As seen on screen - a film lovers guide to the Peak District

With its medieval charm and untouched beauty, Haddon Hall has starred in numerous period dramas, including The Princess Bride, The Other Boleyn Girl, Mary Queen of Scots, and more recently, The King. Its atmospheric interiors and romantic exterior make it a favourite among filmmakers seeking an authentic historic backdrop. Remarkably, the Hall has remained under the ownership of the same family for over 900 years, and is filled with centuries-old tapestries, relics, and stories of folklore and witchcraft hidden in its walls. 
Film lovers can take part in private film tours, led by guides who are not only experts on the building but may have even appeared as extras in the films shot here — offering unique behind-the-scenes insights into Haddon’s cinematic past.

A cosy, chic hotel in the heart of the Peak District National Park and very close to Haddon Hall and Chatsworth House. Our restaurant has been awarded three AA rosettes and serves a delicious fine dining menu. The cosy bar with open fire is a very convivial place to meet for lunch, dinner or just for a drink - with its own menu of freshly cooked local food. Closed for accomodation on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Set beneath dramatic hills and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Castleton is one of the Peak District’s most iconic villages. Famous for its historic charm, boutique shops, and cosy pubs, it also boasts spectacular show caves like Peak Cavern, Blue John Cavern, and Speedwell Cavern — where underground boat rides and rare minerals await.
More recently, Castleton’s epic landscapes caught the eye of Hollywood, doubling as the Vale of Arryn in HBO’s House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones. The area’s wild beauty and moody peaks made it the perfect stand-in for this mythical setting. 
Eat at The Bull's Head in Castleton and enjoy their cosy atmosphere, locally sourced meals and unique ales.

Few scenes in British television are as unforgettable as Colin Firth’s iconic lake emergence in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice – and it all happened right here at Lyme Park. Nestled on the edge of the Peak District, this grand estate stood in for Mr Darcy’s Pemberley, forever linking its elegant façade and tranquil lake with one of TV’s most beloved moments.

Stay overnight at Buxton Crescent, a Grade I listed luxury spa hotel offering a ‘Bridgerton-esque’ escape in a historic building. Spend your evening enjoying the spa facilities before dinner in the stylish restaurant which offers elegant dining and modern British cuisine.

Just outside Hathersage, the windswept gritstone ridge of Stanage Edge is a favourite for climbers, walkers, and photographers alike. Its rugged cliffs and sweeping views make it one of the most iconic spots in the Peak District — and the perfect place for that unforgettable Instagram shot. 
Film fans will recognise the location from Pride & Prejudice (2005), where Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Bennett stands atop the rocks, lost in thought against the dramatic landscape. The now-famous “Keira Knightley Rock” captures the romantic isolation of the scene and draws visitors eager to recreate the cinematic moment.

Indulge in locally sourced meals with a deliciously modern twist. This 500-year-old coaching inn has many tales to tell. Believed to have been built at some point during the late-fourteenth or early-fifteenth century, The George certainly possesses a rich local history. and is believed to have been frequented by Charlotte Bronte.

With peaceful waters and a dramatic moorland backdrop, Ladybower Reservoir and the Upper Derwent Valley offer some of the most striking scenery in the Peak District. This iconic landscape has starred on the big screen in classics like The Dam Busters and action hits like Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation.
Walk or cycle along the reservoir’s scenic trails, take in views from Bamford Edge, or visit the Derwent Dam, where the famous 617 Squadron trained for their daring WWII mission. It's a must-see for history buffs, film fans and lovers of the great outdoors alike.

Situated in the beautiful Upper Derwent Valley The Yorkshire Bridge Inn is located just a short stroll from Ladybower Reservoir. Taking it’s name from the nearby bridge, the pub welcomes guests with its traditional country pub atmosphere and delicious locally-sourced food. .

Owned by the National Trust, Hardwick Hall is one of Derbyshire’s most striking historic houses. Instantly recognisable to Harry Potter fans, Hardwick Hall provided the dramatic exterior for Malfoy Manor in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, where visitors can follow in the footsteps of famous film icons.
The Hall and its beautiful grounds also featured in Mary Queen of Scots, standing in for Hampton Court Palace alongside Margot Robbie’s Queen Elizabeth I. Hardwick Hall is the perfect place to explore history, film, and heritage all in one memorable visit.

Stop in the towns of Chesterfield or Ashbourne on your route to Ilam Hall and discover independent eateries serving seasonal food.

Most notably featured as the formidable Lowood School in the BBC’s acclaimed 2006 adaptation of Jane Eyre, Ilam Hall provided the atmospheric backdrop to the early, harrowing chapters of Charlotte Brontë’s beloved novel.
Managed by the National Trust and operating as a youth hostel, Ilam Hall welcomes modern-day travellers seeking history, beauty, with literary and cinematic legend. Follow in the footsteps of heroes and history in Dovedale Valley, one of the Peak District’s most iconic landscapes. 
Featured in Ridley Scott’s 2010 epic Robin Hood, starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett, Dovedale’s dramatic limestone cliffs, ancient woodlands, and moss-covered trees create a natural stage worthy of legend.

Just a short distance from Derby, the grand Kedleston Hall is one of the region’s most impressive stately homes – and another shining star of the silver screen. This spectacular 18th-century mansion, cared for by the National Trust, provided the stunning backdrop for The Duchess (2008), starring Keira Knightley as the glamorous and spirited Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire.
Built to impress, from its sweeping marble hall and ornate ceilings to the elegant parkland that surrounds it, this magnificent house tells a story of Georgian splendour.

Also owned by the National Trust, Sudbury Hall is a true gem of 17th-century architecture – and a must-see for film and period-drama fans alike. The Hall’s beautiful interiors famously appeared in the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice (1995), doubling as the grand rooms of Pemberley, Mr. Darcy’s impressive estate.

Stay overnight in Derby - Leonardo Hotel, or Holiday Inn Derby - Riverlights. Both offering a central location and easy access to transport links.
The Bar and Grill at Leonardo's offers delicious breakfast and dinner.

Before you return home don’t miss a trip to Calke Abbey.  Calke Abbey stars in the brand new Peaky Blinders film, 'The Immortal Man' with iconic scenes filmed throughout the house and estate. 
Visitors can explore Calke’s on-screen transformation with new walking routes, behind-the-scenes displays inside the house, and interpretation across the Stableyards revealing movie magic in action.