Top Withens Haworth
Iconic ruins on Haworth Moor, believed to be the inspiration for Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. A place of wild beauty and literary legend.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, stunning light
Top Withens Haworth
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, stunning light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic ruins on Haworth Moor, believed to be the inspiration for Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. A place of wild beauty and literary legend.
"The ruins here are said to be inspiration for Emily’s Wuthering Heights. You can see why…"
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The moorland paths can be uneven and muddy. Good walking boots are essential! :athletic_shoe:
Pack a Picnic
There are no amenities at Top Withens. Bring snacks and drinks to enjoy the views. :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Top Withens Ruins
Haworth Moor
The iconic, windswept farmhouse ruins, believed to be the inspiration for Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights.
Brontë Waterfall
On the path to Top Withens
A picturesque waterfall offering a serene stop on your walk, especially beautiful after rain.
Panoramic Moorland Views
Haworth Moor
Vast, dramatic landscapes of the Yorkshire Moors, offering breathtaking vistas and a sense of wild isolation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Timing is Key for Solitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The moorland paths can be uneven and muddy. Good walking boots are essential! :athletic_shoe:
Pack a Picnic
There are no amenities at Top Withens. Bring snacks and drinks to enjoy the views. :sandwich:
Check the Weather
Moorland weather changes fast! Be prepared for sun, rain, and wind. :cloud_rain:
Follow the Signs
New, easy-to-follow signs guide you from Haworth to Top Withens. :map:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The moorland paths can be uneven and muddy. Good walking boots are essential! :athletic_shoe:
Pack a Picnic
There are no amenities at Top Withens. Bring snacks and drinks to enjoy the views. :sandwich:
Check the Weather
Moorland weather changes fast! Be prepared for sun, rain, and wind. :cloud_rain:
Follow the Signs
New, easy-to-follow signs guide you from Haworth to Top Withens. :map:
Go Early for Solitude
Experience the magic of Top Withens without the crowds by visiting at dawn. :sunrise:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, atmospheric moorland scenery and the evocative ruins of Top Withens, often described as a 'gorgeous stroll' and a 'majestic' experience. The connection to Wuthering Heights adds a significant literary appeal. While the walk is generally manageable, some find the terrain challenging after rain, and the lack of amenities requires good preparation.
"A gorgeous sunny stroll up to Top Withins whilst visiting friends. It’s well worth the walk / hike as the countryside is gorgeous with lots of places to stop and just take in the view. Despite it being the Easter holidays it was calm and peaceful, but we understand it to get very busy. We’re looking forward to coming back in the Autumn / Winter to experience the area in a different light. Well worth the visit, make sure to pack a picnic and some drinks, although there are some pubs up at Stanbury. If it has been raining then stop by the Brontë Falls."
Jamie Higgs-Dey
"Easy parking at the end of Back Lane for at least 10 cars as long as you don't block gates or entry road
No amenities here
Easy walking up the Prow, plenty of options available to explore further
Footpath easy to follow and not too difficult to walk
Takes about 40 minutes to walk up
Fabulous views on a clear day, atmospheric, if you get the place to yourself
Acual top of Within Heights is a small boundary stone to the west of Top Withins but is awkward to get to across the Heather"
Mathew Bourne
"Walked up to Top Withens from the parsonage car park at 07:00. Beautiful calm easy walk, met a few Walkers up there. Passed Brontë falls on the way. So quiet up there that you can sit and enjoy the rain, sun or wind in solitude. Signs are new and easy to follow. Loved it!"
P_Addler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular route is a walk from Haworth village, often starting near the Brontë Parsonage Museum. You can follow signs for Top Withens, which typically involves a 3-mile trek across Haworth Moor. Some visitors park at the end of Back Lane in Stanbury for easier access.
Limited parking is available at the end of Back Lane in Stanbury, which can accommodate about 10 cars. Ensure you don't block gates or the access road.
No, Top Withens is a ruin located on the moor and is not accessible by car. The journey involves a walk or hike.
Signs are generally new and easy to follow. Many visitors find local walking maps helpful, especially if they plan to explore further.
The walk is generally considered easy to moderate, taking around 40 minutes to an hour each way depending on your pace. The path can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Top Withens is a historic ruin on public moorland, so there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit.
As an outdoor ruin on the moor, Top Withens is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
The Brontë Waterfall is a natural feature on the path to Top Withens and does not have an entrance fee.
Yes, some local companies offer guided walks that include Top Withens, providing historical context and ensuring you don't get lost.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to potential hazards on the moorland paths and lack of visibility.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Explore the atmospheric ruins, imagine life in the 19th century, and soak in the dramatic moorland scenery that inspired Wuthering Heights.
No, there are no amenities such as toilets, cafes, or shops at Top Withens itself. You must come prepared.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers the most dramatic and atmospheric shots. Consider the weather for added moodiness.
Yes, the moorland offers many walking opportunities. You can extend your walk to explore further or follow parts of the Pennine Way.
The moorland is a habitat for various birds, and some visitors have reported seeing species like red grouse.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities at Top Withens. Pubs are available in Stanbury, and Haworth village offers a wider range of cafes and restaurants.
Absolutely! Packing a picnic is highly recommended to enjoy the views in this remote setting.
Haworth offers traditional pub fare, tearooms with local cakes and pastries, and various cafes.
Yes, there are pubs in the village of Stanbury, which is often a starting or ending point for walks to Top Withens.
It's essential to bring plenty of water, as there are no water sources or facilities on the moor.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings for sunrise and mist, and late afternoons for golden hour light, offer the most dramatic and atmospheric photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive moorland views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Consider a sturdy tripod for low light. :camerawithflash:
Focus on the ruggedness of the ruins, the vastness of the moor, and the changing weather. Mist and dramatic skies enhance the mood.
The ruins themselves offer many angles. The surrounding moorland provides elevated spots for panoramic shots of the landscape.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and guidelines before flying a drone in this area. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the distance and terrain when planning for younger children, and always check the weather forecast. 🚶 Hikers & Nature Lovers
+1 Extend your hike by exploring further into the moorland or connecting with sections of the Pennine Way. 📚 Literature Buffs
Combine your visit with a trip to the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth for a deeper dive into the Brontë sisters' lives and works. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Brontë Connection: Wuthering Heights
+1Emily Brontë, along with her sisters Charlotte and Anne, spent much of their lives in Haworth and frequently walked the surrounding moors. This landscape, with its dramatic skies, rugged terrain, and sense of isolation, undoubtedly fueled their imaginations. The Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth offers further insights into the family's life and literary legacy.
+1Experiencing Top Withens is more than just seeing a ruin; it's about stepping into the very environment that shaped one of literature's most enduring tales. The raw beauty and melancholic aura of the moorland are palpable, making it a pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts and lovers of dramatic landscapes alike.
+1Navigating the Moorland Walk
Many walkers choose to start their journey from Haworth village, often passing the Brontë Waterfall along the way. This natural cascade adds a touch of beauty to the trek and is a popular spot for a brief pause. The route is marked with signs, but it's always wise to have a map or GPS device, especially if you plan to venture off the main path.
For those seeking a more guided experience, local walking groups and guides offer tours that can provide historical context and ensure a safe passage across the moors. Regardless of how you navigate it, the walk offers stunning panoramic views and a true sense of escape into the wild Yorkshire landscape.
+1The Atmosphere of Top Withens
However, it's the dramatic and often moody weather that truly enhances the experience. Wind, mist, and rain can transform the landscape, making it feel wild and untamed, much like the setting of Wuthering Heights. Many visitors relish the solitude, finding it a place for quiet contemplation and a deep connection with nature.
Whether bathed in the soft light of sunrise or shrouded in mist, Top Withens offers a unique sensory experience. It’s a place where the rugged beauty of the natural world meets the enduring power of literature, creating a memorable and evocative destination.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit