Step into ‘Pride & Prejudice’ with Lyme’s fun-filled Jane Austen anniversary programme

Step into the pages of Austen’s Pride & Prejudice and the bucolic world of the TV adaptation that introduced it to a new generation. This self-guided experience invites visitors to explore Lyme as the real-life Pemberley, the grand estate of Mr. Darcy, and reconnect with the story on location.

Discover viewpoints in the house where key scenes were filmed, before heading to the Regency dressing room to channel your inner Elizabeth Bennet or Mr Darcy. Out in the picturesque gardens, you can recreate your favourite scenes dressed in elaborate period costumes.

Please note: The house is closed on Wednesdays, though the garden remains open daily.

On Wed 10 Sep, Lyme’s historic chapel invites visitors to revel in soaring chamber music amidst breathtaking grounds and storied architecture with a specially themed concert by the renowned Manchester Reed Trio.

With a programme featuring timelessly entrancing compositions that each recognise Lyme’s role as Pemberley, the internationally acclaimed RNCM alumnae bring together oboe, clarinet and bassoon for a performance to delight all ages and tastes.

Led by knowledgeable volunteers, this 2-mile (3.2km) experience offers an access-all-areas tour of the series’ best-known filming locations, including ‘Darcy’s Pond’ – rarely open at this time of year – as well as a visit to the Italian Garden, the stage for one of the show’s most recognisable scenes.

The walk covers some uneven terrain and lasts around two hours, so sturdy footwear is advised.

For a more accessible journey through the romance of Pemberley, this step-free guided walk provides a gentle trail around the same areas with an accessible route at a more relaxed pace. Although the circuit avoids steps, visitors should be prepared for inclines and natural paths.

This walk lasts around 45 minutes.

Celebrate Lyme’s Pride & Prejudice season with a delightfully decadent Regency afternoon tea served in the atmospheric surroundings of the Servants’ Hall.

Guests are welcomed with a sparkling glass of elderflower fizz before enjoying a tiered selection of sandwiches, delicate pastries, scones and freshly brewed tea or coffee in a setting that evokes the refined opulence of Austen’s high-society story.

Tables can be booked for groups of different sizes, with deposits securing your place and the balance payable on the day. Availability is limited, and where smaller tables sell out, larger settings may be reserved for couples or smaller parties.

On Thu 25 Sep, Lyme opens its doors after hours for a spellbinding evening of chamber music in which the Artaria Quartet bring Pemberley to life amidst flickering candlelight in the grand Saloon.

Promising a performance to captivate classical enthusiasts and music-lovers of all tastes, the quartet deliver an intimate concert experience featuring violins, viola and cello as soaring melodies echo through the house’s centuries-old walls.

Each ticket includes a welcome glass of prosecco or a soft drink, with arrivals from 6pm before the performance begins at 6.30pm.

Venture back in time with Lyme’s one-off day of festivities in celebration of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday on Sun 28 Sep.

Packed with author talks, live dancing demonstrations, book stalls, surprise pop-ups and heaps of well-mannered frivolity, this birthday party with a Regency twist invites you to prepare your bonnets, dust off your dancing slippers and join Lyme to honour one of English literature’s most beloved authors, in partnership with Serenity Books.

Fancy dress highly encouraged. Click below to join Serenity Books’ mailing list for updates on ticket releases and featured guests.