The Bronte Birthplace Heritage Walking Tour

Discover Thornton: Brontë Birthplace Walking Tour

Join us for our first-ever walking tour of historic Thornton, uncovering the rich cultural, industrial, and architectural heritage of the Brontë sisters’ birthplace. For many years Thornton has been the forgotten chapter in the Bronte story, but since the grand opening of the Birthplace we are striving to bring to light the fascinating history of this charming and characterful village.

Led by local historian and photographer Matthew, the 90-minute tour begins at the Birthplace and takes you through key sites including the Brontë Bell Chapel ruins, Thornton Viaduct, South Square Centre, and the village’s iconic snickets and ginnels. Once overlooked, Thornton’s story is now being brought to life—step into its vibrant past and see how it shaped the Brontës. Tours end back at the Birthplace, where you can relax in the café, browse the gift shop, or book a house tour.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

Tour 1000 & 1300 | Fully booked

Location & directions

72-74 Market Street, Thornton, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD13 3HF

Directions:

On-Street Parking: Market Street offers free on-street parking with no restrictions. If there isn’t any space directly outside the Brontë Birthplace, head onto Thornton Road, you’re also welcome to park there and take a brief walk up to to Market Street. Please be mindful of our neighbors and avoid blocking any driveways. By Bus: The First Metro 607 bus runs regularly from Thornton to Bradford Interchange and the 67 runs from Keighley via Thornton to Bradford Interchange. The nearest stop is just a 2-minute walk away. By Train: The closest stations are Bradford Interchange or Bradford Forster Square, both a short bus or taxi ride from Thornton. By Taxi: Local taxi services are readily available from Bradford city centre and surrounding areas.

Contact on day:

Matthew Gibbons

Telephone number:

+447365336663

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking preferred

Booking conditions:

To book a place on our heritage tour, please email Anna Gibson at the attached address with your name and the number of places you would like to reserve. Places are limited and may sell out but there will possibly be free places on the day for booking in person. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour.

Booking contact name:

Anna Gibson

Booking telephone number:

+447365336663

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking opens:

17 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

13 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

The route around Thornton is relatively flat but there will be extended periods of walking and standing, in some areas the paths are quite narrow and may be impassable without venturing into the road for wheelchair users. The Birthplace has an accessible bathroom and changing place, which are accessible via a stairlift or short flight of stairs. The tour is presented verbally and without the use of microphones.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

10

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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