Local… walks; places & cafes (other guidebooks available)
Sightseeing
Midden Cottage’s woodland slopes down to the stream, adjoining Ponden reservoir. The land has ideal spots for picnics and there is also a picnic table for guests to be able to use at the top of the hill, about 200yds from the cottage.
Guests staying at the cottage have access to this 13-acre broadleaf, deciduous woodland * including Beech, Ash, Birch, Oak, Alder, Rowan and Sycamore - with the odd veteran tree in excess of 300 years.
We are currently engaged in a programme of increasing the woodland's biodiversity and allowing the natural rewilding process to occur. It is listed as a conservation area and has its own stream and is ideal for picnics.
Ponden Wood is also a venue where you can book sessions in archery, axe-throwing, foraging, woodland well-being, fishing (fishing is not on the land) and more. Search online for "withinthewood Stanbury"
* Access to the woodland is allowed when sessions aren't taking place. Session times will be left at the cottage so you know when you can / can't go onto the land. (If you would like to know specific times in advance, do message me).
When sessions are taking place you can still sit out at the top area of the land (by the wood) where there is a picnic area with picnic bench for guests to use - through the gate, just up to the right.
Ponden Wood
Midden Cottage’s woodland slopes down to the stream, adjoining Ponden reservoir. The land has ideal spots for picnics and there is also a picnic table for guests to be able to use at the top of the hill, about 200yds from the cottage.
Guests staying at the cottage have access to this 13-acre broadleaf, deciduous woodland * including Beech, Ash, Birch, Oak, Alder, Rowan and Sycamore - with the odd veteran tree in excess of 300 years.
We are currently engaged in a programme of increasing the woodland's biodiversity and allowing the natural rewilding process to occur. It is listed as a conservation area and has its own stream and is ideal for picnics.
Ponden Wood is also a venue where you can book sessions in archery, axe-throwing, foraging, woodland well-being, fishing (fishing is not on the land) and more. Search online for "withinthewood Stanbury"
* Access to the woodland is allowed when sessions aren't taking place. Session times will be left at the cottage so you know when you can / can't go onto the land. (If you would like to know specific times in advance, do message me).
When sessions are taking place you can still sit out at the top area of the land (by the wood) where there is a picnic area with picnic bench for guests to use - through the gate, just up to the right.
From the cottage garden there is a stunning view overlooking Ponden Reservoir and the Worth Valley.
The reservoir is also the home of sailing and windsurfing club.
Ponden Reservoir
From the cottage garden there is a stunning view overlooking Ponden Reservoir and the Worth Valley.
The reservoir is also the home of sailing and windsurfing club.
This is a half an hour walk from the cottage to ‘The Fairy Cave’. It gives spectacular views down the valley and is well worth the stroll just for the views.
The information below is from ‘Bronte Adventures’
I have tweaked the directions - my tweaks are in (brackets) or ‘inverted commas’
Ponden Kirk - The Fairy Cave…
Ponden Kirk is a crag of gritstone rock jutting out of the hillside, believed to be the inspiration for Penistone Crags and The Fairy Cave in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.
Ponden Kirk (kirk meaning church in Scots and Yorkshire) can be accessed via a path from Ponden Reservoir, passing Ponden Hall (and Midden Cottage).
(From) Ponden Hall (and Midden Cottage) follow the road (up the hill that winds to the left then to the right and keeps going up, then passes the drive to a farmhouse )… At the end of ‘this’ road, by the gate, step over the fence onto the moor.
Follow the track ‘to the left’ left along the grassy trail (may not be too obvious) ‘then to the right’ up and beyond the last remaining house.
Follow the wall uphill ‘to the left’ and you will find the stony path leading to Ponden Clough.
Carefully cross the beck and along the grassy trail to Ponden Kirk.
Care needs to be taken on top of Ponden Kirk as it’s a steep drop below. You will then be rewarded breathe-taking views.
Ponden Kirk is visited on the ‘Escape To The Moor’ guided Haworth walk which takes you off the beaten track to all the key Bronte beauty spots.
Ponden Clough…
Ponden Clough is where the beck passes over several flat layers of stone before descending below and has a beautiful view of the valley. A lovely place for a picnic.
While you are there, hunt out the ‘Catherine Earnshaw’ and the ‘Emily Bronte’ carvings in stone by the small, grassy clearing.
The Fairy Cave…
The Fairy Cave is at the base of Ponden Kirk and is only a few metres in length. It’s a little awkward to climb down to and quite narrow to crawl through on your tummy. It’s a simple bit of fun and you get a sense of danger that the rocks may move and trap you at any time. If you do go through, please do so with care, especially when coming out the other end as it’s a long, steep slope below.
BEWARE – Folklore says that crawling through the Fairy Cave brings marriage within the year. Dare you!?
Ponden Kirk (Fairy Cave)
Haworth MoorThis is a half an hour walk from the cottage to ‘The Fairy Cave’. It gives spectacular views down the valley and is well worth the stroll just for the views.
The information below is from ‘Bronte Adventures’
I have tweaked the directions - my tweaks are in (brackets) or ‘inverted commas’
Ponden Kirk - The Fairy Cave…
Ponden Kirk is a crag of gritstone rock jutting out of the hillside, believed to be the inspiration for Penistone Crags and The Fairy Cave in Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.
Ponden Kirk (kirk meaning church in Scots and Yorkshire) can be accessed via a path from Ponden Reservoir, passing Ponden Hall (and Midden Cottage).
(From) Ponden Hall (and Midden Cottage) follow the road (up the hill that winds to the left then to the right and keeps going up, then passes the drive to a farmhouse )… At the end of ‘this’ road, by the gate, step over the fence onto the moor.
Follow the track ‘to the left’ left along the grassy trail (may not be too obvious) ‘then to the right’ up and beyond the last remaining house.
Follow the wall uphill ‘to the left’ and you will find the stony path leading to Ponden Clough.
Carefully cross the beck and along the grassy trail to Ponden Kirk.
Care needs to be taken on top of Ponden Kirk as it’s a steep drop below. You will then be rewarded breathe-taking views.
Ponden Kirk is visited on the ‘Escape To The Moor’ guided Haworth walk which takes you off the beaten track to all the key Bronte beauty spots.
Ponden Clough…
Ponden Clough is where the beck passes over several flat layers of stone before descending below and has a beautiful view of the valley. A lovely place for a picnic.
While you are there, hunt out the ‘Catherine Earnshaw’ and the ‘Emily Bronte’ carvings in stone by the small, grassy clearing.
The Fairy Cave…
The Fairy Cave is at the base of Ponden Kirk and is only a few metres in length. It’s a little awkward to climb down to and quite narrow to crawl through on your tummy. It’s a simple bit of fun and you get a sense of danger that the rocks may move and trap you at any time. If you do go through, please do so with care, especially when coming out the other end as it’s a long, steep slope below.
BEWARE – Folklore says that crawling through the Fairy Cave brings marriage within the year. Dare you!?
Top Withens, reputedly the atmospheric inspiration for the geographical location of “The Heights” in Emily's novel, is a short, invigorating walk away across the moors.•
From the cottage walk on the Bronte Way to Top Withens, Bronte Falls and into Haworth for welcome food or refreshments.
Return to Stanbury by bus (the B1) or Bronte Taxis to your doorstep.
22 locals recommend
Top Withens
Top Withens, reputedly the atmospheric inspiration for the geographical location of “The Heights” in Emily's novel, is a short, invigorating walk away across the moors.•
From the cottage walk on the Bronte Way to Top Withens, Bronte Falls and into Haworth for welcome food or refreshments.
Return to Stanbury by bus (the B1) or Bronte Taxis to your doorstep.
The Bronte Way passes the front of the cottage and takes you over the moors to the historic Top Withens, onto the Bronte Falls and finishes in Haworth, where there are a fantastic choice of cafes, pubs or restaurants for some well earned food or beverages.
Return to Stanbury by bus (the B1) or Bronte Taxis to your doorstep.
26 locals recommend
Bronte Waterfall
Haworth MoorThe Bronte Way passes the front of the cottage and takes you over the moors to the historic Top Withens, onto the Bronte Falls and finishes in Haworth, where there are a fantastic choice of cafes, pubs or restaurants for some well earned food or beverages.
Return to Stanbury by bus (the B1) or Bronte Taxis to your doorstep.
The historic village of Haworth is just 3 miles from Midden Cottage.
Enjoy a walk on the Bronte Way which passes the front of the cottage - then take in the moorland scenery of Top Withens and the Bronte Falls, and continue on into Haworth in time for lunch or afternoon tea.
Meander down its cobbled main street and browse its independent shops, cafés, micro-bars, galleries, restaurants and the Brontë Parsonage.
It's a must for both Brontë and steam railway enthusiasts.
Visit ‘Haworth Steam Brewery’ with Yorkshire brewed beers and sample their range of dynamic flavour-inspired gins that showcase everything that’s best about Yorkshire.
Paint a pot to take back as a memento, whist having refreshments or lunch at ‘Cobbles & Clay’.
There are also special themed weekends in Haworth ie the 1940's weekend and the Steam Punk festival.
There are hourly busses from Haworth to Stanbury (the B1 bus) or Bronte Taxis can take you back to your doorstep.
We have listed a few places to visit in Haworth in this guidebook, and a few places to eat.
We have two other more extensive guidebooks with more places to visit and eat, which can be seen after booking (airbnb only allow one guidebook to be seen prior to booking)
9 locals recommend
Haworth Main Street
Main StreetThe historic village of Haworth is just 3 miles from Midden Cottage.
Enjoy a walk on the Bronte Way which passes the front of the cottage - then take in the moorland scenery of Top Withens and the Bronte Falls, and continue on into Haworth in time for lunch or afternoon tea.
Meander down its cobbled main street and browse its independent shops, cafés, micro-bars, galleries, restaurants and the Brontë Parsonage.
It's a must for both Brontë and steam railway enthusiasts.
Visit ‘Haworth Steam Brewery’ with Yorkshire brewed beers and sample their range of dynamic flavour-inspired gins that showcase everything that’s best about Yorkshire.
Paint a pot to take back as a memento, whist having refreshments or lunch at ‘Cobbles & Clay’.
There are also special themed weekends in Haworth ie the 1940's weekend and the Steam Punk festival.
There are hourly busses from Haworth to Stanbury (the B1 bus) or Bronte Taxis can take you back to your doorstep.
We have listed a few places to visit in Haworth in this guidebook, and a few places to eat.
We have two other more extensive guidebooks with more places to visit and eat, which can be seen after booking (airbnb only allow one guidebook to be seen prior to booking)
The parsonage is a must for Brontë fans, and anyone interested in history or just wanting a glimpse of a lifestyle from the past.
In peak times do pre-book tickets as time slots can get booked up.
www.bronte.org.uk
99 locals recommend
Bronte Parsonage Museum
Church StreetThe parsonage is a must for Brontë fans, and anyone interested in history or just wanting a glimpse of a lifestyle from the past.
In peak times do pre-book tickets as time slots can get booked up.
www.bronte.org.uk
If you’re interested in riding on a steam train you can ride through Oakworth, where Lionel Jeffries 1970’s version of the Railway Children was filmed on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.
Past Oakworth is Ingrow West, which is home to RAIL STORY where there are two Award-winning museums - entry is free with a Day Rover Ticket.
The other direction takes you to Oxenhope where you can visit the goods shed. This was extended in the early days of preservation, and is now the main site for the restoration and servicing of the carriages and goods vehicles in regular use on the Railway.
www.kwvr.co.uk
72 locals recommend
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Station RoadIf you’re interested in riding on a steam train you can ride through Oakworth, where Lionel Jeffries 1970’s version of the Railway Children was filmed on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.
Past Oakworth is Ingrow West, which is home to RAIL STORY where there are two Award-winning museums - entry is free with a Day Rover Ticket.
The other direction takes you to Oxenhope where you can visit the goods shed. This was extended in the early days of preservation, and is now the main site for the restoration and servicing of the carriages and goods vehicles in regular use on the Railway.
www.kwvr.co.uk
Food scene
I have listed The Old Silent Inn first in places to eat, as it’s ideally located if you want a short stroll out for a drink or a meal, being about 15 minutes walk from the cottage,
There are also two other pubs just a further 5 mins walk up the hill into Stanbury - The Wuthering Heights Inn also does food and has very good reviews on Tripadvisor.
You may get a traditional Yorkshire pub meal at The Old Silent Inn and guests who’ve eaten there have enjoyed it.
Tripadvisor review…
“Beautiful meal in a stunning, old pub.
Superb food in a beautiful environment. Went after a walk up to Top Withens and back and we're really impressed. Other people there seemed to be enjoying what they had too.
Service was friendly and not too imposing. I had the Sausage and mash and it was as good as I've had. My partner had a nut roast Sunday dinner and commented that the vegetarian/vegan options we're very impressive.”
CUISINES: Pub, British
SPECIAL DIETS: Vegetarian Friendly
If you want a taxi back ring Bronte Taxis: 01535 644442
We have listed a few places to eat in Haworth in this guidebook, and a few places to visit.
We have two other more extensive guidebooks with more places to eat or visit, which can be seen after booking (airbnb only allow one guidebook to be seen prior to booking)
Old Silent Inn
Hob LaneI have listed The Old Silent Inn first in places to eat, as it’s ideally located if you want a short stroll out for a drink or a meal, being about 15 minutes walk from the cottage,
There are also two other pubs just a further 5 mins walk up the hill into Stanbury - The Wuthering Heights Inn also does food and has very good reviews on Tripadvisor.
You may get a traditional Yorkshire pub meal at The Old Silent Inn and guests who’ve eaten there have enjoyed it.
Tripadvisor review…
“Beautiful meal in a stunning, old pub.
Superb food in a beautiful environment. Went after a walk up to Top Withens and back and we're really impressed. Other people there seemed to be enjoying what they had too.
Service was friendly and not too imposing. I had the Sausage and mash and it was as good as I've had. My partner had a nut roast Sunday dinner and commented that the vegetarian/vegan options we're very impressive.”
CUISINES: Pub, British
SPECIAL DIETS: Vegetarian Friendly
If you want a taxi back ring Bronte Taxis: 01535 644442
We have listed a few places to eat in Haworth in this guidebook, and a few places to visit.
We have two other more extensive guidebooks with more places to eat or visit, which can be seen after booking (airbnb only allow one guidebook to be seen prior to booking)
Claire at no 10 bakes a wonderful selection of homemade cakes with artistic flair and has an amazing range of coffee beans, most which are freshly ground when you order.
I can’t recommend her place enough.
She also does some hampers and select goodies to take away.
“JUST EXCELLENT… Fantastic hidden gem that uses fine ingredients in their homemade delights. Impeccable service. Just at the bottom of the High St but worth the walk. Do support this local team who have shown great endeavour to bring a touch of class to Haworth.”
CUISINES: Cafe, British
SPECIAL DIETS: Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
Email: claire@no10thecoffeehouse.wanadoo.co.uk
10 the Coffee House
10 Main StreetClaire at no 10 bakes a wonderful selection of homemade cakes with artistic flair and has an amazing range of coffee beans, most which are freshly ground when you order.
I can’t recommend her place enough.
She also does some hampers and select goodies to take away.
“JUST EXCELLENT… Fantastic hidden gem that uses fine ingredients in their homemade delights. Impeccable service. Just at the bottom of the High St but worth the walk. Do support this local team who have shown great endeavour to bring a touch of class to Haworth.”
CUISINES: Cafe, British
SPECIAL DIETS: Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
Email: claire@no10thecoffeehouse.wanadoo.co.uk
Haworth Steam Brewing Company brew their own beers and they also have a distillery and make specialty gins and tonics - they do food too and have very good reviews.
“Amazing!!! Wow I absolutely love this place! Amazing food. Real ales and their very own gin. What more could you want. If you are visiting Haworth I highly recommend you try the steam brewery”
PRICE RANGE: £4 - £20
CUISINES: Bar, British, Grill, Pub
SPECIAL DIETS: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
www.haworthsteambrewery.co.uk
10 locals recommend
Haworth Steam Brewing and Bistro
98 Main StHaworth Steam Brewing Company brew their own beers and they also have a distillery and make specialty gins and tonics - they do food too and have very good reviews.
“Amazing!!! Wow I absolutely love this place! Amazing food. Real ales and their very own gin. What more could you want. If you are visiting Haworth I highly recommend you try the steam brewery”
PRICE RANGE: £4 - £20
CUISINES: Bar, British, Grill, Pub
SPECIAL DIETS: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
www.haworthsteambrewery.co.uk