No excuse is needed to visit Haworth, but if you ever need the perfect one, The Old Registry luxury B&B is it.

Built in 1902 for W H Ogden, the village registrar, the guest house was originally three separate buildings.  Numbers 4 and 6 were originally the respective residences of Mr Ogden and his brother.

Number 2 Main Street was the registry office itself, and it was from here that Charlotte Brontė's marriage certificate and Branwell Brontė's death certificate were issued.

Although the properties have been providing guest accommodation for quite some time, it's only since being taken over by the current owners that The Old Registry has really come into its own.

In the three years they've been running the business, owners Paul and Paula Widdowson have lavished a great deal of care and attention on getting things just right, and creating the perfect haven for couples.

When I arrived on a cold and wet February afternoon, I was greeted by Paul who was more than happy to show me around.

Each of the ten spotless bedrooms is completely different; not only in colour but also in style.  There are nine double rooms and one twin, and each of the doubles has a four-poster bed, with all but two of the rooms having both shower and bath.

Most of the bedrooms have been totally refurbished, and although given the age of the property none of the rooms is huge, all are equipped to an exceptionally high standard.  Three of the rooms, "Memories", "Blue Heaven" and the "Tudor Room" have whirlpool baths big enough for two, and also come with generously soft bathrobes and slippers.

Although almost all the rooms at The Old Registry would be ideal for a romantic getaway, there's no doubt that my room, "Memories", was designed with lovers in mind.

A glorious extravagance of rich black and gold fabrics, gold wallpaper, black and gold accessories, tasteful paintings of nudes on the walls and a bathroom almost big enough to play baseball in - complete with sparkly gold loo seat - there's almost no need to leave the room until it's time to go home.

Opposite the elaborately draped iron and brass bed, there's a black leather sofa to recline on from where you can watch the flat-screen TV, and a DVD player if you'd rather watch a film; there's a good selection of films to choose from - just let reception know which one you want to borrow.  To complete the indulgence, wine, chocolate and Yorkshire crisps are placed in each room and are available to purchase.

Restaurants around Haworth tend to open a little sporadically, especially during the quieter months outside the main tourist season.

To guests who don't want to venture out, or who simply want to indulge in a completely private getaway, The Old Registry offers a small selection of home-cooked pizzas and wicked desserts.  These can be eaten downstairs in the bar/breakfast area or alternatively, can be delivered to your room.

I decided to try one of the pizzas, and had asked for it to be brought to my room at 7pm.  Right on time there was a knock at the door, and Paul, who seems to handle being receptionist, barman and chef with equal dexterity, handed me the most delicious tasting pizza, nicely presented on a wooden tray.

Food is available Monday to Saturday between 6 and 8pm, but if you're anything more than just a tad peckish and just wanting a light snack, I'd strongly recommend if you're ą deux, that you order one each!

After trying out the whirlpool bath and the luxury Gilchrist & Soames spa therapy toiletries, it was time to sink into the gloriously comfortable bed for a wonderful night's sleep.

Delicious smells of breakfast greeted me as I headed downstairs the following morning.  A friendly waiter brought me some tea, and I could have opted for something light from the range of cereals, fruits and yoghurts laid out on the dresser in the breakfast room.  I couldn't resist the aroma of bacon coming from the kitchen where once again Paul was transformed into chef, and chose the cooked breakfast.

Warm toast made from delicious bread came wrapped in a linen napkin, butter was in a dish, and the specially produced jams were mouth-wateringly flavoursome.

All the ingredients are sourced locally, and the sausages are made to a special recipe by the award-winning Lishmans of Ilkley.  It's not hard to understand why The Old Registry was shortlisted for the 2007 'Deliciously Yorkshire Breakfast' awards.

Practicalities

Wonderful location for a romantic weekend or mid-week break.  Check the Old Registry website for details of special offers.   Once checked in, room keys also have a key to the front door leaving you free to come and go as you please.  Totally non-smoking, there are benches at the front of the guesthouse where smokers can sit.

 Rooms at the rear of the B&B look out towards Brow Moor, and in my opinion, have the better views. Those at the front look out onto Haworth's cobbled main street.

There's no dedicated parking at The Old Registry.  Guests can park at Haworth Old Hall (a few yards away) and obtain a parking permit from the guest house's reception.

Wi-Fi available throughout the B&B; ask at reception for a password. 

The Old Registry Haworth
2-4 Main Street
Haworth, Keighley
West Yorkshire
BD22 8DA

Tel:  +44 (0)1535 646503

Reservations: Book your stay at The Old Registry 

See our main feature for more information on Haworth, our reviews of Weavers Restaurant and the Black Bull pub, and a visit to the Brontė Parsonage Museum.