About Keighley

Situated in what is known as 'Bronte Country', Keighley lies at the heart of the ruggedly beautiful countryside that inspired the works of Charlotte, Anne and Emily Bronte.

The sisters were born and lived in the area and, because of this, there are many buildings and geographic features near to Keighley that appear in their books. The nearby village of Haworth, the sisters' birthplace, is home to a fascinating museum that catalogues the Brontes' history and body of work.

On the outskirts of the town lies Cliffe Castle, a stunning Gothic castle steeped in military and social history and also home to an impressive collection of antique furniture, decorative arts and fine china. On show within the castle's imposing galleries are exhibitions on zoology and the natural world, as well as intriguing local history.

Other aspects of the region's place in industrial history are on show at the nearby Keighley Museum. The town is also home to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, a traditional steam railway which takes visitors on a romantic trip into the past, taking in many of the region's most important landmarks and some of its most beautiful scenery. At the end of the line is the popular Museum of Rail Travel which houses many rare examples of steam locomotive.

The thriving local brewing industry can be experienced firsthand on one of the tours on offer at the Timothy Taylor Brewery, which produces many award-winning real ales.