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Inspiration • September 1st, 2026
|The Brontë Birthplace in Thornton, Bradford, is set to open its doors for a special event as part of Heritage Open Days, England's largest community-led festival that celebrates history and culture. This exciting festival will take place on Sunday, September 13, 2026, inviting visitors to explore the rich story behind one of Yorkshire’s most significant historical and literary sites.
Matt Gibbons Photography - Bronte Birthplace Exterior Medium
Evie Lauren Photography - Vice Chair on Guided Tour
Evie Lauren Photography - Vice Chair on Guided Tour
Evie Lauren Photography - Bronte Walking TourBrontë Birthplace Exhibition
At the heart of the event is a captivating exhibition that reveals the many lives of the Brontë Birthplace since its famous residents, Charlotte, Emily, Anne, and Branwell Brontë, lived there. The exhibition will showcase a variety of materials including photographs, architectural plans, and personal memories that highlight the building's transformation over the years. After the Brontë family left, the site has served various purposes, such as:
A butcher’s shop
A visitor attraction and café
A community-owned heritage site
The restored Brontë Birthplace
Thomas Haigh, the Vice Chair and Marketing and Audience Development Lead at the Brontë Birthplace, emphasised the importance of sharing the building's story:
“While the Brontë Birthplace will always be significant for being the first home of Charlotte, Emily, Anne and Branwell, we know it enjoyed a rich history after their departure. We want to share this 200-year story with our visitors as well as showcase the challenges, discoveries and community effort behind the restoration and how this remarkable building continues to evolve and serve a new generation of visitors.”
Free Walking Tour of Thornton
In addition to the exhibition, visitors can join a free walking tour of Thornton, which will delve into the village's cultural, industrial, and architectural heritage. This two-hour tour, led by local historian and Brontë family expert Paul Crossley, begins at the Brontë Birthplace and will take participants to several key sites, including:
The ruins of Brontë Bell Chapel
Kipping House
South Square Centre
The village’s iconic snickets and ginnels
The tour concludes back at the Birthplace, allowing visitors to relax in the café, browse the gift shop, or book a tour of the house itself. This initiative aims to shine a light on Thornton, often considered a forgotten part of the Brontë story, especially since the opening of the Birthplace in May 2025.
Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days take place every year in September and involve thousands of local volunteers and organisations. This festival provides a fantastic opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their heritage, community, and history. It allows visitors to discover hidden places and try out new experiences—all for free. The exhibition at the Brontë Birthplace will be open from 11 am to 4 pm on Sunday, September 13, 2026, and Thomas Haigh will be available to answer any questions from attendees.
This year’s festival promises to be a significant event for both locals and visitors, offering a chance to connect with the Brontë legacy and the history of Thornton. With its engaging exhibition and informative walking tour, the Brontë Birthplace is sure to capture the imagination of everyone who attends.
