Day 22 – Jane Austen and Lacock Abbey

Today we headed off to Luckington in the search of Luckington Court which was used in filming as part of the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice series.  If you have watched this series you will know this as the Bennett’s house Longbourn. On the way there, we took the scenic route and came across Malmesbury, it was such a lovely looking town we had to stop and look around. We had a cup of tea in the cake shop before wandering down the street. We stopped in a few shops along the way.  The Abbey here is stunning and so large.  It is smaller than originally built as you can see where big sections have been ‘lost’ over the 100’s of years, but what remains is well preserved.  The graveyard is well looked after and so many locals sat in in whilst having their lunches. We didn’t get to go into the Abbey Gardens, but since have found out they are known as the ‘naked gardens’ !!!

Luckington Court

After a couple of hours we continued on to Luckington.  We thought we were only going to get a drive by photo of Luckington Court, but discovered a walking path along the back of the property. We parked the car and went for a walk down the walking trail in hope of getting a few photos.  A lot of photos eventuated, taken over the hedges surrounding the back of the property. Then to our surprise we were able to go through the church that also was used in filming, then along the side of the property.  Also the gates were open so a few long distance shots were taken. http://www.luckingtoncourtevents.co.uk/  

Luckington Church

Lacock Abbey

After our photoshoot, we then continued to Lacock.  Lacock is a town and abbey which are owned by National Trust, in 1944, Matilda Talbot the then owner donated the whole estate and town to the National Trust for future preservation. We went for a walk around the town and took photos. It is such a shame there are so many cars parked as you couldn’t get full photos of the buildings.  The town of Lacock has been used in many TV shows and movies. Notably it is Meryton in Pride and Prejudice and also in the series Cranford. Some parts were also used in some of the Harry Potter movies. We had lunch at The Red Lion. I got to pat a white boxer and was covered in slop there while we waited for our food. Once we ate we went to the Abbey and spent a few hours there until closing time.  http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock/

Lacock Abbey

Cloisters

Corridors used in Harry Potter

Random rooms in the Abbey house

Random rooms in the Abbey house

Lacock the village