Haworth makes a great base for exploring West Yorkshire and beyond.
There are plenty of easy day trips from Haworth, whether you’re a Yorkshire local looking for inspiration or a visitor seeking further adventure.
This guide covers places to visit near Haworth village, including historic castles, quaint villages, countryside walks, museums, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Places to Visit Near Haworth Village
There are plenty of things to do in Haworth but if you’re looking to venture further out then you’re in the right place.
Most of the attractions on this list can be reached within an hour by car, or a little longer by public transport, making them perfect for a day trip.
Get ready to discover the hidden gems and well-known landmarks that are just a short journey away from Haworth.
Hebden Bridge
Hebden Bridge is one of the closest towns to Haworth, both in terms geography and character.
It’s just a 20 minute drive from Haworth over the scenic Walshaw Moor to this visitor hotspot known for its artistic identity and scenic beauty.
Originally a small mill town, it has transformed into a colourful community of artists, writers, and activists. Visitors can enjoy artisan shops, galleries, organic cafes, and picturesque surroundings, including wooded valleys and heather moorland.
Hardcastle Crags, a beauty spot less than two miles north of Hebden Bridge, has over 400 acres of unspoilt woodland, offers tumbling streams, waterfalls, and the unique Gibson Mill.
Notable sites for literature fans include Sylvia Plath’s grave in Heptonstall and Ted Hughes’ birthplace in Mytholmroyd.
The town, rich in history and culture, offers a blend of urban and rural experiences, making it a popular day trip destination from Haworth.
- Time to drive: 20 mins
- Public transport: 35 mins. Direct bus between Haworth and Hebden Bridge.
Saltaire Village and Salts Mill
Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a mid-19th century industrial village in West Yorkshire designed with philanthropic ideals.
Salts Mill, built in 1853 by Sir Titus Salt, was part of his vision to create a model community for his workers.
This historic mill is now a modern hub for art, dining, and shopping.
It houses the world’s largest collection of works by David Hockney and features a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Visitors can explore the People and Process Exhibition to learn about the mill’s past. The mill also hosts special events and is home to numerous businesses.
- Time to drive: 25 mins
- Public transport: 1 hour. Bus to Keighley then train to Saltaire.
Skipton Town and Castle
Skipton, derived from Anglo-Saxon roots meaning “sheep town,” has been a pivotal economic center since its mention in the Domesday Book.
Skipton Castle, central to the town’s growth, dates back over 900 years and remains remarkably preserved.
The weekly market, established in 1204, continues on the historic High Street. Skipton thrived during the Industrial Revolution with the Leeds-Liverpool canal, fostering trade in coal, wool, and cotton.
Today, people visit Skipton to explore the castle, walk along the canal, and spend time in Skipton Woods. Often described as the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, the town combines a long history with easy access to some of the country’s best countryside!
- Time to drive: 35 mins
- Public transport: 1 hour. Bus to Keighley then train to Skipton.
Kettlewell Village
Kettlewell is a small village in the Yorkshire Dales with two inns, a café, and a good selection of self-catering cottages.
It works well as a base for walkers, cyclists, and motorbikers, with everything from fell walks and riverside paths to quiet country lanes nearby.
There are a few local shops and tea rooms, and the village is known for its annual Scarecrow Festival, which began in 1994 and now draws visitors each year with its creative displays.
It’s a personal favourite of mine, and somewhere I’ve been visiting for as long as I can remember!
If you’re visiting Kettlewell on a day trip, a stop at nearby Kilnsey Park is well worth it, especially with children. Just a few minutes’ drive away, it has fishing ponds, farm animals, and a café serving freshly caught trout and chips.
- Time to drive: 1 hour
- Public transport: 2-3 hours. Bus to Keighley, train to Skipton, and bus to Kettlewell.
York City
York, renowned for its historical roots tracing back to Roman and Viking eras, provides a fantastic day out for all.
Encircled by ancient walls, the city boasts world-class museums, including the iconic York Minster with its stunning stained glass. From the immersive National Railway Museum showcasing locomotive history to the atmospheric York Castle Museum, there’s history at every turn.
You can explore the city’s medieval charm along the City Walls or delve into its eerie past at The York Dungeon.
Don’t forget to visit York’s Shambles, a historic street with overhanging timber-framed buildings, which adds to the city’s medieval charm and is a popular spot for visitors exploring its quaint shops and cafes.
- Time to drive: 1 hour, 30 mins
- Public transport: 1 hour, 45 mins. Bus to Keighley and then train to York via Leeds.
