Hollywood's Yorkshire Invasion: Robbie & Elordi Ignite 'Wuthering Heights' Frenzy, But Locals Scoff!

Hollywood descends on Yorkshire for the new 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation, bringing stars like Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Locals, however, are unfazed, stating, "We're used to crowds." Is this just another fleeting romance with the moors?
By Newsroom | Entertainment, Travel |

Yorkshire residents are unfazed by the latest wave of Wuthering Heights mania, as a new film adaptation floods the region with stars and media attention. While the rolling moors and charming villages have become the backdrop for yet another iteration of Emily Brontë’s tempestuous classic, locals insist their enduring connection to the landscape, and the literary giant, means this is just another day in paradise. But behind the scenes, a question lingers: is this hype sustainable, or just another fleeting Hollywood romance with the picturesque British countryside?

The picturesque landscapes of Yorkshire have once again captured the attention of Hollywood, this time as the setting for Emerald Fennell's latest adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The film, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has brought a flurry of activity to the region, from casting calls to elaborate hotel bookings. Yet, for the people who call this windswept corner of England home, the excitement surrounding a film set in their backyard is far from novel.

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‘We’re used to crowds’: latest Wuthering Heights hype doesn’t faze Yorkshire residents - 1

Brontë's Moors: A Constant Companion

For centuries, the stark beauty of the Yorkshire moors has been inextricably linked to Emily Brontë's seminal novel. The wild, untamed landscapes of Haworth, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Brontë Moors are not just filming locations; they are characters in themselves, breathing life into the passionate and often brutal tale of Heathcliff and Catherine.

  • Haworth: The village where the Brontë family lived, and a place that inspired much of their writing, remains a significant draw. Tourists flock to the Brontë Parsonage Museum (Visit Calderdale) to immerse themselves in the world of the literary sisters.

  • The Yorkshire Dales: From the rugged fells of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale to the softer beauty of the dales themselves, these areas provide a dramatic canvas for the story (Beautiful Escapes). Locations like Melbecks Moor and the Old Gang Lead Mines have even been utilized for filming (Cntraveler).

  • Top Withens: Often cited as the "real" Wuthering Heights, the atmospheric ruins of this former farmhouse atop the moors draw thousands of visitors annually, despite the arduous climb (The History Girls).

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The connection is so deep that Sarah Whiteley, Senior Historic Environment Officer at Yorkshire Dales National Park, has been involved in facilitating the film crew's access to these ancient sites (Cntraveler). This underscores the fact that Yorkshire isn't just a backdrop; it's a living, breathing testament to the literary legacy of the Brontë sisters.

‘We’re used to crowds’: latest Wuthering Heights hype doesn’t faze Yorkshire residents - 2

Hollywood Descends: Familiar Faces, Familiar Scenery

The arrival of Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi has undoubtedly amplified the current buzz. Reports detail Elordi practicing his Northern accent in the bath (BBC News) and Robbie's presence filming in the Yorkshire Dales (BBC News). The cast and crew of this latest adaptation were even housed at Simonstone Hall, a charming country lodge in Hawes (Livingetc).

This isn't the first time Hollywood has recognized the cinematic potential of Yorkshire. The region has a history of hosting film and television productions, including a Christmas film starring Rebel Wilson and Kiefer Sutherland (BBC News).

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‘We’re used to crowds’: latest Wuthering Heights hype doesn’t faze Yorkshire residents - 3

"The places they filmed feel like real places, because they are." - Veranda (Article 7)

This sentiment highlights a key aspect of Yorkshire's appeal: authenticity. The landscapes are not manufactured; they are raw and evocative, perfectly mirroring the gothic intensity of Wuthering Heights.

More Than Just a Movie: Experiential Tourism

The Wuthering Heights hype extends beyond the silver screen, with opportunities for fans to live the experience. Airbnb has recreated a slice of the novel's aesthetic, transforming a barn at Holdsworth House into a bedroom inspired by Cathy's "skin room" (Architectural Digest). These unique stays, while exclusive, tap into a growing desire for immersive travel experiences tied to popular culture.

‘We’re used to crowds’: latest Wuthering Heights hype doesn’t faze Yorkshire residents - 4

  • Themed Stays: The Holdsworth House offering allows guests to book free, three-night stays that replicate elements of the film's production design, like Thrushcross Grange (Architectural Digest).

  • Cosplay Opportunities: The possibility of cosplaying as the film's characters while staying in Yorkshire adds another layer of engagement for devoted fans (Livingetc).

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However, the question remains: how does this influx of commercial activity sit with the inherent character of the region and its literary heritage?

Accentuate the Northern: The Challenges of Portrayal

The casting of Australian actors Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie for a story steeped in Yorkshire identity brings its own set of challenges and talking points. Elordi's dedication to mastering a Northern accent, even practicing in the bath, is noted (BBC News).

  • Accent Nuances: While Elordi reportedly worked on a Northern accent, Margot Robbie adopted something closer to received pronunciation (Huffington Post UK). This divergence raises questions about authenticity and representation in adaptations of regionally specific literature.

  • Director's Vision: Director Emerald Fennell has spoken about her unique stamp on the gothic story, even using quotation marks around the film's title (Huffington Post UK). This suggests a deliberate departure from traditional interpretations.

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This creative freedom, while often celebrated, can also lead to debates about fidelity to the source material and the cultural nuances of the region.

Local Resilience: "We're Used to Crowds"

Despite the international spotlight and the arrival of A-list celebrities, the residents of Yorkshire seem remarkably grounded. The BBC reported that the latest wave of Wuthering Heights hype doesn't faze them, with one resident stating, "We’re used to crowds" (BBC News).

This sentiment speaks volumes about the region's long-standing relationship with the Brontë legacy. It’s not just a film set; it's a part of their identity.

"The landscapes they walk in almost have a personality of their own." - Veranda (Article 7)

This deep-seated connection means that while the Hollywood machine might bring temporary bursts of attention, the enduring spirit of Wuthering Heights and its Yorkshire home remain. The question is whether this latest adaptation can forge a connection as enduring as the one the Brontë sisters created with their wild and beautiful landscape.

Sources:

  1. BBC News: ‘Wuthering Heights’: Jacob Elordi 'practised Northern accent in the bath’ - Published Date of Publication, if available] - [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07xyp5rxl3o

  2. Livingetc: Cosplay as the 'Wuthering Heights' Cast at This Charming Hotel in Yorkshire - Published 1 day ago - https://www.livingetc.com/features/wuthering-heights-themed-holidays

  3. Visit Calderdale: Wuthering Heights in West Yorkshire - Published 1 week ago - https://www.visitcalderdale.com/wuthering-heights-in-west-yorkshire

  4. The Guardian: Lust, yearning and sweet misery: is Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” an antidote to today’s lacklustre dating scene? - Published 3 days ago - https://www.theguardian.com/come-undone-with-wuthering-heights/2026/feb/04/is-emerald-fennells-wuthering-heights-an-antidote-to-modern-dating

  5. DW.com: Wuthering Heights Hype - Published Date of Publication, if available] - [https://www.dw.com/en/wuthering-heights-hype/a-75824290

  6. Together Travel: Wuthering Heights Filming Locations in Yorkshire - Seen on: Brave - https://www.togethertravel.co.uk/blog/wuthering-heights-filming-locations-across-yorkshire

  7. Veranda: Why the English Moors Are the Breakout Star of the New Wuthering Heights Movie - Published 1 day ago - https://www.veranda.com/travel/a70246814/wuthering-heights-filming-location/

  8. Muddy Stilettos: Where Wuthering Heights was filmed in Yorkshire - Seen on: Brave - https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/film-tv/where-wuthering-heights-was-filmed-in-yorkshire/

  9. Cntraveler: On Location: Where Was 'Wuthering Heights' Filmed? - Published 2 days ago - https://www.cntraveler.com/story/on-location-where-was-wuthering-heights-filmed

  10. Architectural Digest: Live Out Your Wuthering Heights Fantasy With a Stay in This Pink-Tinged Rental - Published 17 hours ago - https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/wuthering-heights-airbnb

  11. Huffington Post UK: Jacob Elordi Shares Unusual Way He Perfected His Wuthering Heights Northern Accent - Published 1 day ago - https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/jacob-elordi-perfected-northern-accent-wuthering-heightsuk6985c05ce4b0fa2b170318e3

  12. BBC News: Margot Robbie seen filming Wuthering Heights in Yorkshire Dales - Published Date of Publication, if available] - [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq67l27z1ypo

  13. The History Girls: Top Withens: The 'Real' Wuthering Heights by Katherine Clements - Seen on: Brave - http://the-history-girls.blogspot.com/2016/09/top-withens-real-wuthering-heights-by.html

  14. Beautiful Escapes: Wuthering Heights Brings the Yorkshire Dales Back to The Big Screen - Published 2 weeks ago - https://www.beautifulescapes.co.uk/stories/activities/wuthering-heights-brings-the-yorkshire-dales-back-to-the-big-screen/

  15. Architectural Digest: Inside Heathcliff’s Gothic ‘Wuthering Heights’ Home - Published Date of Publication, if available] - [https://www.architecturaldigest.com/video/watch/set-tour-inside-heathcliffs-gothic-wuthering-heights-home

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the new 'Wuthering Heights' film boost tourism in Yorkshire?
Yes, the film starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi has already sparked significant media attention and activity in the region, drawing fans to iconic filming locations.
Q: How do Yorkshire locals feel about the 'Wuthering Heights' hype?
Locals appear largely unfazed, with many stating they are accustomed to the attention due to the enduring legacy of Emily Brontë and her novel.
Q: What are the key filming locations for the new 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation?
The film utilizes the dramatic landscapes of Haworth, the Yorkshire Dales, and specific sites like Top Withens, all deeply connected to Brontë's novel and the Brontë family.
Q: Are there unique fan experiences tied to the new 'Wuthering Heights' film?
Yes, immersive experiences are available, including themed stays inspired by the novel's aesthetic, such as an Airbnb recreating Cathy's "skin room."