A Fresh Take on a Classic World, Filmed in the Heart of Wales
Jane Austen fans and travel enthusiasts have a new destination to add to their bucket lists. The BBC has announced that its highly anticipated new series, ‘The Other Bennet Sister,’ will prominently feature the stunning landscapes of Wales, serving as the backdrop for a story set in the world of ‘Pride and Prejudice.’ The series, which reimagines the life of Mary Bennet, is set to premiere on BBC One on March 15, 2026, but the reveal of its filming locations is already generating buzz for Welsh tourism.
While the story unfolds in settings like England’s famed Lake District, the production team found the perfect scenery across the border in Wales. This highlights the country’s remarkable versatility in doubling for other iconic British locations, showcasing its own unique charm in the process.
Discover the Real-Life filming locations
The production has confirmed several key sites that will be featured in the series, offering a new travel itinerary for fans of period dramas.
Brecon Beacons National Park
The sweeping, dramatic landscapes of the Brecon Beacons were used to represent the majestic scenery of the Lake District. Known for its rolling green hills, vast moorlands, and tranquil reservoirs, this national park provides the romantic, untamed backdrop essential to any Austen-esque tale.
Dyffryn House and Gardens
Located in the Vale of Glamorgan, this magnificent Edwardian house and its Grade I listed gardens will provide the setting for elegant homes and social gatherings in the series. The meticulously restored interiors and sprawling, themed gardens offer a glimpse into the opulent world the Bennet sisters navigate.
Llancaiach Fawr Manor
This 16th-century manor in Caerphilly, perfectly preserved as a living history museum, adds a layer of authentic historical grandeur. Its stone walls and period-accurate furnishings make it an ideal stand-in for the historic estates featured in the story.
Ella Bruccoleri, who takes on the lead role of Mary Bennet, was captivated by the filming locations. “The Welsh countryside is just breathtaking,” she commented. “The landscapes became a character in themselves, adding so much depth and beauty to the story we were telling.”
The Growing Trend of ‘Set-Jetting’ and Its Potential Impact on Wales
The decision to film in Wales is poised to have a significant impact on the country’s tourism industry, tapping into the powerful global trend of “set-jetting”—where tourists travel to visit locations seen in films and television series.
Background: The Power of the Screen
Film-induced tourism is a major driver for the UK travel industry. Past productions have demonstrated a clear link between on-screen exposure and visitor numbers. The ‘Harry Potter’ series continues to draw fans to locations like Alnwick Castle and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, while ‘Game of Thrones’ transformed tourism in Northern Ireland. More recently, series like ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘The Crown’ have renewed interest in Britain’s stately homes and historic cities.
According to data from VisitBritain, screen tourism is estimated to be worth around £700 million to the UK economy annually, with studies showing that nearly a third of inbound tourists are inspired to visit a location after seeing it on screen. The enduring global appeal of Jane Austen adaptations, in particular, has long fueled tourism to heritage sites across England. By hosting this new chapter in the Austen universe, Wales is positioning itself to capture a significant portion of this dedicated fanbase.
Future Outlook: A New Spotlight on Wales
‘The Other Bennet Sister’ is expected to do for Wales what ‘Outlander’ did for the Scottish Highlands. The series will introduce a global audience to the nation’s diverse offerings, from its wild national parks to its pristine historic manors. This exposure is likely to translate into a tangible increase in visitor numbers following the show’s 2026 premiere. Local tour operators may develop specialized tours, and heritage sites like Dyffryn House and Llancaiach Fawr Manor can anticipate a surge in interest from fans eager to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters.
As the premiere approaches, Wales is set not just to play a role, but to become a star in its own right, inviting a new generation of travelers to discover the landscapes that brought the world of ‘The Other Bennet Sister’ to life.
