What do locals do near Haworth and Oxenhope?

[YouWereGr8InLittleMenstruators]

I will be travelling to this area with DC aged 8-11. We'll have a few days to explore, and I always like to know what locals enjoy doing most in their area.
Any ideas?

Steam train (Keighley &Worth Valley Railway), Haworth itself, drop down to Bradford for museums (if open), walking on the moor (where the Brontes walked).

Cliffe Castle in Keighley.

Was coming on to say the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. Not sure how far afield you want to go, but Skipton Castle is worth a visit.

Can I ask locals if all the shops in Haworth are open? Used to visit regularly (pre Covid) and last few visits it seemed deserted with just a few shops open.

Lovely walks in the area

The Eureka Museum in Halifax is supposed to be good - we don't have children so I've never been myself but I've heard others speak highly of it. It's aimed at 0 - 11 year olds.

Bingley St Ives - a country park with big play area and nice walks.

Saltaire - a visit to Salts Mill also a park by the river or a walk on the canal. There is a tramway from Saltaire up to the moor (not sure if it’s running at the moment because of COVID) and explore the rocks up on what they call Shipley Glen.

Haworth local 👋🏼

All shops are are open.

There isn't much to do in Oxenhope, just walks really. It's the start/end of the worth valley line, so if you want to go on the steam train I'd recommend starting there. Not sure if it's just afternoon tea bookings though.

Bronte waterfalls walk. Bronte museum is probably a bit boring for kids. Pottery painting at cobbles and clay on Haworth Main Street.

Marsh top farm shop in oxenhope is nice if you're self catering!

If you decide on the Keighley & Worth Valley railway, it's fun to watch 'The Railway Children' beforehand (original version with Jenny Agutter as Bobbie) beforehand, because it's where the station in the film, Oakworth, is.

Wow, such a lot of suggestions. Thanks! We're going to get a few Bronte film adaptations under our belts before we go, and will definitely enjoy walking! DD2 is into museums of all kinds irrespective of subject or intended demographic. Both DC have done Tudor topics at school so might enjoy Skipton Castle. We're from a completely different part of the country and unlikely to find ourselves back in the area again, so wouldn't mind covering a bit of distance to see special attractions. Maybe the steam train is a good way to admire the countryside?
Is there anywhere to swim nearby; river, lake or swimmable reservoir?

Hmmmm. You won't see all that much countryside from the train after Oakworth 🤣🤣

Someone recently died in Ponden reservoir, if you want to go swimming I'd go somewhere proper.

If you want to do some films before you go The Railway Children was filmed on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

Piece Hall Halifax.

Tropical World Roundhay.

If your DC are museum-mad, the National Media Museum in Bradford is excellent - lots of interactive stuff. Free entry too, I think.

It's a nice drive over to Hebden Bridge, which a nice town to potter around and Hardcastle crags is a great place for a walk. If you are going to Bingley St. Ives estate (great playground!) it would be good to combine it with a visit to the five rise locks on the canal.

If you do head over Hebden Bridge way (agree that hardcastle craggs is great), the Heptonstall is worth a wander around

Bolton Abbey
Lunds Tower (you can climb to the top and see the views)
East Riddlesden Hall
Ingleton - waterfall walk (there is also a heated outdoor pool)
Mother Shipton’s Cave (Knaresborough)

Oooh following! Heading that way myself! The railway looks good

There is another steam railway between Embsay and Bolton Abbey

If you go out to Bolton Abbey the welly walk is good fun for kids. The stepping stones too but be prepared to get wet . Also out near Bolton Abbey way is Billy Bobs - an American themed diner with great play area. You’ll have to pre-book.

Agree with all the above, in particular the railway, Salt's Mill and the Piece Hall. There's also an open air activities place in Ogden called Another World which has a fun toboggan track. Also Doe Park water activities at Denholme if you are looking for that sort of thing and are there in the school holidays. Lister Park in Bradford has a lovely little art gallery.

@Iamanaubergine I second Bolton Abbey too (and the welly walk). Billy Bobs is always a highlight of our stay in Yorkshire for our teens. They do fantastic ice cream, too many to choose from and also their sprinkles.

Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge is nice for walks too.
Cliffe Castle in Keighley is a great little museum and has a nice playground
Salts Mill in Saltaire has a cool restaurant which is kid friendly and a nice bookshop

If you pop over to Skipton and visit the castle, the woods next to it is a nice walk. Also Aireville park is great and there’s one of those tree top adventure places there. And yes, Billy Bob’s is a must!!