We’ve been yearning for the release of Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” for what feels like an eternity, but now the event is actually upon us, it’s suddenly rather daunting. Although the film definitely wasn’t shot in Manchester, it really isn’t too much of a journey to where Wuthering Heights was both set in Emily Brontë’s day, and filmed for 2026 – Yorkshire.
The Brontës’ hometown of Haworth is under two hours from Manchester, and although it wasn’t specifically used to film the new version of “Wuthering Heights”, it’s a good place to begin. The cobbled streets and nearby hills evoke all the atmosphere you could need to get into the mind frame for the Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi-fronted flick – but be warned, it’s been said to be pretty far from the source text (hence the quotation marks around the title).
After the success (and controversy) of debauched drama/thriller Saltburn, we generally know what to expect from Emerald Fennell, and all that crazed passion is set to reignite in “Wuthering Heights”. With what’s set to be a mega hit on our hands, we’ve looked into the stunning yet bleak locations that served as a back drop when filming “Wuthering Heights”.
Yorkshire Moors
Arkengarthdale & Swaledale
In case you didn’t know, Wuthering Heights follows the turbulent love story/ghost story/tragedy of Catherine and Heathcliff, who grow up together in the Yorkshire Moors but are pulled apart and yearn after each other… well… forever. The rocky, wild story of these intertwined lovers is often said to be mirrored in the bleak, rugged Moors where Wuthering Heights (their childhood home) lies, and this seems to have been put onto the big screen via Arkengarthdale and Swaledale, way up north on the other side of the Yorkshire Dales to Haworth.
These neighbouring dales have that instant rugged look many think of when picturing Wuthering Heights, and we’re set to see this beautiful part of North Yorkshire during plenty of establishing shots in “Wuthering Heights”. Bracken, heather and gorse cover this northern landscape, with waterfalls punctuating some gorgeous walks around the area.
Low Row Village
Between Healaugh and Gunnerside in the heart of Swaledale sits the traditional village of Low Row. Although we’re not sure what role Low Row will play in “Wuthering Heights”, the cast were reportedly seen filming here, and when you see what it looks like, you won’t be surprised. Its rolling hills and stone cottages are quintessentially Yorkshire, and with charm, wildlife and an actual river running through it, it’s practically a ready-made filming location.
Simonstone Hall/Hawes
One particularly well-reported scene from “Wuthering Heights” involves Margot Robbie’s Catherine wandering around the moors in a huge wedding dress – controversial due to its apparent discrepancy with period dress of the late 1700s (with the book being published in 1847). This scene was filmed in the expansive grounds of Simonstone Hall, near the ever-popular Hawes, and Margot Robbie, alongside fellow cast members, stayed at the beautiful county lodge during filming.
Reeth
During the filming of “Wuthering Heights”, the crew set up camp in the lovely village of Reeth, the residents of which reported constant sighting of both tractors and flashy cars owing to the celebrity presence. Though it hasn’t been confirmed whether Reeth plays a starring role in the new film or not, it most definitely worked to ground the cast and crew in the Yorkshire landscape, and we wouldn’t be surprised if locals recognised a glimpse of it on screen.
Where else in the UK was used as a filming location for “Wuthering Heights”?
Sky Studios Elstree
As you can imagine, there’s only so much you can do on-location in rural Yorkshire, so plenty of interior scenes were lovingly created at Sky Studios in Elstree. The grand interiors of Thrushcross Grange, alongside the dank, murky interiors of Wuthering Heights, were created to perfection by a team of dedicated crew, including the striking pale pink, purposely flesh-like interiors of Catherine’s bedroom.
Other Yorkshire spots to visit to get into the “Wuthering Heights” state of mind
Haworth & the Brontë Parsonage
Known for being ‘Brontë Country’, Haworth is the gorgeous town where the sisters grew up, and it’s very proud of its history. Overlooked by the rugged but beautiful Yorkshire Moors, Haworth has that ‘time slip’ feel, with cosy Yorkshire stone cottages, cobbles running through most of the village, and quaint shops, cafes and pubs glowing with warmth. From luxurious hand made chocolates, to art galleries and an array of places to eat and drink, there’s plenty to tempt you as you stroll up and down the cobbled Main Street.
Alongside the countless bookshops selling all the Brontë titles, and cafes and tea shops with literary names and themes, Brontë Parsonage is another important stop in Haworth. Being the Brontës’ former home, Brontë Parsonage Museum conserves, interprets, displays and builds engagement through its world-class collections and the landscape that inspired the Brontës. The Parsonage champions new writing today, particularly by women, and promotes better understanding of the Brontës’ lives and works – so what better place to get immersed into the world of Wuthering Heights?
Top Withens
In a remote and exposed position on Haworth Moor sits Top Withens, a farmhouse ruin that bares a striking resemblance to the very location of the original Wuthering Heights. Often framed by bare trees and interrupting rugged views over the moors, Top Withens is exactly the scene you would picture when thinking about Wuthering Heights, which is why a friend of Charlotte Brontë made the original link between this spot and the farmhouse in the book.
As much as we can imagine Catherine and Heathcliff having it out in this setting during a storm under moody skies, we can also see Emily Brontë wandering this particular spot, taking notes and capturing an image in her mind. It also lies along both the Pennine Way and of course the Brontë Way, so walkers will be pleased to know there’s plenty more where that came from.
East Riddlesden Hall
You know as well as we do that there have been several adaptations of Wuthering Heights, some with more acclaim that others, but the 2009 Tom Hardy version which was broadcast on ITV at the time, chose a striking building not too far from Haworth to be its very own Wuthering Heights. East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley is a gorgeous Gothic structure, and though it be stunning to us, it’s probably about right in terms of size compared to the lofty, grand description of the rivalling Thrushcross Grange.
The darkness, as beautiful as it is, created by East Riddlesden Hall mirrors the description given by Emily Brontë, and you can just imagine that neglect and disarray would set the scene perfectly to be a convincing Wuthering Heights. Thankfully, the National Trust now owns the hall, so you can expect beautifully restored interiors and well-kept gardens if you do give it a visit.
You can watch “Wuthering Heights” at cinemas nationwide from Friday 13th February.