Step Inside Pemberley: The Children’s Country House at Sudbury Marks 30 Years of the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice (1995)

This summer, The Children’s Country House at Sudbury invites visitors to celebrate three decades of the BBC’s beloved 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, with a 5 week-long exhibition exploring the interiors of Pemberley, filmed at the National Trust property.

Running from Saturday 7 June to Sunday 6 July 2025, the exhibition invites fans behind the scenes of the iconic production, showcasing original costumes worn in the series, kindly loaned by CosProp, London. The costumes will be displayed in some of the Hall’s most recognisable rooms, the Saloon, Drawing Room, and Library - which featured as Mr Darcy’s study in the adaptation.

'Bringing this exhibition to life has been a real labour of love, and a true team effort, made possible through wonderful external partners who share our passion for storytelling through exquisite costume design”, commented Megan Hunter, Collections and House Manager at The Children’s Country House, “I am really proud and excited to invite the public to explore the craftsmanship that made the 1995 series of Pride & Prejudice so unforgettable and a cultural phenomenon that continues across generations.”

In celebration of this milestone, the property has partnered with Nottingham-based HandMade and Theatre Design students from Nottingham Trent University, who have helped transform areas of the Hall with creative installations inspired by Austen’s world. Expect handcrafted decorations, hidden references and some surprises that fans of the series are bound to recognise and love.

Amy Nicholson, Creative Director for HandMade Theatre said, “HandMade Theatre are really excited to be collaborating with the Sudbury Collections Team on this unique exhibition. We have brought with us some Costume students from Nottingham Trent University to offer a fabulous work experience opportunity, getting creative with some intricate paper craft and letting them see firsthand the huge collection of costumes on offer from the TV series.”

The exhibition will be open Friday to Monday each week from 10:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm, closing for an hour midday to allow for volunteer breaks. The exhibition is included in general admission and free for National Trust members, however, donations are welcomed.

To complete the experience, visitors can also enjoy their own version of a High Tea. Simply choose from a selection of drinks, sandwiches and sweet treats in the café, then borrow a blanket and basket to enjoy your picnic in the grounds of the property.

Head over to https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/the-childrens-country-house-at-sudbury/index to plan your visit.