The Ultimate Pride and Prejudice Road Trip Experience

Stepping into the world of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice isn’t just about reading the novel or watching the films. It’s about experiencing the places that bring the story to life. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Pemberley or strolling through Meryton Village, this road trip through England will transport you right into Elizabeth Bennet’s world. Here’s how we explored these iconic locations and how you can, too.

We started our trip to London, a fitting place to begin since the city plays a vital role in the novel. While it may not have the rolling hills of the countryside, London was a hub of society in Austen’s time, just as it is today. We spent a morning exploring the British Museum, which offers a glimpse into the art and history that influenced Austen’s world. From there, we took a short walk to Covent Garden, an area known for its theatres and shops—a lively contrast to the quiet country estates we would visit. After soaking in the city’s energy, we picked up our rental car and set off toward the countryside.

The Grand Pemberley –  Our first major stop was Chatsworth House, famously used as Mr Darcy’s Pemberley in the 2005 film adaptation. We arrived early to beat the crowds and spent about three hours wandering through the grand halls and vast gardens. The Painted Hall and the sculpture gallery were highlighted, making us feel like we had stepped right into Elizabeth Bennet’s visit to Pemberley. This is a must-visit if you’re a fan of the book or movie. The entry fee is worth it, and the grounds alone are worth spending extra time exploring.

The Inn at Lambton – Our next stop was just a short 15-minute drive from Chatsworth, Haddon Hall. This medieval manor doubled as the Inn at Lambton in the 2005 film. The old stone walls and historic charm made it easy to imagine Elizabeth staying here while visiting Pemberley. The gardens are particularly beautiful, so if you visit in spring or summer, take your time to walk through them. We spent about an hour here before heading to our next location.

The Netherfield Ball – Next on our list was Basildon Park, about a two-hour drive south. Used as Netherfield in the film, this Georgian mansion is where the famous ball scene took place. Walking through its lavishly decorated rooms, it was easy to picture Elizabeth dancing with Darcy. The house tour is well worth it, and the surrounding parkland offers great picnic spots if you want to take a break.

The Proposal Scene – One of the most breathtaking stops on our trip was Stourhead, where Mr Darcy made his rain-soaked proposal to Elizabeth in the 2005 film. The gardens here are stunning, with a peaceful lake and classical temples, making it one of England’s most scenic spots. We walked the same path where Elizabeth stormed away from Darcy, which was a surreal experience for any fan of the film. Plan to spend at least two hours here, as the gardens are vast and worth exploring.

Another Pemberley – For those who love the 1995 BBC adaptation, Lyme Park is another important stop. This estate served as Pemberley in that version, complete with the famous pond where Colin Firth’s Darcy took his dip. While the house’s interior wasn’t used in filming, the exterior and expansive grounds are breathtaking. We spent about an hour walking around the gardens and imagining life as an Austen character.

 Pemberley’s Interiors – If you’ve ever wondered where the luxurious interiors of Pemberley in the 2005 film were shot, Wilton House is the answer. The grand rooms here perfectly captured the wealth and sophistication of Mr. Darcy’s estate. The art collection alone is worth the visit, but the real treat is walking through rooms that were used in the film. It’s about an hour’s drive from Lyme Park, making it a convenient stop if you’re planning to see both.

Lady Catherine’s Rosings Park – Burghley House was our next destination, serving as Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s imposing Rosings Park. The grandeur of the house perfectly suits the character of the intimidating Lady Catherine. The gardens and ornate rooms were fascinating to explore, and we easily spent over an hour there. If you have time, take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the estate.

If you want to book head a guided tour in Burghley House, click here. 

The Bennet Family’s Home – Sudbury Hall was used for the interior shots of the Bennet family’s home in the 1995 adaptation. Walking through the rooms, it was easy to imagine the lively and chaotic scenes from the show. The house also features a Museum of Childhood, making it an interesting stop for families. We spent about 45 minutes here before heading to our final stops.

Longbourn Estate – For those who love the 2005 adaptation, Groombridge Place is the real-life Longbourn Estate. The house isn’t open to the public, but the gardens and surrounding woodland are beautiful to explore. The Enchanted Forest is especially fun if you’re traveling with kids. We walked the grounds for about an hour, taking in the peaceful scenery.

If you had more time to explore England and some of its famous estate, read our blogs here!

Meryton Village –  We wrapped up our trip with a visit to Lacock, which was used as Meryton Village in the 1995 series. The charming streets and historic buildings made us feel like we had traveled back in time. The village also features a great little tea shop where we stopped for a traditional English afternoon tea—a perfect way to end our Austen-inspired adventure.

This road trip brought Pride and Prejudice to life in a way that no book or film ever could. Walking the same paths as Elizabeth Bennet, standing in the grand halls of Pemberley, and experiencing the charm of Meryton made us feel fully immersed in Austen’s world. If you’re a fan of the novel or love exploring historic England, this trip is a must. Plan ahead, take your time at each location, and most importantly, enjoy stepping into the world of Jane Austen’s beloved characters.

If you’re planning your own journey, save this guide and use it to map out your Pride and Prejudice road trip. Whether you visit all the stops or just a few, you’ll be experiencing a little piece of literary history.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo