On Sunday we decided to let the train take the strain, but first we drove over the tops to Haworth before it got too busy. We began in the Brontë Museum, in the parsonage where the family lived from 1860.
We learnt all about their lives and literary achievements, and the large number of personal items including Charlottes dresses, scarves and bonnets displayed in rooms they actually inhabited was quite moving.
Here is the dining room where much of the writing would have been done …
… and Branwell’s room, presented as it might have looked to convey the chaotic character of his mind.
We were also reminded how very fragile life was, with their father out living them all.
Chris was happy to sit for a bit, so we parked at Penistone Country Park and I took a short walk across the moor …
… and down to the Brontë Waterfall to take a few pics.
It’s amazing how quickly the weather can change as I had a strong wind with a slight drizzle in my face all the way but by the time I walked back, the wind had gone and my coat was round my waist!
Finally to the train. The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway which once carried coal and textiles to the local mills is now the only complete, preserved standard gauge branch line in the world and they regularly run steam trains. We were just buying our return tickets at Oxonhope as the announcement said the train was about to arrive, which it did!
The station looks really authentic in its burgundy and cream livery, but no time for a cuppa now, let’s get aboard.
Inside, the carriages are just as I remembered on the trains from Kenton to Wembley as a child, although they were diesel.
The route took us back through Haworth, then on Oakworth which was used as a location both Railway Children films and has prompted us to watch the newer one when we get home.
A lucky bend offered a good view of the engine …
The end of the line is Keighley and we got out for a look while they moved the engine round to pull us back, and got Yorkshire Tea and flapjacks to eat on the way back.
Appropriately, we went just round the corner to The Railway for dinner and we’re glad we booked as it was full of people tucking into huge plates of roast dinner. We’ve eaten incredibly well in Skipton with visits to Le Bistro des Amis and Elsworth Kitchen on previous evenings, all showcasing good local produce and great home cooking, and Chris has been impressed with the varied vegetarian choices.
Off Travelling Together 
Very interesting to see Haworth and the different rooms of the Brontë family. I would definitely visit there if ever in Yorkshire. And it must have been like going back in time to be on the lovely steam train. That would have made Clive’s day. He loved steam trains!
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Chris loved the train too!
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