The Peak District makes the perfect setting for many popular movies and tv shows, with its rolling hills and dramatic moorlands. Accessible from Norwich by train, it is a beautiful place to visit in the autumnal season! 

Chatsworth House 

Chatsworth House, located in the heart of the Peak District, makes the perfect backdrop for the 2005 film adaption of Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfayden as Mr. Darcy. 

Chatsworth is portrayed as Pemberley, the home of Mr. Darcy. The estate has been home to seventeen generations of the Devonshire family, with over 25 rooms including the Painted Hall and Sculpture Gallery. It also features a 150-acre garden, famous for its impressive waterworks and Victorian rock garden. In the film, Elizabeth Bennet explores the property and admires its sculptures, including the one of Mr. Darcy himself. This is a significant moment in the film as she reflects upon her feelings for him. It is believed that Jane Austen based Pemberley on Chatsworth House as she was staying in Bakewell, just six miles away, when she wrote Pride and Prejudice. In the novel, she even mentions Chatsworth as one of the estates Elizabeth Bennet visits with her aunt and uncle before arriving at Mr. Darcy’s home. 

Stanage Edge 

The use of the Peak District in Pride and Prejudice doesn’t stop there, as Stanage Edge was also used in a memorable scene where Elizabeth Bennet stands alone and gazes out at the landscape. This famous location provides stunning views of the Dark Peak moorlands and the Hope Valley. It is formed from Millstone Grit, a coarse-grained sandstone which creates ideal rock-climbing conditions. It is also accessible by walking, although it is considered a moderately challenging route. However, the views at the top are well worth the effort. 

Castleton 

Castleton is a beautiful village located in the heart of the Peak District. Founded in 1086, the village is popular for its show caves, history and scenic walking paths. The Game of Thrones prequel series House of Dragon (2022) used this location as a filming site, with nearby villagers reporting that they had seen plenty of crew as well as famous actor (and UEA graduate!) Matt Smith. Much of the filming took place near Cave Dale, a dry limestone valley formed by glacial meltwater. There are four caves to explore at Castleton, which are accessible by guided tour. 

Haddon Hall 

Haddon Hall has featured in several films and TV shows, renowned for being one of the most significant and oldest heritage destinations in the country. This Tudor manor has 

900 years of history, with an impressive tapestry collection, early English furniture collection and Elizabethan Walled Gardens. Haddon was used as a stand-in for Hampton Court Palace in the high-profile production Mary Queen of Scots (2018), starring Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan. Location manager Pat Karam described the house as his favourite location used for the film. As one of the most popular film locations in the country, Haddon Hall has also starred in three film versions of the famous novel Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice (2005), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) and The Princess Bride (1987). 

Chrome Hill 

Chrome Hill is a limestone reef knoll and one of the most distinct and recognisable hills in the Peak District. Formed around 340 million years ago, there are several routes around this popular hiking area to explore. Fans of Peaky Blinders were quick to recognise Chrome Hill in the final scenes of season 6, the last episode of the whole series. The main character, Thomas Shelby, overlooks the landmark which was chosen for its spectacular views. Head of production David Mason noted that the location presented some challenges to get all the equipment to the top of the rugged hill, but the views made it worthwhile. Chrome Hill is part of a feature named the ‘Dragon’s Back’, for its distinctive shape which is also formed by Parkhouse Hill. 

Cities neighbouring the Peak District have regular intercity rail services which connect to destinations across the country, such as Norwich. Travellers from Norwich can reach Sheffield or Manchester by train and connect to locations in the Peak District from there. The Hope Valley Line between Manchester and Sheffield gives direct access, with stations such as Grindleford, Hathersage, Bamford, Hope and Edale, all villages located within the Peak District National Park. 

Photo Credit: Chrome Hill by Peter Bar on Wikimedia Commons