Visit the Filming Locations of BBC’s 1995 Pride and Prejudice TV Mini-Series

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post, I paid for this trip myself. All recommendations are my own.

I first fell in love with Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice at 15 years of age after watching the BBC’s 1995 TV mini-series adaptation. Immediately after watching the series I read the book and that was the beginning of my lifelong love of Pride and Prejudice. Since then I have enjoyed reading the book and watching the mini-series on DVD at least once a year (usually more!).

Unfortunately, the BBC’s amazing adaptation of this beautiful romance novel has ruined my ability to enjoy any other adaptation. So don’t get me started on my opinion of the terrible 2005 film starring Keira Knightly!

When my husband and I moved to England, I was very excited to finally have the opportunity to visit the film locations. So I thought that I would share my experiences with those of you who share my passion for this amazing novel and TV series.

Pemberley Estate

Mr Darcy’s home estate of Pemberley was the location of the very famous ‘lake scene’ where he emerges fully clothed from Pemberley’s lake and runs into the rather surprised Lizzie. Although it was not part of the original story, it certainly became one of the most memorable of this mini-series. Every time I read this part of the book I mentally insert it into the scene.

The scenes of Pemberley were filmed in two locations; Lyme Park in Cheshire and Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire. Due to a change in management at Lyme Park, they were only allowed to film the exterior, so this led them to source Sudbury Hall to film the interior scenes. Although Sudbury looks very different from the outside, the interior has a similar elegant look and age, so it was hoped that viewers would not notice. Both properties are owned by the National Trust, so are open to the public (entry fees apply).

Lyme Park, Cheshire

Lyme Park has much to see and do. The magnificent Regency era interior gives you the opportunity to step back in time. Its lavishly rich interiors are outstanding and so well preserved. The National Trust volunteers and information boards dotted throughout the house provide visitors an interesting history of the property, which is how we discovered that in the 18^th Century the skeleton of a priest was found under the floorboards in one of the bedrooms! It certainly gave the room a ghostly feel.

The grounds of the park are huge at 1400 acres. The park map provides details of the locations where particular scenes of Pride and Prejudice were filmed, including that famous reflecting lake in front of the house. The grounds include beautiful formal gardens and rolling countryside which are home to a herd of red deer.

Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire

Sudbury Hall is in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, which is about an hour and 15 minutes’ drive from Lyme Park. When we explored the house, we found information about which scenes were filmed in each room and details of how the scenes were set up. For example, the scenes that had lit candles in them had to be carefully planned. They would have several people on standby just off camera with fire extinguishers in case something caught fire, as normally no live flames are allowed in these historic buildings due to the high risk of fire.

There is a lovely lake in front of the house and although the grounds are much smaller than Lyme Park, there is a nice garden and also a cemetery and church beside the house worth exploring.

We really enjoyed the onsite Museum of Childhood that has an interesting collection of objects that reflect the changes and similarities in childhood over the centuries. Alongside the toys, games and dolls on display they also tell of the harsh lives of child chimney sweeps and those that lived and worked in workhouses.

Both properties also have child play areas, delicious cafés selling hot and cold food, and beautifully stocked National Trust gift stores selling locally sourced items like wool blankets, artwork, jams, biscuits and plants.

How long should I visit for? We happily spent a whole day at Lyme Park as we love walking. But you could probably get away with spending a half day at Sudbury Hall since the grounds are much smaller.

The Peak District National Park

In the latter part of Pride and Prejudice, Lizzie had planned to tour the Lake District with her aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Gardiner. However, she is disappointed to learn of a last minute destination change to Derbyshire. It also reminds her of Mr Darcy, whose family home of Pemberley is located here. The TV series shows iconic images of Lizzie exploring the beautiful Peak District National Park, with its rolling hills, stone formations and cliffs.

The picture of Lizzie in front of the large rock formation was at Ramshaw Rocks in the Peak District. It is not far from where they filmed Lambton Inn at Longnor (see below). To get to it, drive up the A53 near just north of Upper Holme. Turn up the road where the Ramshaw Rocks layby is located on Google Maps 53°09’19.2″N 1°58’30.7″W. As you drive up the hill there is a parking area on the side of the road and a short walk beside this car park is the Ramshaw Rock formation. There are some lovely walks in the area.

I am very lucky to live beside the Peak District and can honestly attest to the beauty of this park. There is lots to see and do, including hiking, cycling, and visiting historic buildings and quaint villages. I’ve included a few photos that I have captured during my weekend outings.

How long should I visit for? The national park is huge, so you can easily spend days exploring.

Lambton Inn – Chapel Street, Longnor, Peak District

Chapel Street in the village of Longnor, Derbyshire was used to film Lambton Inn in the BBC Pride and Prejudice miniseries. Lizzie stayed there with her Aunt and Uncle whilst on holiday in the Peak District where she re-meets with Mr Darcy on a visit to Pemberley. Mr Darcy visits her at the inn several times during her stay. Longnor is a small, quaint village in the beautiful Peak District. It still looks much the same if you visit it today.

Lady Catherine’s Rosings Park – Belton House, Lincolnshire

Belton House was used for filming the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s home, Rosings Park. Lizzie visited Rosings a number of times whilst staying with her friend Charlotte. During these scenes Charlotte’s new husband, the ridiculous clergyman Mr Collin’s, constantly reminds everyone of Rosing’s grandeur, “No greater honour can be bestowed than an invitation to dine at Rosings.” During Lizzie’s visit she also discovers that Mr Darcy is staying at Rosings. He is Lady Catherine’s nephew and she plans to have him married to her sickly daughter (yes, his cousin, but that was considered OK back then). Both internal and external scenes were filmed here and there are some beautiful scenic shots of Lizzie walking in the park.

As Belton House is owned by the National Trust, it’s open to the public (entry fees apply). Built in the 1680’s, this magnificent mansion is beautifully furnished and is filled with grand display rooms and impressive collections of porcelain, silver, paintings and books.

With over 1300 acres of land, there is lots to see and do outside too. The 36 acre formal Italian and Dutch gardens were designed to impress its visitors and reflect the formality of the late 17th century, which is in keeping with the period of the mansion. There is even a hedge maze to get lost in, a stunning lake to walk around, and 750 acres of designated deer park where a herd of about 300 fallow deer roams. The property also has a lovely café, National Trust gift store and an adventure playground.

How long should I visit for? We easily spent an entire day here as both the home and grounds are extensive.

Hunsford Parsonage – Teigh Old Rectory, Teigh, Oakham

Mr. Collins’ rectory is supposed to be near Rosings Park, however, there was no suitable location at Belton House as there is no parsonage. Therefore, Teigh Old Rectory in Leicestershire stood in for Hunsford Parsonage. Although privately owned, it’s run as a B&B, so you can actually stay there! Book your stay at Teigh Old Rectory on TripAdvisor.

Meryton Village – Lacock Village and Abbey

The BBC chose the quaint village of Lacock in Wiltshire for portraying the Bennett family’s local village of Meryton. It features original cottages, workhouse, medieval tithe barn, the old lock-up and village church. The village dates from the 13^th century and is mostly owned by the National Trust, so is open to the public (entry fees apply).

The scenes filmed in the village of Lacock are of the Bennet sisters visiting Meryton and sharing the latest gossip from Aunt Philips, shopping for bonnets and ribbons, and trying to capture the officers’ attention, including that of Mr Wickham. The roads are actually tar seal, but for filming they were covered in soil and grass.

In addition, the interiors of Lacock Abbey were used for the flashback scenes of Mr Darcy at Cambridge university. The medieval monastic cloister was where we learn of the history of Mr Darcy’s relationship with that of Mr Wickham.

We visited the medieval monastic cloister and rooms which looked exactly as they were in the scenes with Mr Darcy. The rest of this Abbey was was converted into a country house c. 1540, which we also visited.

How long should I visit for? There is a lot to see and do in the village, so put aside a day. I hope to do a separate post soon about our visit to Lacock village so look out for it!

Netherfield Park – Edgcote House, Norhamptonshire, Now Oxfordshire & Brocket Hall, Hatfield, Hertfordshire

The beautiful Edgcote Hall, an 18th-century country home, served as the interior and exterior of Mr Bingley’s Netherfield Park. This home is privately owned so can’t be visited. The home was going to be affected by the new high speed rail line, however, the route was moved east a bit, preserving the lake. The ball that Mr Bingley hosted was actually filmed in Brocket Hall, a Georgian country estate in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

Brocket Hall ballroom is where Elizabeth was forced to dance the first two dances with Mr Collins, who clumsily attempts to win her affections. Elizabeth is also upset when she discovers that Mr Wickham is absent because of Mr Darcy’s presence. This is also where Mr Darcy finally asks Elizabeth to dance with him, which she accepts because she can’t think of a good excuse!

Brocket Hall is now a golf course, wedding venue, and hotel. Sadly, my budget doesn’t stretch that far, so I have not visited, but click here to book your stay.

Longbourn – Luckington Court, Wiltshire

Longbourn was the busy family home of the Bennett’s. These scenes were filmed in the privately owned Luckington Court in Wiltshire, near Lacock village which they used to film the Bennett’s local village of Meryton. Here, we get to see the intimate moments of the Bennett family as they experience the highs and lows. Unfortunately, Luckington Court is privately owned and not open to the public.

Pride and Prejudice Tours

There are several tour operators that run Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austin tours:

• Live For The Hills provides Pride and Prejudice tours in the Peak District.
• Brit Movie Tours offer one day tours to four day tours taking in all the popular Pride and Prejudice sites.
• British Tours offers Jane Austin and Pride and Prejudice tours from one day to multi-day trips.

My Favourite Pride and Prejudice Inspired Items

Pride and Prejudice Inspired Shawl Scarf Wrap

This beautiful scarf features the title page and words from the first page of the novel written by Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice printed on soft viscose shawl with linen texture. The scarf is available in a range colours.

Pride and Prejudice Inspired Cushion Cover

This 100% cotton cushion cover features the Pride and Prejudice title page on one side and the first page printed on the other side.

Pride and Prejudice T-shirt

This unisex t-shirt is screen printed with an inspiring quote “My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me.”- Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice. This quote is printed on a soft, stylish t-shirt.

Pride and Prejudice Earrings

These delicate earrings are miniature Pride and Prejudice books, you can’t read them but they look wonderful! The front of the earring features the books front cover and on the back of the earring is the books back cover. The hooks are silver plated.

Pride and Prejudice Art Print

This wonderful book cover art print features the most beautiful edition of any Jane Austen novel, the 1894 George Allen edition of Pride and Prejudice. It featured an elaborate peacock which became associated with this much loved book. The edition was beautifully illustrated by the prolific artist Hugh Thompson (1860 – 1920). This art print is professionally printed as a poster with light-fast inks on premium quality 220gsm satin paper and is available in a range of sizes.

See more of my favourite Pride and Prejudice inspired items on my Etsy favourites list here.