‘We’re used to crowds’: latest Wuthering Heights hype doesn’t faze Yorkshire residents

The enduring allure of this literary masterpiece is set to reach new heights with the highly anticipated release of Emerald Fennell’s latest film adaptation. Known for her distinctive, often darkly comedic and incisive storytelling in critically acclaimed works like Promising Young Woman and Saltburn, Fennell’s take on Brontë’s Gothic classic is generating significant buzz, not least for its star-studded cast featuring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in pivotal roles. With the film’s premiere slated for next week, the picturesque village of Haworth, along with several key filming locations scattered across the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales National Park, is bracing itself for an unprecedented influx of visitors eager to immerse themselves in Brontë country.

Yet, despite the impending global attention, the seasoned residents of Haworth appear remarkably composed, their collective demeanor distinctly unfazed by the looming surge in tourism. "We’re used to crowds," shrugs Craig Verity, the convivial landlord of the Kings Arms, a historic pub strategically positioned at the summit of Haworth’s famously steep, cobbled Main Street. The pub, a mere stone’s throw from the Brontë Parsonage where the literary sisters lived and created their timeless works, has witnessed decades of literary pilgrimages, making it a seasoned observer of the ebb and flow of Brontë enthusiasts.

Indeed, "Brontë country" has shrewdly leveraged its profound literary connections for generations, transforming itself into a vibrant hub for literary tourism. The Kings Arms itself proudly showcases this heritage, with a prominent wall display promoting a selection of Bridgehouse cask ales aptly named Charlotte, Anne, Emily, and Branwell—a nod to all four Brontë siblings, including the often-overshadowed brother. This theme permeates the entire village, with establishments like the Brontë Hotel and the Brontë Bar and Restaurant standing testament to the family’s pervasive influence. Even more whimsically, one might encounter the "Brontë Balti," an establishment that, while perhaps somewhat tenuously linked to the literary giants, undeniably contributes to the village’s unique, Brontë-infused commercial tapestry.

At the very heart of this literary landscape lies the Brontë Parsonage Museum, the former family home where Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë penned their groundbreaking novels and where Emily and Charlotte, tragically, eventually passed away. Now a meticulously preserved museum, it serves as a hallowed repository of Brontë history, housing an invaluable collection of artefacts, personal items, original manuscripts, and first editions. The museum actively celebrates the sisters’ legacy through a dynamic calendar of events, including engaging workshops, insightful talks, and regular screenings of various adaptations of their books. Drawing approximately 75,000 visitors annually, the museum is a cornerstone of cultural tourism in the region, a number almost certainly poised for a significant increase this year. The immediate impact is already evident: a special screening of the critically acclaimed 1992 film adaptation of Wuthering Heights, starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, scheduled for February 12th, has already sold out, underscoring the fervent public interest.

The rich cinematic history of Wuthering Heights adaptations further intertwines with the physical landscape of Yorkshire. Scenes from the 1992 version were notably filmed at East Riddlesden Hall, a magnificent 17th-century National Trust property situated just five miles from Haworth. Its striking exterior has also doubled as the iconic Wuthering Heights itself in the 2009 mini-series and even featured in a now-lost 1920 silent film adaptation, a testament to its enduring appeal as a cinematic backdrop. Interestingly, not all adaptations chose the authentic setting; the legendary 1939 Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon film, a classic in its own right, was famously shot entirely in California and on Hollywood soundstages, demonstrating a different approach to capturing the novel’s essence.

"We only know about the use of the property for the 1920 silent film because of a January 1921 article in the Shipley Times and Express," reveals Sophie Fawcett, a senior marketing and communications officer with the National Trust, highlighting the diligent research involved in tracing these historical connections. To coincide with the release of Fennell’s new adaptation, East Riddlesden Hall is set to launch a special "Lights, Camera, Brontë" exhibition. This immersive experience will showcase, among other treasures, a vast oak dresser, widely believed to be the very piece of furniture that inspired the one described in the chilling opening pages of Wuthering Heights. This particular dresser originally hailed from Ponden Hall, a historic farmhouse about an hour’s walk from Haworth, which now operates as a charming bed and breakfast. The Brontë sisters were frequent visitors to Ponden Hall, and one of its rooms, featuring a distinctive box bed and window, is widely speculated to have directly inspired the unforgettable scene where the ghost of Cathy appears to a terrified Lockwood.

For Emerald Fennell’s ambitious new production, the cast and crew found their temporary home at Simonstone Hall, a sumptuous country house hotel nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales. From this elegant base, it was a convenient 20-minute drive to the dramatic landscapes of Swaledale, where many of the film’s evocative outdoor scenes were meticulously captured. "They were lovely people, and brilliantly undemanding," recounts Jake Dinsdale, the owner of Simonstone Hall, reflecting on his high-profile guests. He adds, with a touch of pride, that Margot Robbie has since returned for a private stay with her husband, a testament to the warmth and appeal of the Yorkshire hospitality. "Although they’d booked out all 20 rooms, our restaurant was still open to the public, and the cast enjoyed being around the firepit to toast s’mores, or sitting down to a roast dinner or afternoon tea, blending seamlessly with our regular guests."

Dinsdale’s philosophy, however, remains grounded, eschewing overt commercialism for an authentic experience. "I don’t know what the film will do," he muses, "It could all be a flash in the pan, and that’s fine. If it sticks, that’s also great. What I do know is that I won’t be renaming any rooms as ‘The Jacob Elordi Room’ or ‘The Heathcliff Room’." His stance underscores a commitment to the intrinsic charm of Simonstone Hall and the Dales themselves. "Commercial naffness isn’t for us – I’ll just be happy if guests understand why so many people love the Yorkshire Dales." Nevertheless, capitalizing on the current excitement, Simonstone Hall is offering a "Wuthering Heights Romantic Getaway" package until March 13th: a two-night stay for £738 per couple, including champagne on arrival, intimate candlelit dinners, bedtime brandy and truffles, leisurely breakfasts, and a late checkout. Copies of the novel are, naturally, readily available in the gift shop for those seeking literary inspiration.

The potential economic uplift for North Yorkshire is substantial, and local authorities are well-prepared. Tony Watson, head of economy and tourism for North Yorkshire Council, expresses confidence in the region’s capacity to manage the anticipated influx. "The area has featured in so many films and series; we’re experienced in managing that," he explains. He notes a pre-existing trend that aligns perfectly with the film’s release: "Post-Covid, we were already seeing more younger people getting outdoors and exploring the county, and this demographic will doubtless grow as the film showcases the area’s beauty and authenticity." Watson acknowledges the potential for "set-jetting," where fans seek out specific filming locations. "We’ll have to wait until the release to see whether there’s some iconic shot that people want to replicate. If there is, hopefully it will be somewhere like Aysgarth Falls, which has all of the necessary infrastructure in place – otherwise, we’ll need to suggest alternatives that don’t make mountain rescue unhappy," he quips, highlighting the critical balance between promoting tourism and ensuring visitor safety and environmental preservation in sensitive areas. The council’s strategy focuses on directing visitors to well-equipped sites and promoting responsible tourism practices to safeguard the delicate ecosystem of the National Park.

Back at The Kings Arms in Haworth, local resident Jack Greatrex shares a thoughtful perspective on the enduring legacy. "The Brontë sisters shaped this village for future generations, and for lovers of landscape and literature," he reflects. "This film could mean that they continue to do so, reaching a new global audience and cementing their place in cultural consciousness." His words encapsulate the quiet pride and hope that resonate throughout the community.

Ultimately, whatever the precise scale of the film’s impact, Tony Watson remains unequivocally optimistic about the benefits. "I’m the luckiest head of tourism imaginable," he declares with a broad smile, "the film is going to do my job for me." It is a sentiment that perfectly captures the profound and often unpredictable power of literature and cinema to transform places, inspire journeys, and sustain legacies for centuries to come. The rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, inextricably linked to the wild passions of Wuthering Heights, stands ready to welcome its newest generation of admirers, guided by the vision of a fresh adaptation and the timeless appeal of a literary classic.

The writer was hosted by The Golden Lion in Settle, a traditional coaching inn with double rooms from £115 B&B.