Walking Through Stories: Brontë Country & The Railway Children
Spend a sociable weekend exploring the stories connected to Haworth and the Worth Valley. This two-night hotel-based walking break combines the moorland associated with the Brontë sisters and Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights with locations used in the 1970 film of E. Nesbit’s The Railway Children.
We’ll walk from Haworth across the surrounding moors to Top Withens and the Brontë Waterfall, spend time exploring Haworth’s cobbled streets, shops and literary connections, and follow a second route through locations featured in The Railway Children.
With a maximum group of eight, guided walks, hotel accommodation and transport during the weekend included, this is a relaxed way to explore two sides of West Yorkshire’s literary and screen heritage.
Holiday at a Glance
Duration
2 nights · 2 walking days
Walking grade
Leisurely
Distance
Approx. 7-10 miles per day
Price
From £295pp
Group size
Maximum 8
Accommodation
Hotel
Transport
Car-free · Transport included
Meals
Breakfasts included
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Upcoming departure dates:
Friday 19 - Sunday 21 February 2027
Choose your preferred date and room type in the booking form to check availability and reserve your place.
Deposits – Pay a 20% deposit when booking more than 12 weeks before departure. The remaining balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
Exploring Haworth & the Worth Valley
Literary landscapes, wild Yorkshire moorland and a little railway nostalgia.
Haworth is famous as the home of Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë, whose novels were shaped by the dramatic moorland surrounding this Yorkshire village. Today, its cobbled Main Street, historic parsonage, independent shops and traditional pubs make it a wonderful place to explore.
Beyond the village, we'll follow paths across the moors to places associated with the Brontë family, including Top Withens and the Brontë Waterfall. It's a chance to enjoy the landscapes that inspired some of Britain's best-known literature.
The nearby Worth Valley has its own place in film history, with its heritage railway and countryside featuring in the much-loved 1970 film The Railway Children. Our second walk explores locations connected with the film, including Oakworth.
With two days of guided walking, a comfortable hotel and a small, sociable group, this weekend brings together Yorkshire countryside, literary history and a little nostalgia.
Holiday Highlights
Walk across Haworth Moor to Top Withens, traditionally associated with Wuthering Heights.
Visit the Brontë Waterfall and explore the landscapes that inspired the sisters.
Enjoy time in Haworth, with its cobbled streets, independent shops and traditional pubs.
Follow The Railway Children walking route through the Worth Valley and discover filming locations.
Enjoy two days of guided walking with a maximum of eight guests.
Stay in comfortable en-suite hotel accommodation, with transport to the walks included.
Suggested Itinerary
The itinerary provides a guide to the weekend. Walking routes, timings and stops may change according to the weather, ground conditions, group pace and opening times.
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Make your way to Premier Inn Bradford North, in Sandbeds, near Bingley and Keighley. A complimentary collection from Crossflatts railway station at 18:00 is available for guests travelling by train.
Once everyone has arrived, we'll meet for introductions and a relaxed chat about the weekend's walking plans.
We'll be eating together at the hotel this evening, making it easy to join us even if you're arriving a little later.
Evening meals and drinks are not included.
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After breakfast, we'll travel together to Haworth for our main walk of approximately 10 miles (16 km), exploring the moorland landscapes associated with the Brontë sisters.
Leaving the village behind, we'll head across open moorland towards Top Withens, a remote ruined farmhouse traditionally linked with Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. Although the building itself bears little resemblance to the house in the novel, its dramatic setting has made it one of the area's best-known literary landmarks.
Our return route takes us past the Brontë Waterfall and Brontë Bridge, a peaceful spot where the sisters are believed to have enjoyed spending time.
Back in Haworth, there'll be some free time to explore the cobbled Main Street, browse the independent shops or stop for a well-earned drink in one of the village's cafés or pubs.
We'll return to our hotel later in the afternoon, with the option to join everyone for a relaxed evening meal at a local pub or restaurant.
Evening meals and drinks are not included.
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After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, we'll return to Haworth for a guided walk of approximately 7 miles through the beautiful Worth Valley.
Today's walk follows countryside paths associated with the much-loved 1970 film The Railway Children, exploring the landscapes and locations around the historic Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.
Along the way, we'll discover filming locations including Oakworth Station, Mytholmes Tunnel and Bents House, which featured as Three Chimneys, the children's Yorkshire home in the film.
Our route takes us along field paths, tracks and through traditional villages, with plenty of railway history along the way. There are some hills, stiles and potentially muddy sections, but we'll enjoy the walk at a relaxed, sociable pace.
Back in Haworth, there'll be time for a light lunch or refreshments before we head home.
Guests using our complimentary railway station transfer will be dropped off at Crossflatts railway station after the walk.
Essential Information
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Meeting Locations & Times
Our Brontë & Worth Valley Walking Weekend begins on Friday at:
Premier Inn Bradford North (Bingley)
502 Bradford Road
Sandbeds
Keighley
BD20 5NGYou can travel directly to the hotel or use our complimentary railway station collection.
We'll meet at the hotel for introductions and an informal welcome before enjoying an optional evening meal together.
Travelling by Train
The nearest convenient railway station for our organised collection is Crossflatts, with connections via Leeds and Bradford.
You won't need a car for the weekend, as transport to and from our guided walks is included.
Station Pickups
Friday – Crossflatts Railway Station, 18:00
We offer a complimentary collection from Crossflatts railway station at 18:00 on Friday.
Sunday – Return to Crossflatts Railway Station
We'll provide a complimentary return transfer after Sunday's walk, with an expected arrival between 15:00 and 17:00.
Please select the railway station collection option when booking so we know to expect you.
Travelling by Car & Parking
Free parking is available at Premier Inn Bradford North.
Please register your vehicle details with hotel reception to avoid potential parking charges.
You can leave your car at the hotel during our organised walking days.
Transport During the Trip
Transport between the hotel and our walking locations in Haworth and the Worth Valley is included on both Saturday and Sunday.
All organised walking transport is provided, so there's no need to use your own vehicle during the weekend.
Ferries & Boat Transfers
No ferries or boat transfers are required for this holiday.
Departure & Return Travel
Our final guided walk takes place on Sunday, followed by time for refreshments before returning to the hotel or Crossflatts railway station.
We expect to finish between 15:00 and 17:00, depending on the group's pace and conditions.
Please allow some flexibility when booking onward travel.
Important Travel Information
This is one of our car-free walking breaks, making it easy to join us by public transport.
Complimentary railway station transfers and transport during the weekend are included. Travel to and from the meeting location or collection point is not included.
Your guide may adjust the walking routes or timings if weather or other conditions require it.
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Accommodation Location
We'll be staying for two nights at:
Premier Inn Bradford North (Bingley)
502 Bradford Road
Sandbeds
Keighley
BD20 5NGThe hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring Haworth, the Brontë moors and the Worth Valley.
Accommodation Type
Our accommodation is a Premier Inn hotel, with comfortable en-suite bedrooms and breakfast included.
We'll stay at the same hotel for both nights, so there's no need to move accommodation during the weekend.
Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements
We offer a choice of shared and private hotel bedrooms, depending on your preference and availability.
If you're joining on your own, you can choose to share with another guest of the same sex or book a room for sole occupancy.
Room Options
Shared Female Room – Share a room with another female guest, with separate beds.
Shared Male Room – Share a room with another male guest, with separate beds.
Twin Room – A private room with two separate beds for two guests booking together.
Double Room – A private room with a double bed for two guests booking together.
Sole Occupancy Double Room – A private room with a double bed for one guest.
All room options are subject to availability when booking.
Bathrooms
All bedrooms have their own en-suite bathroom.
Guests booking shared rooms will share the bathroom with their roommate.
Bedding & Towels
All bedding and towels are provided by the hotel.
You'll just need to bring your own toiletries and personal items.
Breakfast
Breakfast is included on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
We'll enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out for our guided walks.
Packed Lunches
Packed lunches aren't included.
You'll need to bring or purchase lunch and walking snacks for both days.
We recommend carrying a packed lunch, snacks and a reusable water bottle, particularly for Saturday's longer walk across Haworth Moor.
Evening Meals
Evening meals aren't included in the weekend price.
On Friday, we'll eat together at the hotel, making it easy for guests arriving later to join us.
On Saturday, we'll arrange an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed group dinner at a local pub or restaurant.
Meals and drinks are paid for individually, and you're welcome to make your own dining arrangements if you prefer.
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Accommodation & Meals
Included
Two nights' accommodation at Premier Inn Bradford North (Bingley).
Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Bedding and towels.
Not Included
Packed lunches and walking snacks.
Evening meals on Friday and Saturday.
Drinks and additional refreshments.
Guiding & Support
Included
Two days of guided walking with an experienced Large Outdoors guide.
Saturday's approximately 10-mile walk exploring Haworth Moor, Top Withens and the Brontë Waterfall.
Sunday's approximately 7-mile Railway Children Walk through the Worth Valley.
A small, sociable group of no more than eight guests.
Pre-trip information and support from the Large Outdoors team.
Not Included
Personal walking clothing and equipment.
Transport & Transfers
Included
Complimentary collection from Crossflatts railway station at 18:00 on Friday, if requested when booking.
Return transfer to Crossflatts railway station after Sunday's walk.
Transport between the hotel and our walking locations on both days.
Not Included
Travel to and from the hotel or Crossflatts railway station.
Personal transport arrangements outside the organised itinerary.
Additional Costs & Exclusions
Not Included
Entry to the Brontë Parsonage Museum or other paid attractions.
Heritage railway tickets or journeys.
Personal travel and activity insurance.
Optional activities and personal purchases from shops, cafés and pubs.
Any other costs not specifically listed as included.
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Walking Grade
Leisurely
Our Brontë & Worth Valley Walking Weekend is graded Leisurely, with two days of guided walking through Yorkshire countryside, open moorland and traditional villages.
Saturday is our longer day, with a walk of approximately 10 miles across Haworth Moor to Top Withens and the Brontë Waterfall.
Sunday is a shorter walk of approximately 7 miles, exploring the Worth Valley and locations associated with The Railway Children.
We'll walk at a friendly, sociable pace, with time to enjoy the scenery, discover the area's history and take breaks along the way.
Terrain & Conditions
Our walks follow a mixture of established countryside footpaths, moorland tracks, grassy trails and village paths.
Saturday's route crosses open moorland, with some hills, uneven ground and potentially muddy sections around Top Withens and the Brontë Waterfall.
Sunday's walk through the Worth Valley includes field paths, tracks, stiles and some uphill and downhill sections.
Although graded Leisurely, this isn't completely flat walking. Good walking footwear with reliable grip is recommended.
Fitness & Experience
You don't need to be an experienced hillwalker, but you should be comfortable spending several hours walking and covering approximately 10 miles in a day.
There are some hills and uneven paths, particularly on Saturday, so a reasonable level of walking fitness is important.
If you regularly enjoy countryside walks and are happy tackling occasional hills, this should be a suitable weekend for you.
Our guide will keep the group together and allow time for breaks, photographs and enjoying the surroundings.
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Walking Clothing & Footwear
Our Brontë & Worth Valley Walking Weekend includes open moorland, countryside paths and some hills, so comfortable walking clothing and suitable footwear are important.
We recommend bringing:
Walking boots or sturdy walking shoes with good grip.
Waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers.
Comfortable walking trousers.
Breathable walking tops and warm layers.
Walking socks.
Hat, gloves or sun protection, depending on the weather.
Good footwear is particularly important, as the paths around Haworth Moor and the Brontë Waterfall can become muddy, rocky and slippery after rain.
What to Carry on Walks
You'll need a comfortable day rucksack with enough space for:
Packed lunch and walking snacks.
Plenty of drinking water in a reusable bottle.
Waterproof clothing and an extra warm layer.
Any personal medication you may need.
Mobile phone.
Payment card or some cash for refreshments.
Sun cream and sunglasses when appropriate.
Saturday's walk is approximately 10 miles, so make sure you have enough food and water for a full day outdoors.
Clothing for Accommodation
Bring comfortable casual clothing and footwear for relaxing at the hotel and joining the group for evening meals.
Bedding and towels are provided, so there's no need to bring these.
Trip-Specific Extras
Walking Poles – Optional, but useful if you appreciate extra support on hills or uneven moorland paths.
Camera or Phone – There are plenty of opportunities for photographs, from the open moorland around Top Withens to the historic streets of Haworth and the Worth Valley Railway.
Weather Protection – Haworth Moor is exposed, so bring waterproof clothing and an extra warm layer even if the forecast looks promising.
Spending Money – You may want to visit Haworth's independent shops, cafés or pubs during our free time. Any optional attraction admissions or heritage railway journeys are at your own expense.
Full Kit List
We've put together a useful walking kit list to help you prepare for your holiday.
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Booking Confirmation
Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with your booking details and our full booking terms.
Deposits & Balance Payments
If you've paid a deposit, we'll automatically email you a reminder when your remaining balance is due. Balances are normally due 12 weeks before departure.
Your Trip WhatsApp Group
Ahead of your trip, we'll invite you to join a dedicated WhatsApp group for your holiday.
It's a great way to say hello to your fellow walkers, ask questions and get to know everyone before you arrive. Most of our guests join us on their own, so it's a nice way to break the ice.
Joining is entirely optional.
Final Details
A couple of days before departure, we'll send you a final reminder with your guide or host's name and contact number, along with any important last-minute information.
Keeping Up to Date
Everything you need to plan your trip, including meeting locations, times, accommodation and travel arrangements, is provided on this page.
We recommend checking back here from time to time before departure, as we'll update the page if any arrangements change. You don't need to wait for your final email to organise your travel.
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Can I come on my own?
Absolutely! Most people joining Large Outdoors trips come on their own, so you'll be in good company.
Our walking weekends are designed to be friendly and sociable, with plenty of opportunities to get to know everyone during the walks and over evening meals.
Is this weekend suitable for my first Large Outdoors trip?
Yes! This is a lovely introduction to Large Outdoors, particularly if you enjoy countryside walking, interesting places and meeting new people.
You'll be joining a small group of no more than eight guests, with an experienced guide looking after the walking arrangements.
Do I need to know anything about the Brontës or The Railway Children?
Not at all! You don't need to have read the Brontë novels or watched The Railway Children to enjoy this weekend.
The literary and film connections add an interesting dimension to the walks, but there's just as much to enjoy in the Yorkshire countryside, moorland views and traditional villages.
Do we visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum?
Our itinerary includes free time in Haworth, when you're welcome to explore the village independently.
Entry to the Brontë Parsonage Museum isn't included, and a visit would depend on the time available and the museum's opening arrangements.
Will we travel on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway?
Our Sunday walk explores countryside and filming locations associated with The Railway Children, including the historic railway.
A heritage train journey isn't part of the organised itinerary, and railway tickets aren't included.
Can I skip one of the walks?
Yes, you're welcome to take a day off from walking if you'd prefer.
However, our transport is organised around the planned itinerary, so you'll generally need to make your own arrangements if you decide not to join a walk.
Can I join with a friend or partner?
Of course! Friends and couples are very welcome.
You can book a twin or double room together, subject to availability. If you're travelling alone, you can choose a same-sex shared room or a room for sole occupancy.
What happens if the weather is poor?
Our walks normally go ahead in typical British weather, including rain.
Your guide will assess the conditions and may adjust the route if necessary. Please bring suitable waterproof clothing and walking footwear.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, we're unable to accommodate dogs on our guided walking weekends, other than assistance dogs by prior arrangement.
Will I feel out of place if I don't know anyone?
Not at all. Many guests arrive without knowing anyone else, and that's part of what makes our weekends so sociable.
You'll have plenty of time to chat while walking, exploring Haworth and enjoying relaxed evenings together.
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Upcoming departure dates:
Friday 23 - Sunday 25 October 2026
Friday 19 - Sunday 21 February 2027
Choose your preferred date and room type in the booking form to check availability and reserve your place.
Deposits – Pay a 20% deposit when booking more than 12 weeks before departure. The remaining balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
Questions Before You Book?
Not sure whether this walking holiday is right for you? We're always happy to help with questions about the walks, accommodation or joining us on your own.
Email hello@largeoutdoors.com or get in touch through WhatsApp.