(Image: T&A)
A tourism boom has lifted business in a famous Bradford district village, but the trend has also left local councillors grappling with the pressures created by the surge in visitor numbers.
Independent businesses and attractions in Haworth have reported more visitors, higher sales and an increase in international tourists following the release of this year's Wuthering Heights film, as well as a spike in social media coverage.
However, Haworth with Stanbury Village Council said the rise had also brought more litter and pressure on local infrastructure, with work under way to consider extra bins and other measures.
The Council is urging everyone to do their bit to maintain the character and appearance of Haworth Main Street amid those increased pressures.
'We've seen a huge increase in trade since TikTok'
When the T&A visited Main Street in Haworth on Thursday, October 8, business owners described a strong year for trade.
They said the film, along with social media, had helped attract visitors from across Britain and overseas.
Hayley Smith, owner of Riddle & Rind, said: “We have seen an increase since the Wuthering Heights film came out.”
"But it goes hand-in-hand with social media.”
Ms Smith said images of Haworth online had encouraged people to visit, particularly during autumn.
She also linked the rise in trade to TikTok and visits by influencers.
Ms Smith said: “We have also found that we have seen a huge increase in trade since TikTok.
"They sent around 50 influencers to the village after the film came out.
"A lot of them came into the shop and wanted our mystery bags.”
Ms Smith also said the shop had seen more visitors from America, China and Denmark.
'There is a lot more footfall throughout the village'
Thomas Heys, who runs Mrs Beighton’s Sweet Shop on Main Street, said visitor numbers had increased throughout the year.
Mr Heys said: “From a business point of view, we are way up this year.
"There is definitely a lot more footfall throughout the village.”
Mr Heys said the shop was also seeing more people from different parts of the world.
Thomas Heys, who runs Mrs Beighton's Sweet Shop on Main Street (Image: T&A)
He said the previous weekend had been the business’s best of the year and expected strong trade to continue.
He said: “It’s all just had a really positive impact on the village.”
However, Mr Heys said a shortage of public toilets and parking costs could discourage tourists.
He said: “I suppose there are a few things that are off-putting to tourists, such as the lack of public toilets and high parking charges.”
Brontë Parsonage Museum 25 per cent up
The Brontë Parsonage Museum has also recorded a rise in visitors.
Rebecca Yorke, the museum’s director, said visitor numbers had increased by 25 per cent during the past financial year.
Ms Yorke said: “The new Wuthering Heights film has been a big part of that, and we have been careful to maximise its success at the parsonage.”
Rebecca Yorke, director of the Brontë Parsonage Museum (Image: T&A)
Emerald Fennell and Margot Robbie visited the parsonage in 2025, while the museum’s social media following doubled over the same period.
Ms Yorke said: “All of these things help put Haworth on the map.”
The museum also sold 4,808 copies of Wuthering Heights during the last financial year, an increase of 80 per cent compared with the previous year.
Ms Yorke said: “The Brontës are still relevant, through film and social media.”
Litter concerns from village council amid tourism boost
Councillor Trudy Mahon, chair of Haworth with Stanbury Village Council, said the council recognised the economic value of increased tourism but wanted visitors, residents and businesses to help protect the village.
She said: “Haworth Main Street has seen an increase in litter alongside the significant rise in tourism to Haworth and Stanbury.
Bins overflowing at the top of Main Street (Image: Haworth with Stanbury Parish Council)
"While the increase in visitors is excellent news for local businesses and the wider local economy, it has also inevitably resulted in an increase in the amount of litter and waste being generated.”
Haworth with Stanbury Village Council is working with Bradford Council to examine the provision and positioning of additional waste bins.
Councillors said the work was ongoing and aimed to find practical solutions.
Haworth has faced increasing issues with litter since tourism spiked, according to the village council (Image: T&A)
Cllr Mahon said: “Keeping Haworth tidy is a shared responsibility, and we would encourage residents, visitors and businesses alike to do their bit by disposing of litter responsibly and helping us to maintain the character and appearance of Haworth Main Street.
"Councillors, who are volunteers, also litter picked during busy days, weekends and throughout the week."
She added: “We recognise the challenges that come with increased tourism, but we also want to ensure that Haworth remains a welcoming, attractive and enjoyable place for residents, visitors and local businesses.”