Jane Austen has captured English beauty and history perhaps more effectively than any other writer. Fans worldwide read her expertly penned words and paint idyllic pictures of the British countryside and quaint villages that are untouched by history. While many places in the United Kingdom aren't quite as picturesque as Austen fans may assume, the good news is there are still plenty of places that live up to Austenites' expectations.
So, when planning your next trip, don't waste your time on these overrated British cities. Instead, explore the grand estates and rolling hills that Austen so passionately portrayed in her work. And if you're really in the highbrow English mood, be sure to follow these etiquette tips for your afternoon tea.
10 Chatsworth House In Derbyshire Will Give You All The Pemberley Vibes
Any Pride and Prejudice fan should recognize Chatsworth House. It featured as Pemberley House in the 2005 adaptation starring Kiera Knightley and is also located in Derbyshire, where the "real" Pemberley of the novel is situated. While the house and grounds themselves are stunning, don't miss out on also visiting nearby Bakewell, a quaint country town that will make you feel like you've walked straight into the regency era.
9 Bath's Historic Buildings, Gorgeous Skyline Views, and Jane Austen Centre Make This A Must-See
Even reading about Bath in Austen's novels is enough to whet your appetite for a trip. It is a prominent feature in many books, and it's easy to see why. The historic Roman city is jam-packed with old buildings, churches, roman spas, museums, great country walks and estates, and the Jane Austen Centre itself. You can also take a day trip and learn some new and interesting facts about nearby Stonehenge.
8 You Can't Get Much More Pemberley-Like Than Lyme Park
The 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice has made Lyme Park in Cheshire one of the most recognizable backdrops for Austen fans. The exterior was used to portray Pemberley, and the lake is forever immortalized in the Colin Firth scene that saw him emerge fully clothed from Pemberley's lake. Visiting this Edwardian manor is a no-brainer for fans of Austen and fans of cute British buildings in general.
7 Jane Austen, Herself Couldn't Get Enough Of The Derbyshire Peak District - And Neither Could Film Crews
If a quick Google image search of the Derbyshire Peak District isn't enough to make you book your ticket right away, then Jane Austen's own words might just do it. "There is no finer county in England than Derbyshire," she pens in Pride and Prejudice. The Peak District is the epitome of the English countryside and has an impressive resume on TV and in film. Many period dramas and movies were filmed on location in Derbyshire and the surrounding Peak District.
6 Explore Wilton House Near Salisbury, As Featured In The 2005 Pride And Prejudice Movie
If you're an Austen fan, chances are you're also pretty fond of period dramas in general. If that's the case, you won't want to miss out on touring Wilton House, which has featured in such movies as Pride and Prejudice (2005), Sense and Sensibility (1995), and The Young Victoria. It's the interior of the home that you'll most likely recognize, as its grand and ornate furnishings and decorations are what featured most prominently in the movies.
5 Follow In Kiera Knightley's Footsteps And Take In The World On Stanage Edge, Derbyshire
If you needed yet another reason to visit the finest county in England (by Austen's own admission), look no further. This iconic view famously featured in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice when Kiera Knightley stood atop the rocks and took in the world, and you can easily while away a few hours contemplating life (or practicing your climbing skills on the rocks) in this gorgeous setting.
4 Tintern Abbey In Wales Inspired Northanger Abbey And Is Well Worth A Visit
While it's impossible to know for sure where Austen got her inspiration for Northanger Abbey from, many fans believe Tintern Abbey was a big contributor. It's easy to see why. Its grand, imposing pillars and crumbling walls are enough to inspire even the most unimaginative of guests, so it's well worth a visit for Austen Fans and history buffs. It's also the inspiration for William Wordsworth's famous 1798 poem.
3 Get Inspired At Basildon Park - Or Should That Be Netherfield Park?
Basildon Park is yet another location used in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Its grand exterior was used to portray Netherfield Park, Mr. Bingley's temporary home. You can easily spend a day admiring the stately home and its 400 acres of parkland, broken by the grand River Thames. The house was built between 1776 and 1783 and was restored in the early 1950s after falling into disrepair.
2 Take A Step Into Bennet's Home At Groombridge Place, Kent
Nothing says quaint English town better than Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and one of its cutest and most hidden-away features is nearby Groombridge Place. This stately home featured as Bennet's house in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, and its centuries-old architecture and perfectly manicured gardens are a treat for any Austen fan. Its 17th-century moated manor house and 200 acres of parkland are more than enough for a fun day out.
1 Take A Trip To Lady Catherine's Rosings Park - Better Known As Burghley House
Some places feel like they are frozen in time, like Burghley House in Lincolnshire, which emanates Elizabethan grandeur and culture still to this day. Yet another feature of the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie, Burghley House is a dream to visit for any Austen fan. Get lost in the formal gardens, watch the herds of deer roam the estate, and marvel at the sheer size and flashiness of the house itself.