Pride & Prejudice Experience In The Peaks

The first signs of spring have started to appear around the Peak District, despite the Beast From The East making an appearance.  That's a weather system, of course, not a mythical monster picking off ramblers on the other side of Bakewell.  (That's the Pest From The West, you're thinking of.)

It's time to say farewell to winter as the temperature starts to warm up.  The countryside fills with the sounds of buzzing bees beautiful birdsong and gambolling lambs.

But one of the most welcome sounds of spring in the Peaks, though, is the creaking of opening doors in some of the fantastic historical houses and gardens, which re-open after their winter slumbers, making it the perfect time of year to enjoy our unique Pride & Prejudice tours of the Peak District.

Chatsworth House is thought to be the inspiration for Pemberley House, the residence of Mr Darcy

Our Pride & Prejudice Tours have proved really popular with visitors from all around the world.  Our guests can choose how to spend their day on a private tour, visiting the sights of the Peak District that inspired Jane Austen or exploring the locations used for filming the celebrated work.  Whether it's strolling around Chatsworth House, Lyme Hall or Haddon Hall, wandering the streets of Bakewell or enjoying the stunning scenery around Stanage Edge, our tours offer everybody the chance to become Elizabeth Bennet for just one day.

Jane Austen is thought to have based Pemberley, the home of Mr Darcy, on Chatsworth House, in the heart of the Peak District.  The house also featured in the 1005 film starring Keira Knightley.  Our guests can explore the house or the magnificent landscaped gardens, or just enjoy a drive through the estate and a visit to the picturesque estate villages, such as Edensor or Pilsley.

The medieval manor house Haddon Hall featured in the 2005 film

Or there is the magnificent Haddon Hall, dating from the 12th century to the early 17th century, where our guests can walk through the wood panelled dining room which featured in the 2005 film as the Lambton Inn.

Searching for Mr Darcy at Lyme Park

No Pride & Prejudice Tour would be complete without a visit to the wonderful Lyme Park, which was used for the BBC production, complete with the famous scene involving Colin Firth emerging from the lake.  But which lake was it?!  The house itself is fascinating and atmospheric, dating back to the sixteenth century and the gardens offer iconic views.

Enjoying a Kiera Knightley moment on Stanage Edge

As well as some of the historic houses, our tours also offer the chance to explore the beautiful Peak District landscapes which became iconic locations in the film, such as Stanage Edge, from where Kiera Knightley surveyed the moors and tors as Elizabeth Bennet.  

​Or maybe you would prefer to explore the streets of Bakewell, which provided Jane Austen with the inspiration for Lambton, or even the village of Longnor, which was used as Lambton in the film.  There is so much to see that it would be impossible to cover them all within a day, which is why we invite our guests to choose which locations they would like to include on their tailor made, Pride and Prejudice experience.

Fans of Jane Eyre need not feel left out

We can even add a taste of another classical work of literature, Jane Eyre.  Our guests can enjoy a visit to a beautiful Peak District church which contains fascinating links to the Eyre family and which was visited by Charlotte Bronte.  Or maybe they would like to enjoy a short woodland walk to see the hall once owned by the Eyre family, which was the inspiration for Mr Rochester's house - and the mysterious attic room!

The Peak District provides a unique backdrop

Such a variety of locations, all interspersed within the unique, rugged scenery of the Peak District national park, makes for an unforgettable, atmospheric day in the footsteps of Elizabeth Bennet.  Or Kiera Knightley.  Or even Colin Firth!  The real star here is the Peak District landscape.

After all, "What are men to rocks and mountains?"

Our private tours are available for parties of 1 to 6 passengers.  Our tours can be tailor made to suit all levels of fitness and all ages.

For more details, or for bookings and enquiries, please click here.