Famous Pride and Prejudice film locations listed

The 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen has become one of the most iconic English love stories in literature. Over the years, the charming characters have been brought to life on the big screen by the UK’s top actors and actresses, including Keira Knightley, Colin Firth and Laurence Olivier. All of these adaptations have beautifully captured the stunning natural landscapes and grand historic houses in the English countryside to transport viewers back to the early 19th century. Today, many of these Pride and Prejudice film locations, which celebrated the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s acclaimed novel in 2013, are open to the public to relive the story first hand. Here are some of the most famous spots to visit during your next trip.

Burghley House

The grand 16th century Burghley House near Stamford in Lincolnshire is one of the UK’s best historic houses. Burghley House’s lavish manor and formal gardens have been used as the location of Lady Catherine de Bough’s home in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Due to its sheer size, the construction of Burghley’s many buildings extended over a period of 32 years. Today, the 35 major rooms (and 80 lesser rooms) of the house as well as its lakes, gardens and deer park are lovingly preserved by the Burghley House Preservation Trust. Guests can enjoy a variety of events at Burghley including tours, summer craft activities, fine food markets, fairs and picnics. Admission to the house and gardens costs £12.70 for adults and £6.50 for children aged 3 to 15. 

Chatsworth House

As the fictional home of the novel’s heartthrob, Chatsworth House is one of the most recognisable locations from the 2005 film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. The sprawling estate in the heart of the Peak District has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549. Today, visitors can wander around 30 rooms in the grand historic house followed by a meander through Chatsworth’s vast gardens. Restaurants, a shop and an on-site caravan site can also be enjoyed. While older guests will enjoy the scenic beauty at Chatsworth, its farmyard with friendly animals, a playground and climbing trees will keep younger explorers entertained. Complete entry costs £19 for adults and £13 for kids. 

Lacock Abbey

Three miles south of Chippenham, Lacock Village and its Abbey in Wiltshire were also used by the BBC to portray the lively hub of Meryton, which was frequently visited by the Bennet sister to buy their ribbons and overhear the latest gossip. The aged walls of the Lacock Abbey within the village were founded in the early 13th century by the Countess of Salisbury. The charming country house, with its medieval features, surrounding woodland and cloister court, is also home to the William Henry Fox Talbot museum which commemorates one of its most famous residents with varied exhibitions in its upper gallery. Admission prices are £27 for a family, £10.80 for adults and £5.40 for children. Travel towards Chippenham to pitch up camp before exploring the villages in the local area.

Lyme Park

Fans of the Pride and Prejudice 1995 BBC series will recognise Lyme Park’s dignified mansion house, lush formal gardens and its glistening lake in particular, which hosted Colin Firth’s famous ‘lake scene’ that sees his character emerge fully clothed from the water. This National Trust site in the Peak District is great for campers of all ages with more than 1,300 acres worth of moorland, gardens and parkland as well as plenty of wildlife, walks and scenic views. To fully explore Lyme Park’s many attractions, including the grandiose mansion rooms and the Crow Wood Playscape play area for the kids, purchase a whole property ticket, priced at £9.90 for adults and £4.95 for children.

Sudbury Hall

While Lyme Park was chosen for exterior shots for the BBC series, the rooms at nearby Sudbury Hall were used for the interiors. Found six miles east of Uttoxeter in Sudbury, Derbyshire, this Grade I listed country house was built between 1660 and 1680 by George Vernon. Over its lifespan, Sudbury Hall has welcomed a variety of royals and gentry through its doors, including Queen Adelaide and the Vernon family before becoming a film set in 1995. Alongside incredible interiors, visitors of all ages can also enjoy stories and toys of old at the Museum of Childhood. Admission to the hall and museum costs £13.50 for adults, £6.75 for children and £33.75 for families. Campers can choose from a variety of campsites around Sudbury, Colchester to the south and Thurston to the north.

Thanks to the work of trust schemes and passionate staff across the country, the UK’s top heritage sites have been preserved for visitors and film crews alike. Now is the perfect time to visit these historical sites as they are all a part of Pride and Prejudice’s 200 year legacy in England.