14 Mar 2025
Celebrating 250 years of Jane Austen in the Peak District and Derbyshire
Post Date: 14 Mar 2025
As 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of one of the world’s most famous authors, the Peak District and Derbyshire has announced an exciting line up of themed events and experiences celebrating the area’s links to Jane Austen.
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.
Austen 250 Festivals and Events:
Literary Chatsworth: Poets, Patrons, Pride & Prejudice
6 June & 24 October
Join Chatsworth’s archives and library team for exclusive access to the Chatsworth Library to have a closer look at early library catalogues, a first edition of Pride and Prejudice and early editions of Hobbes, Pope, Gaskell, Bronte and more.
Celebrating Jane Austen at Chatsworth
13 – 15 June
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 with audience participation. Regency dress is optional but encouraged.
Celebrating Jane Austen at Chatsworth
Outdoor Cinema at Chatsworth: Pride & Prejudice
13 – 14 June
It's 20 years since Chatsworth was immortalised on screen as Pemberley (aka Mr Darcy's House) in Joe Wright's enchanting retelling of Jane Austen's beloved classic. These celebratory screenings will be staged on the South Lawn with Chatsworth's south façade as your backdrop.
Cinema on the South Lawn: Pride & Prejudice
Austen Embroidery Workshop at Chatsworth
13 – 15 June
Under expert guidance, use time-honoured techniques and essential embroidery stitches to create your own Pemberley-inspired hoop with a bespoke design inspired by Chatsworth and celebrating 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen.
Regency Afternoon Tea at Chatsworth
13 – 15 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.
Pride & Prejudice Outdoor Theatre at Sudbury Hall
4 July
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.
Pride & Prejudice Outdoor Theatre
Talk with Hand & Lock: Inside the Atelier
14 August
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 run alongside a special Regency embroidery workshop, offering a deeper insight into the world of historical and couture embroidery.
Talk: Hand & Lock: Inside the Atelier
Regency Silk & Goldwork Workshop with Hand & Lock
14 & 15 August
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 opulent surroundings of Buxton Crescent, will celebrate the timeless elegance of Regency Embroidery, helping to mark Jane Austen’s 250th birthday.
Regency Silk & Goldwork Embroidery Workshop
Sense & Sensibility: The Musical at Chatsworth
16 August
Experience a musical retelling of Jane Austen's first published story, Sense and Sensibility, performed live in the Rose Garden at Chatsworth.
Pride & Prejudice Ball at Chatsworth
12 December
As the finale to Chatsworth’s ‘Austen 250’ celebrations, enjoy a 'Pride and Prejudice' themed ball in the month that would have marked her 250th birthday. Begin the evening with drinks and canapés served in the Painted Hall followed by the opportunity to explore the north wing dressed for Christmas. Afterwards, experience a three-course dinner and Regency-style dancing in the Carriage House, in the Palladian style Grade I listed Stables.
The Buxton Georgian Festival
23 – 28 September
A multi-day celebration of Buxton’s rich Georgian heritage, with a host of talks, tours, events, and exhibitions. Including 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.
Guided Tours:
Ilam Park Guided Walk: Literary Links and Legends of the White Peak
17 May
Explore the landscapes that inspired Jane Austen, Wordsworth, Byron, and more, on a guided walk from Ilam Park and uncover the connections between these iconic authors and the Peak District.
Literary Links and Legends Walk
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.
Stanage Edge: Austen & Bronte Walking Tour with Peak Walking Adventures
This classic walk from the Longshaw Estate near Hathersage combines nature, stunning scenery and two world-famous novels – Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre.
Peak Walking Adventures Guided Walk
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.
The Ultimate 2005 Pride and Prejudice Experience with Live for the Hills
A three-day experience allowing customers to visit and explore all the filming locations from the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
Regency-era accommodation, tours and attractions:
Buxton Crescent Hotel & Thermal Spa
A stay at the Buxton Crescent is the perfect opportunity to sleep in a magnificent Grade I listed Georgian building. As well as 81 luxury rooms in an historic setting, Buxton Crescent offers a luxury spa with 3 separate pools and a stylish restaurant where guests can enjoy modern cuisine and traditional afternoon tea.
Cromford Mills
Discover the captivating story of the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill and learn how the Derwent Valley became a cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century. The wider Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site includes Matlock Bath, Belper, Darley Abbey and Derby, with fascinating sites for visitors to explore.
Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak
Jane Austen is known to have visited nearby Dovedale, and the National Trust’s Ilam Park, and its spectacular White Peak surroundings, have inspired many other works of great literature over the centuries. This family-friendly destination is open year-round and is an ideal base for exploring the local area on foot.
Pickford’s House, Derby
Hidden amongst the historic buildings of Derby’s Friar Gate sits Pickford’s House, the professional showcase and family home of Georgian architect Joseph Pickford. Illustrating aspects of domestic life from the 18th to the 20th centuries, Pickford’s House shows the contrast between the master and the servant, and the grandeur of Georgian architecture. Nearby Derby Museum & Art Gallery has a wide collection of Royal Crown Derby.
Georgian Derby and Georgian Belper Tours
Join historian, Danielle Burton, on a two-hour tour of ‘Georgian Belper’ or ‘Georgian Derby’, filled with history and fun. Immerse yourself in the elegance of Georgian architecture as you explore beautiful buildings and the people connected to them.
Public tours run on most Fridays for Belper and Saturdays for Derby between March and October. Private tours available on request.
Georgian and Regency Photography Day with Chappers Photography
18 May
A historical photography workshop with Regency and Georgian period reenactors on location with Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust. The day will include a range of locations including the historic Assembly Rooms, Pump rooms and surrounding area using the unique architecture as a backdrop.
Workshop: Regency & Georgian Photography Workshop
Costumed Guided Tours with Discover Buxton
27 – 28 September
Your costumed guide will bring the stories of Georgian Buxton alive. Join Anne Lister, aka ‘Gentleman Jack’, for a promenade during the summer of 1825 as she discusses what she saw and did whilst in the town, or meet Anna Seward, a Georgian woman of Enlightenment who attended Buxton to take the waters on numerous occasions.
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.
For further information and inspiration on Jane Austen 250, go to https://austen250.co.uk/.
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