Celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen in the Peak District and Derbyshire - including Pride and Prejudice ball at Chatsworth

From dressing up with fellow Jane Austen fans as one of her much-loved characters, learning more about Jane’s connection to Derbyshire with special guided tours, and exploring the locations used in screen adaptations of Jane’s novels, Visit Peak District & Derbyshire has highlighted ways for visitors to celebrate 250 years of the beloved novelist.

Jane Austen wrote ‘there is not a finer county in England than Derbyshire’ in her greatest work, Pride and Prejudice, and is believed to have visited the area whilst revising the final chapters of the famous novel, drawing inspiration from the local scenery.

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.

Now, to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, visitors from across the world are encouraged to follow in the author’s footsteps and imagine the Regency-era Derbyshire she vividly brought to life.

From themed talks to workshops and walks, many of the places associated with Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice are staging special events throughout 2025. Further information and updates will be added to a dedicated ‘Jane Austen 250’ page at visitpeakdistrict.com.