5 Historic Houses You Can Visit with Jane Austen Connections & Iconic Film Settings
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, there’s no better time to explore the historic estates that have inspired her novels over the years, and have served as backdrops for some of the most iconic and comforting film and TV adaptations of her works. These estates offer a glimpse into the Regency-era England Austen so beautifully captured in her books...and they're all just a click away from visiting on HeritageXplore.
Whether you have the entire compendium of Austen's novels, are settling in to watch the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice for the 1000th time, or just enjoy immersing yourself in the storied halls of a historic house - these locations provide the perfect escape into a world of romance and elegance.
Ready to explore? Here are five houses with deep connections to Jane Austen’s legacy – and the film sets that continue to bring her much-loved stories to life.
1. Haddon Hall, Derbyshire – The Lambton Inn in Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Haddon Hall, with its medieval charm, was used in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice as the dining room of the Lambton Inn. The Banqueting Hall, a stunning space dating back to the 14th century, perfectly captured the atmosphere of Regency-era England. While it didn't quite get the gig for Pemberley, Haddon Hall’s historic features, including its beautiful gardens, played a key role in creating the world of Austen’s characters.
2. Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire – Emma (1996)
In the 1996 TV adaptation of Emma, Sudeley Castle served as the fictional Donwell Abbey, where Mr. Knightley resides. The castle's romantic setting mirrors the themes of love and second chances in Austen's novel...meanwhile, Jane Austen's novels, including Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Persuasion, often draw inspiration from the Cotswolds region where Suedeley is based, with its rolling hills and estates.
👉 Visit Sudeley Castle
3. Newby Hall, North Yorkshire – Mansfield Park (1995 and 2007)
Newby Hall, a Grade I listed 18th-century country house near Ripon, North Yorkshire, served as the filming location for both the 1995 and the 2007 ITV adaptations of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. The 2007 film starred Billie Piper as Fanny Price and featured a supporting cast including Douglas Hodge, Rory Kinnear, and Gemma Redgrave. The estate's classical interiors and award-winning gardens provided a fitting backdrop for this Regency-era drama.
👉 Visit Newby Hall
4. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire – Featured in The Duchess (2008)
Blenheim Palace's grandeur and historical significance made it a fitting location for the 2008 film The Duchess, which, while not based on an Austen novel, shares the same historical period. The palace's opulence mirrors the high society depicted in Austen's works.
5. Lamport Hall, Northamptonshire – Live Open-Air Performances of Pride and Prejudice
While not featured in any film or TV adaptations, Lamport Hall offers a unique opportunity to experience Jane Austen's work through live, open-air performances. On 12 July 2025, enjoy an outdoor production of Pride and Prejudice by Illyria Theatre.
👉 Book a ticket to see Pride & Prejudice at Lamport Hall
Ready to step into Austen’s world?
Whether you're strolling through the gardens of Mansfield Park or watching a live performance in the open air, these historic houses offer the perfect chance to experience the legacy of one of England’s greatest authors firsthand.
