Whether you’re looking to relive your favourite Jane Austen film or TV moments or simply explore the UK’s most picturesque locations, these top 10 Jane Austen filming locations offer a fabulous day out.
This guide to the top 10 Jane Austen filming locations will help you find the perfect day out for a Jane Austen fan:
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Top 10 Jane Austen filming locations to visit in the UK
Jane Austen’s novels have captivated readers for centuries, and their film and television adaptations have brought her stories to life in stunning historical settings. Many of the locations used in these productions remain open to visitors via the National Trust, offering the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Jane Austen’s world. From grand estates to charming villages, here’s a list of 10 must-visit places for Jane Austen fans and her books ‘Pride and Prejudice’, ‘Sense and Sensibility’, and ‘Emma’.
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Basildon Park played a central role in the 2005 adaptation of 'Pride and Prejudice', starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. The 18th-century Palladian mansion became Netherfield, the home of Mr. Bingley—a grand residence befitting a gentleman of wealth. It was in Basildon’s elegant rooms that Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy shared their dramatic first dance. Visitors can admire the west front, loggia, dining room, and Octagon Drawing Room, all of which featured in the film.
Box Hill serves as the backdrop for the famous picnic scene in the BBC’s 2009 adaptation of ‘Emma’, starring Romola Garai. In Austen’s novel, the outing is a turning point for Emma, as she learns a valuable lesson in humility. While neighbouring Leith Hill was used for close-up filming, Box Hill itself remains an iconic location. Visitors can enjoy its stunning views and follow in Jane Austen’s footsteps.
In the 1995 BBC adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’, Belton House played Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s residence, Rosings. Jennifer Ehle’s Elizabeth Bennet was invited to dine in the house’s grandeur—an honour that Mr. Collins would surely appreciate! Scenes leading up to Mr. Darcy’s tense first proposal were also filmed here. A visit allows Jane Austen fans to step into Lizzie’s shoes and admire one of England’s finest stately homes.
4. Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire
ITV’s 2019 adaptation of ‘Sanditon’, based on Austen’s unfinished novel, used Dyrham Park as Sanditon House, home to Lady Denham. The stunning Baroque mansion provided the perfect backdrop for the series. A visit to Dyrham offers a glimpse into Austen’s world, as well as breathtaking views and tranquil gardens.
5. Claydon House, Buckinghamshire
Fans of the 1996 adaptation of *Emma* will recognize Claydon House’s ballroom, where Gwyneth Paltrow’s match-making heroine gets a taste of her own medicine. The Georgian country house exudes elegance, and visitors can explore its splendid interiors while imagining the grand dances of Austen’s era.
Lacock, with its beautifully preserved historic charm, became Meryton in the BBC’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1995). It was here that the Bennet sisters shopped for bonnets and sought out gossip—particularly about the intriguing Mr. Wickham. A walk through Lacock is like stepping into an Austen novel, with its cobbled streets and traditional cottages.
Perhaps one of the most famous Jane Austen filming locations, Lyme Park served as Pemberley in the BBC’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1995). The exterior of the grand house became Darcy’s estate, and it was here that Colin Firth’s Mr. Darcy emerged from the lake, solidifying his place as one of TV’s most iconic figures. While the lake scene was not in the novel, Lyme Park remains a beloved pilgrimage site for Austen fans.
The Oscar winning 1995 film adaptation of ‘Sense and Sensibility’ features Montacute House as the country residence of the Palmers. It was here that Marianne Dashwood (Kate Winslet) wandered the gardens in heartbreak, before being rescued by Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman). Visitors can admire the house’s Elizabethan architecture, explore the famous ‘wibbly wobbly’ yew hedges, and step inside the stunning Orangery.
The enchanting gardens of Stourhead were used in the 2005 adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’. The Temple of Apollo provided the setting for Mr. Darcy’s first awkward proposal to Lizzie. A visit allows fans to experience one of Austen’s most emotional scenes in real life.
Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’ prominently features Lyme Regis, a seaside town she visited herself. The Cobb, a historic harbour wall, is the setting for Louisa Musgrove’s dramatic fall—a pivotal moment in the novel. The town has appeared in several adaptations, including Netflix’s 2022 version. Nearby Freshwater Beach also features in the film as the spot where Anne Elliot first encounters her love interest, Captain Wentworth.