One of the most highly-acclaimed novels by Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, portrays the tumultuous relationship between Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) and Fitzwilliam Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). The classic locations that feature in the period drama perfectly capture the extravagance of the period.
The colossal country houses are used mainly as filming locations for the Pride and Prejudice movie. These classic sites are spread out across the countryside of England, and we explore some of the most notable ones in this article. Scroll down to know more!
Pride and Prejudice Movie Locations
A fine amalgamation of medieval architecture and timeless imagery forms the basis of Pride and Prejudice. In fact, the country homes featured in the movie are as integral to the story as its witty characters.
1. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
One of the most recognisable homes in the UK, Chatsworth House is the appropriate backdrop for Pemberley. In the novel, Pemberley is a grand country manor belonging to Mr. Darcy. Chatsworth House serves as the historic seat of the Dukes of Devonshire.
The Palladian house features the scene where Elizabeth Bennet marvels at the painted ceiling and the sculpture gallery full of neoclassical sculptures. In the BBC version of the 1995 adaptation, Lyme Park features Mr. Darcy’s (Colin Firth) estate.
2. Wilton House, Wiltshire
The interiors of the fictitious Pemberley estate are shot at the Wilton House. The exteriors of the Palladian Anglo-Saxon country house are just as exquisite as its intricate interiors.
The Double Cube Room serves as the drawing-room of Mr. Darcy in the Pride and Prejudice movie. Its unique styling and gold leaf intricate detailing are timeless additions to the scene where Elizabeth is first introduced to Darcy’s sister, Georgianna.
3. Haddon Hall, Derbyshire
The bustling Lambton inn that features the wood-panelled Dining room is captured at Haddon Hall. The 900-year-old medieval manor house is the former seat of the Duke of Rutland, and the interiors were untouched for over 200 years until the filming of Pride and Prejudice. It also records Lizzie Bennet reading Jane’s letter at ‘Lambton inn’.
4. Stourhead Gardens, Wiltshire
As the National Trust’s most popular property, Stourhead Garden, is an 18th-century landscape garden surrounded by exotic trees, a lake manufactured by people, classical temples, and mystical grottos. The Temple of Apollo, situated within these boundaries, bears witness to Darcy’s Proposal.
5. Groombridge Place, Kent
The Groombridge house features as Longbourn, the Bennet family home. Although it appears as a typical middle-class house for the Bennets, the 17th-century manor house is a pleasant surprise in real life. The moated manor house was designed by Christopher Wren and is surrounded by gardens, a Palladian bridge, and of course, the famous moat.
6. Basildon Park, Berkshire
The temporary home of the Bingleys and Mr. Darcy is Netherfield Park. The 18th-century Palladian mansion used in the film was, in fact, Basildon Park, a country house in Berkshire which is now under the National Trust. It serves as the filming location of the grand ballroom scene and features the regency dance between Elizabeth and Darcy.
7. St. George’s Square, Stamford
The fictional village of Meryton is situated at a residential location that houses a church and charming meadows. It is where Elizabeth Bennet met Mr. Wickham for the first time.
8. Peak District National Park
The rocky outcrop at Stanage Edge, on which Elizabeth stands before visiting the darcy family, is in the Peak District of Derbyshire. Lizzie Bennet sees a dynamic gritstone formation at one of the pride and prejudice filming locations.
9. Burghley House, Lincolnshire
Lady Catherine’s (Judi Dench) extravagant mansion is depicted through the exteriors of Burghley House. The palatial home of ‘Rosings Park’ is one of the most exemplary archetypes of the over-the-top Elizabethan period.
The extravagant ‘Heaven Room’ serves as Lady Catherine De Bourgh’s drawing-room. In other adaptations, the Belton House features as the exterior scenes of Pride and Prejudice.
10. Montagu Hospital, Northamptonshire
‘Hunsford’ or the parsonage home of Mr. Collins (Tom Hollander), is shot at a former almshouse called the Montagu Hospital. The church lying adjacent to the private residence is called St. Mary’s Church, and it features an Egyptian-style column.
Wrapping Up
The movie locations of Pride and Prejudice are a visual presentation of the fine architecture and exuberance of the 19th century. These classical locations offer the perfect nuances to the period drama and give viewers a glimpse into Victorian times.