, Yorkshire. We bought this magnificent shop nearly 30 years ago and restored it to it's former glory as a Victorian druggists and apothecary shop. Over the years we have collected many of the magnificent antique shop fittings you see inside the shop and the interior has evolved and developed along with our collection.Our cabinets and units have been salvaged from chemists, grocery shops and museums and provide the perfect setting for our handmade candles, soaps and bath powders, along with our new range of extraordinary gifts, inspired by the Cabinets of Curiosity or "wonder-rooms" of old.
Mrs Beighton's Sweet Shop
Remember when you could buy a quarter of sweets from an endless array of big glass jars? At Mrs Beighton's you can step back in time and buy any of your old favorites, from Pear Drops to Aniseed Twists & Sherbert Pips to Lemon Drops. They also have Gobstoppers, Sherbert Fountains, 30 different types of Liquorice, 10 flavors of fruity Bon Bons, an endless array of Fudge and much, much more.
Brontë Walks
Brontë Walks offer a range of guided tours and walks of Haworth, the Worth Valley and surrounding area. Their most popular offering is an hour-long walking-tour called 'the Passionate Brontës' which covers the area around the top-end of Main Street where, for most tourists, the most intimately connected points of interest are.
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is an authentic and preserved steam railway which runs between Oxenhope and Keighley. At the weekends and during holiday periods you can take a trip back in time onboard a wonderful steam train. The railway and stations have appeared in numerous films and TV series.
Cliffe Castle
Cliffe Castle Museum stands in attractive hillside grounds with greenhouses, aviaries and a children’s play area. The displays include an array of glittering minerals, local rocks and fossils, mounted birds and local mammals, original furnished rooms with chandeliers, stained glass, old dolls, toys and a programme of temporary exhibitions.
Keighley Bus Museum
A collection of vehicles including Britain’s last trolleybus and the oldest known double-decker trolleybus in the world. Also buses, coaches and ancillary vehicles, together with some commercial vehicles; covering the period from the 1920s up to the 1990s.
Ingrow Loco Museum
Locomotive exhibits and archive film combine to create a story of the steam locomotive and the people involved in their manufacture, operation and maintenance. Locomotives can also be viewed under restoration.
Skipton Castle
One of the most complete, fully roofed medieval castles in England. Surviving 900 years of turbulent history and besieged for three years during the English Civil War. Explore from the depths of the dungeon to the top of the watchtower.
Accommodation Nearby
The Little Secret
The Little Secret 8 is a characterful grade II listed building situated Oxenhope Ideal for couples or small families wishing to visit the Worth Valley, Haworth and the Bronte connections. Wood fuelled Hot tub and seating area allows relaxation at the end of a busy day.
The Old Registry - Haworth
The Old Registry Guest House have 9 individually themed & decorated, quality en-suite bedrooms. All of their double rooms have lovely views, most have four-poster luxury beds and some have whirlpool baths.
No. 28 - 2 Bed Cottage
No. 28 is a thoughtfully restored two bedroom cottage in the heart of Brontë country. With a large garden, great views and outdoor lock up it is perfectly suited to outdoor enthusiasts as well as Brontë fans – bring your walking boots, your bikes, the dog or just a good book to read by the fire.
Stones Cottage Farm
Belonging to the Rainbow Egg Company, this is a lovely little cottage suitable for families, couples and adult groups. Stones Cottage retains many original features including an open fire and high ceilings. Long range views across the valley and moorlands from every window.
West Shaw Cottage
West Shaw is our luxurious holiday let which is beautifully furnished with spectacular views. Featuring a king size bed, ensuite and wood burner. Pet Friendly. 1 dog only. 2 by special request.
Bronte Caravan Park - nr Haworth
Bronte Caravan Park lies in the Worth Valley. The park is less than 2 miles from the quaint village of Haworth and nestles in its own tranquil valley with a deer park and a 2 acre lake.
Whinberry Cottage
Traditional stone terraced cottage in Oxenhope, with modern interior, in close proximity to Haworth, Bronte Waterfalls and the Worth Valley Steam Railway. 2 minutes walk to the local pub and 5 minutes walk to the local Co-op (open every day: 7am to 10pm). Best suited for up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.
Rosebud Cottage Guest House - Haworth
A small family run Guest house / Bed and Breakfast in Haworth with a friendly and informal atmosphere, where their aim is to ensure your stay is relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable. Rosebud Cottage are proud to be a 4 Star Silver Guest Accommodation Visit Britain.
Photographers In Partnership
Paul Miguel Photography
Since 2007, Paul has run a range of popular wildlife and landscape photography workshops in Yorkshire, from landscape days in the Dales to close up bird of prey shoots. Paul also sells images as mounted and framed prints, and displays his work through exhibitions and craft fairs
Tony & Carol Dilger Photography
Tony & Carol Dilger provide creative photography services from image source to print, catering for a diverse range of specialist and commercial requirements, such as: wildlife, nature, landscape, environmental, commercial, stock, location, event, sports, journalism and advertising.
Guy Edwardes
Guy Edwardes is a professional landscape, travel and wildlife photographer based in South West England. He is able to provide a wide variety of images for publishers and advertisers around the world with a need for high quality creative and atmospheric photography.
Places We Use For Breakfasts & Lunches
Drop Farm Tearooms
If we're having a buffet lunch together, here at the centre, you can be sure it will have been provided by Drop Farm Tearooms, who have been catering for us for years now. They make every-kind of the most delicious open-top sandwiches, pies, scones, fruit cake, fairy buns and many other tasty treats. Everything they provide is freshly-made and home-cooked.
Old Hall Hotel, Haworth
Haworth Old Hall is a stunning 15th-century Tudor Inn, boasting tripadvisor's Certificate of Excellence. Set at the foot of Haworth's famous Main Street, guests are welcomed by a warm atmosphere of stone, wood, gorgeous log-fires and friendly staff. You can read about the history of the place inside, including about the secret tunnels said to be below the building.
Racehorses Hotel, Kettlewell
Further away from here, The Racehorses Hotel is an 18th Century country Inn where we treat our guests to breakfast during our full-day's Hunting experience. Set in deep countryside, there are two comfortable bar rooms and dining areas, both with real fires burning during the colder days, also two large dining rooms, which can also cater for small or medium functions.
Partners & Suppliers
The Independent Bird Register
The IBR have been offering bird of prey owners piece of mind for over 20 years. They offer a registration scheme where birds' ring details are stored along with their owners details in a confidential database. If a registered bird goes missing the IBR can then leverage their huge network of contacts, including via their popular Facebook page, and the search begins. Today they have more than 6000 birds on their books.
Honeybrook Foods
Established in the 1980's by keen Falconers who were distinctly unimpressed with the standard of feed available for their birds, Honeybrook Animal Foods is dedicated to providing Chicks, Quail, Rats, Mice and Rodents that meet the highest standards at realistic prices.