Manchester has provided the location for a variety of top filming locations for a numerous film and TV shows. Visit a number of our local National Trust properties and other stately manors and you may be wandering around, feeling a sense of deja vu. But where was Pride and Prejudice filmed?
In fact, you may walk around, half expecting Colin Firth to pull himself out of a lake. But which property provided us with the backdrop for Mr D’Arcy climbing out of the pond with his wet white shirt? Tatton Park? Lyme Park? Quarry Bank Mill? And which house provided the backdrop for Pemberley House? The properties are as stunning in real life as depicted in both the hit BBC TV Series as well as the more recent Keira Knightley 2005 film. So, if like Noemi, you want to go off and hunt for the Bennet sisters, or find Mr Darcy following his swim, read on to find out where was Pride and Prejudice filmed; and where to go off in search for them!
- Lyme Park: Exterior of Pemberley House (BBC Mini Series)
- Chatsworth House: 2005 Pemberley Interior and The original inspiration for Austen?
- Burghley House: Rosings Park in the 2005 Movie
- Groombridge Place: Longbourn
- Stanage Edge: The Opening of the 2005 Movie
- Discover Where Was Pride and Prejudice Filmed
Lyme Park: Exterior of Pemberley House (BBC Mini Series)
đDisley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR
We love Lyme Park and for anyone visiting Manchester, it’s easy to get to – follow the A34 south from Manchester and then take the A555 towards the Peak District. From the city centre it will take you approximately 90mins to get out to.
Lyme Park is run by the National Trust, so free for National Trust members, although you can still visit even if you’re not a member!
It features as the exterior of the hit Colin Firth and Alison Steadman (of Gavin and Stacey fame) TV series. Mr Darcy swimming in the lake and him subsequently meeting Lizzy is one of the most famous scenes of the entire series. In fact, the Guardian newspaper once declared “the lake scene” or “wet-shirt scene”, as it has come to be known, as “one of the most unforgettable moments in British TV history”!
If you don’t have membership, expect to pay ÂŁ35.80 for a family of four which will give you access to the house, gardens and park.
Lyme is a great place to visit for Pride and Prejudice ‘stans’. Apart from the huge grounds, gardens (and playgrounds for the kids), they regularly have special events on! Offering kids the chance to dress up in period costume, along with running various seasonal events. In fact, we’ve just got back from a Halloween Detective trail, exploring the ghoulish goings on of the house and there are a series of Christmas events planned from the start of December throughout the month.
There’s also some great food options with a pizza takeaway and ice cream stand by the main car park along with a cafe in the Timber Yard and also the Servant’s Quarters.
Lesser Known Filming Facts
And did you know? Lyme Park also served as a filming location for Red Dwarf, as well as the 2011 supernatural thriller “The Awakening” and the second series of the 2014 show “The Village”.
Chatsworth House: 2005 Pemberley Interior and The original inspiration for Austen?
đEdensor, Bakewell, Derbyshire, England, DE45 1PJ
Slightly further afield than Lyme Park, expect a good 2+ hours to get out to Chatsworth from Manchester. You’ll also have to pay for tickets, regardless of whether you’re an NT member or not. We love visiting Chatsworth (be sure to head there at Christmas) and there’s plenty on for kids and adults alike.
I love ambling through the grand kitchen gardens with their huge variety of heirloom apples, pears and traditional fruit and vegetables. Noemi loves the majesty of the gardens and lawns whilst the kids love the farm and adventure playground!
Insider tip: if you plan to go to the adventure playground in the farm, be sure to take a change of clothes. There’s a huge sand play area with water features. If your kids are anything like Mila and Sam, it’ll be a long journey home if not!
The enchanting world of Pride and Prejudice comes to life in the majestic setting of Chatsworth House, which serves as the cinematic embodiment of the interior of Pemberley, Mr. Darcy’s illustrious home in the 2005 hit film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.
This choice isn’t just a director’s fancy; it’s steeped in literary lore. Rumours swirl that Jane Austen herself, while penning her iconic novel in the quaint town of Bakewell, drew inspiration from the grandeur of Chatsworth House for her depiction of Pemberley.
Ornate Staircases and Grand Stone Edifice
Austen’s vivid description of Pemberley paints a picture of a grand stone edifice, proudly perched amidst nature’s embrace, with hills as its backdrop and a lively stream at its forefront.
This imagery aligns seamlessly with the real-world charm of Chatsworth, which also finds a mention in the novel as one of the estates Elizabeth Bennet tours.
Visitors to Chatsworth are often struck by the familiarity of its grand staircase and the ornate Painted Hall ceiling, thanks to their prominent appearances in the film. These locations form the backdrop for the memorable scene where Lizzie and the Gardiners begin their exploration of Pemberley. Another highlight is the Sculpture Gallery, where the pivotal moment of Lizzie encountering Mr. Darcy’s bust unfolds.
Originally set in a painting gallery, the filmmakers wisely shifted the scene to showcase Chatsworth’s impressive sculpture collection, including the captivating veiled Vestal Virgin statue.
Burghley House: Rosings Park in the 2005 Movie
đBurghley House, Peterborough, Stamford PE9 3JY
Not really one that you can get out to easily from Manchester, but for those keen to understand all the filming locations and answer the question ‘where was Pride and Prejudice filmed’, Burghley house played the setting of Lady de Bourghâs Rosings Park in the 2005 movie Pride & Prejudice.
Burghley is one of the largest and grandest surviving houses of the sixteenth century and a wonderful example of the great Elizabethan âprodigyâ houses, built to honour the Queen.
Conceived by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I and built between 1555 and 1587, Burghley is a testament to the ambition and vision of the most powerful courtier of the first Elizabethan age.
Like with Chatsworth, you’ll need to get tickets separately as it doesn’t form part of the National Trust.
And apart from its obvious setting in period dramas and films, look out for Burghley House in less obvious settings, with it providing Batman his Wayne Manor in recent DC Comics release ‘The Flash’.
Groombridge Place: Longbourn
đGroombridge Place, Groombridge Hill, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9QG
In the cinematic adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, Groombridge Place takes centre stage as Longbourn, the cherished home of the Bennet sisters. This iconic dwelling is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, embodying the warmth and slight disarray that mark the Bennet family’s lifestyle.
This picturesque estate, with its rich history and timeless beauty, perfectly encapsulates the essence of Longbourn, serving as a fitting representation of the Bennets’ world in “Pride & Prejudice.
Groombridge Place, is slightly unusual in that it is a 17th-century moated country house and boasts architectural elements by the famed Sir Christopher Wren who largely redesigned London following the 1666 Great Fire of London, digging up much of Portland to do so.
This historical abode is not just a marvel of architecture but also a horticultural treasure. The gardens, a collaborative creation by the house’s original owner, Philip Packer, and renowned horticulturist John Evelyn, still retain their 17th-century grid design, offering a glimpse into the past.
Stanage Edge: The Opening of the 2005 Movie
đHope Valley S10 4QZ
Where was Pride and Prejudice filmed? Stanage Edge!
Another one accessible from Manchester, Stanage Edge in the Peak District, famously featured in the 2005 “Pride and Prejudice” film, is a breathtaking gritstone escarpment extending over four miles. Standing at 1,503 feet at its highest point, High Neb, this location boasts over 4,000 years of history.
The name ‘Stanage’, meaning ‘stone edge’ in Anglo-Saxon, hints at its rugged beauty and historical significance. The area is not only a popular spot for walkers and rock climbers but also a site of literary and historical interest.
A Robin Hood / Pride and Prejudice Crossover!
It houses Robin Hoodâs Cave, linked to the legendary outlaw, and was visited by Charlotte BrontĂ«, influencing her novel “Jane Eyre”.
The escarpment gained even more fame after Keira Knightley, as Elizabeth Bennet, was filmed standing on a ledge here, creating an iconic cinematic moment. The scene, with Knightley’s dress billowing against the dramatic landscape, encapsulated the wild beauty and romantic allure of the Peak District, drawing countless fans seeking to recreate that memorable moment.
Discover Where Was Pride and Prejudice Filmed
Intrigued by the stunning locations in “Pride and Prejudice”? If you’re a fan of the film or the series and find yourself wondering where was Pride and Prejudice filmed, why not embark on a cinematic journey to these iconic sites?
Each location offers a unique glimpse into the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. From the sprawling grounds of Lyme Park to the majestic halls of Chatsworth House, these sites are waiting to be explored by fans like you.
Plan your visit to these historic landmarks and experience the magic of “Pride and Prejudice” first-hand. These locations are a must-see for anyone captivated by the timeless romance of Jane Austen’s classic novel.
So, gather your fellow Austen enthusiasts and set off on an adventure to answer the question: Where was Pride and Prejudice filmed? Share your experiences, photos, and memories with us â we’d love to hear about your literary escapades!
