DERBYSHIRE IS CELEBRATING
Jane Austen 250
‘There is not a finer county in England than Derbyshire’ wrote Jane Austen in her greatest work, Pride and Prejudice. She is believed to have visited Derbyshire whilst revising the final chapters of the famous novel, drawing inspiration from the local scenery.
Jane Austen & Derbyshire
The author allegedly stayed at The Rutland Arms in Bakewell, later immortalised as ‘Lambton’ in Pride and Prejudice, and visited Chatsworth House which is believed to have inspired 'Pemberley', home of one of Austen's best-loved characters Mr Darcy.
Chatsworth became the ‘real life’ Pemberley in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, with the magnificent exterior, grand Painted Hall and atmospheric Sculpture Gallery all featuring in key scenes.
Haddon Hall, one of England’s best-kept medieval houses, was transformed into the bustling inn at ‘Lambton’ for the romantic blockbuster, whilst the spectacular gritstone ridge of Stanage Edge, near Hathersage, was the scenic spot where a windswept Elizabeth Bennet stood whilst dreaming of Mr Darcy in the film.
2025 marks the 250th Anniversary since the birth of one of the world's most famous authors. To mark Jane Austen's links to the area, the Peak District and Derbyshire are hosting several events to celebrate.
17th May
National Trust Ilam Park Guided Walk
Explore the landscapes that inspired Jane Austen, Wordsworth, Byron, and more, on a guided walk from National Trust owned Ilam Park and uncover the connections between these iconic authors and the Peak District. Booking essential.
13th-15th June / 16th August
Chatsworth House
Celebrating Jane Austen
A long weekend of talks, garden tours and dressing up opportunities inspired by the Regency era. There will also be an Austen-inspired live theatre production in the garden. Regency dress is optional but encouraged. Find out more >
Austen Embroidery Workshop ~ 13th-15th June
Under expert guidance, use time-honoured techniques and essential embroidery stitches to create your own Pemberley-inspired hoop with a bespoke design celebrating 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen. Find out more >
Regency Afternoon Tea ~ 13th-15th June
Experience a regency-inspired afternoon tea served in the Old Duke's Glasshouse, in the Chatsworth Garden. Guests in Regency clothing will also receive a complimentary box of Chatsworth chocolates. Find out more >
Sense & Sensibility: The Musical at Chatsworth ~ 16th August
Experience a musical retelling of Jane Austen's first published story, Sense and Sensibility, performed live in the Rose Garden at Chatsworth. Find out more >
4th July
Pride & Prejudice: Outdoor Theatre at Sudbury Hall
Join family and friends for an evening of magical theatre in the 250th anniversary year of Austen’s birth at The Children's Country House at Sudbury. With stunning period costume, timeless wit, and a romantic original score, Chapterhouse’s Pride and Prejudice is a faithful telling of Austen’s greatest work.
14th & 15th August
World renowned London embroidery ateliers Hand & Lock
Talk with Hand & Lock
Join Hand & Lock and Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust for an exclusive talk exploring the rich history and artistry of embroidery, from its regal past to its contemporary applications. In celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday this event will offer a deep insight into the world of historical and couture embroidery. Find out more >
Embroidery Workshop
An exciting and unique opportunity for embroidery enthusiasts to enjoy a two- day course, in collaboration with world renowned London embroidery ateliers Hand & Lock. Hand & Lock courses are rarely available outside London, so this prestigious event, within the surroundings of Buxton Crescent, is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the timeless elegance of Regency Embroidery. Find out more >
23rd-28th September
The Buxton Georgian Festival
A multi-day celebration of Buxton’s rich Georgian heritage, with a host of talks, tours, events, and exhibitions. The festival will include a Cavendish Ceilidh on Friday 26 September and a Jane Austen Study Day on Sunday 28th September, including two talks ‘Jane Austen 250 Years: Person, Page and Screen’ and ‘Introducing Jane Austen: The Woman and the Writer’. More details to follow.
Various dates & locations
Guided Tours
12th & 13th June ~ Stanage Edge: Austen & Bronte Walking Tour with Peak Walking Adventures
Private Guided Walks Available on Other Dates ~ This classic walk near Hathersage combines nature, stunning views from the gritstone escarpment of Stanage Edge and two world-famous novels – Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre. Find out more >
Various Dates ~ Stanage Edge & Burbage Walk with myGuidedWalks
A stunning walk with amazing views, including a visit to "Keira Knightley Rock" for some great photographs before continuing on to Burbage Edge with its ancient hill fort. Find out more >
Various Dates ~ The Ultimate 2005 Pride and Prejudice Experience with Live for the Hills
From a one day Derbyshire tour to the ultimate three-day experience allowing customers to visit and explore all the filming locations from the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Find out more >
Various Dates ~ Haddon Hall Film Tour
For decades, film-makers have been using Haddon Hall, near Bakewell, as a location for their cinematic productions. The house featured in the 2005 film adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, and Haddon’s film tours offer the chance to learn about the TV shows and films that have been shot here.
Find out more >
Weekends throughout September ~ Minibus Tours based on the tours taken by Anne Lister ~ Weekends throughout September
Enjoy a captivating journey through the rolling hills, hidden gems and picturesque villages of Derbyshire on a minibus tour, based on the tours taken by and described in the diaries of Anne Lister. The tour is based on the guidebooks of the Georgian era, typically marketed to the ‘curious and adventurous’ who crave a deeper understanding of the natural beauty and rich history of the English countryside. Find out more >
