Christmas in Haworth & Hebden Bridge: By Bus or Train

A Collaboration Post with VisitCalderdale 

Festive Inspiration: Hop on the bus or train and discover the festive charm of Haworth and Hebden Bridge, two Yorkshire gems. From the Brontë heritage and cosy pubs in Haworth to the independent shops and scenic views in Hebden Bridge, both towns offer a magical Christmas experience just a short journey away!

Haworth: A Journey Through Time

• Discover the festive beauty of the Brontë Parsonage Museum! Explore the world of the Brontë sisters, beautifully transformed for Christmas, and visit on Thursday, 5th December, for a special late-night opening. Enjoy the warm glow of candlelight and seasonal decorations—perfect for a relaxing winter evening and some festive shopping for those special gifts.
• Indulge in the festive spirit of Haworth this Christmas with hearty food, warm drinks, and a cosy atmosphere. Settle into traditional pubs like Haworth Old Hall, The Fleece Inn, or the award-winning The Hawthorn, where you can enjoy home-cooked meals by a roaring fire. For a cosy retreat, head to The Old White Lion for a pint of stout and seasonal dishes. Don’t forget to visit Haworth Steam Brewing Co. for locally brewed ales that perfectly complement the winter vibe. Wherever you choose, you’re sure to feel right at home in the heart of Haworth!
• Experience the magic of Haworth’s Main Street, where twinkling lights and decorations create a winter wonderland. Explore a lovely mix of independent shops, starting with Wave of Nostalgia, the award-winning bookshop, perfect for holiday reading. Discover unique gifts at The Cabinet of Curiosities, browse local crafts at the Haworth Craft Markets in the Old School Room, or treat yourself to something sweet at Mrs Beightons traditional sweet shop. With so many seasonal treasures, it’s the perfect place to soak up the festive spirit.
• Step into the festive charm of Haworth in the lead-up to Christmas with a series of festive events every weekend! From the enchanting Torchlight Parade to the heartwarming Nativity Weekend and the lively Festive Music Weekend, there's something for everyone to enjoy. With twinkling lights, joyful tunes, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, each weekend offers a delightful celebration that will make your countdown to Christmas truly special.
• This Christmas, hop aboard the Festive Flyer at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway for a magical experience! Enjoy a scenic train ride through winter landscapes, filled with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Or, indulge in delicious mince pies and festive drinks on the Mince Pie Specials. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Book your tickets now for a Christmas to remember!

Hebden Bridge: Where Nature and Creativity Meet

• Enjoy locally brewed craft beers and delicious burgers at Vocation & Co. This taproom and restaurant overlooks the scenic marina and is just across the road from the train station/bus drop-off point!
• Take a quiet stroll along the canal towpath, where you’ll find plenty of pretty canal boats docked up…some of which are decorated for Christmas! Grab a coffee from canalside café Hebble End Coffee Lounge, and enjoy a visit to Hebble End Works, a mixed-use space home to artists, makers, independent shops, and a courtyard café.
• Potter around the eclectic mix of independent shops, including treasure troves such as Valley Antiques Centre and Lucy & the Caterpillar Vintage Boutique, and wine shops like locally owned Wine Merchants and Bar The Remedy, where you can sample your way around the world with their special tasting flights! Don’t forget to make your way along Market Street in Hebden Bridge, where you’ll find another fantastic row of artisan shops to enjoy, from The Book Case (shortlisted for Northern Bookshop of the Year in 2017), Heart Gallery (a contemporary arts space featuring talented local makers), and The Afghan Rug Shop, which attracts customers from all over the world with its stunning fair trade, handmade rugs.
• Get wrapped up and don your walking boots and enjoy a steep yet scenic half-an-hour hike up the old packhorse route ‘The Buttress,’ where you’ll discover Heptonstall—Yorkshire’s best-kept secret. Heptonstall is a charming historic village that is host to stunning views, beautiful old weavers’ cottages, and the imposing ruins of St Thomas a Becket, where you can visit the grave of Sylvia Plath! 
• Extend your stay in Hebden Bridge by enjoying festive entertainment at the wonderfully intimate ‘Hebden Bridge Little Theatre,’ based in a picturesque canalside location. This December you can enjoy a twist on an old favourite by watching “Bah Humbug: A Queerky Christmas Carol." As they say… ‘that’s so Hebden Bridge’ (and we love it)!

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Getting Here:

For a scenic trip, take the Brontë Bus Route between Keighley, Haworth and Hebden Bridge. The 60-minute route offers beautiful views of the Brontë countryside. Check National Rail or West Yorkshire Metro for schedules.

From Bradford, take a train to Keighley (20-25 minutes) and then change to a bus to Haworth.

Please remember that there is limited parking in Hebden Bridge, so we recommend getting the train or bus where possible. If you do, why not take part in Visit Calderdale’s Christmas Jumper competition this December? Dig out your best festive jumper this December and travel by bus or rail in Calderdale to win some fantastic prizes! You can find more details here.

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This guide takes you through the festive highlights of Haworth and Hebden Bridge by public transport. For more inspiration, go to Visit Bradford - Christmas in Haworth and Christmas in Calderdale.