There are infinite ways to slice the experience of England, 2025 was the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, an itinerary that follows in the footsteps of the revered English writer just might be one of the best. It’s a good time to focus on Jane Austen because there’s a special emphasis on her this year, and many special events are being organized around her anniversary.
You can follow a path through all the towns and villages and see the countryside that inspired Jane Austen. In some cases, you can go inside the places that were parts of her life. Here are some of the ways you can dive deeper in. Check the links to find out what is currently available.
Jane Austen Trail: This trail traces her life from birth to death, including places such as Winchester, Steventon, Southampton and Portsmouth, as well as the Jane Austen House, Chawton House and Winchester Cathedral. Visit www.visitwinchester.co.uk/business-directory/jane-austen-trail.
Great West Way Jane Austen Journey: This Great West Way Journey explores places Austen lived or visited that are near the Great West Way. Visit www.greatwestway.co.uk/plan-your-way/recommendations/follow-in-jane-austen’s-footsteps.
Explore Jane Austen’s Winchester: The City of Winchester is offering a year-long series of Austen celebrations and activities, including trails, events and exhibitions, including a group walk exploring Jane Austen’s Winchester. Visitors can now step inside the house in Winchester’s College Street, where Austen spent her final days. Visit www.visitwinchester.co.uk/hampshire-celebrates-250-years-of-jane-austen.
Jane Austen’s House: Austen’s home when she wrote and published all six of her novels is now available for visits, with a new, permanent exhibition and a series of events. Visit www.janeaustens.house.
Chawton House: The manor house where Jane Austen lived in her later years is now open for visitors. Visit www.chawtonhouse.org.
Winchester Cathedral: The great Winchester Cathedral, where Austen was buried, welcomes visitors and groups. Visit www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk.
Experience Jane Austen’s Southampton: Austen’s experiences in Southampton can be explored in a variety of ways through attractions and events that honor Jane Austen. Visit www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/blog/jane-austen’s-250.
Escape to Jane Austen’s Reading: Austen attended the Reading Ladies Boarding School for 18 months, from summer 1785 to December 1786, when she was about 9 or 10 years old. Reading offers talks, tours, displays, special events and activities. Visit www.readingmuseum.org.uk/visit/group-visits.
The National Trust’s Basildon Park: This became Netherfield, the house of Mr. Bingley in the 2005 film of “Pride & Prejudice” starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. The 18th-century house and estate, Basildon Park, is located just outside Reading and has a special exhibition. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/basildon-park.
Jane Austen Afternoon Tea: Roseate Hotel next to Austen’s former home is an opulent and spectacular place offering a luxurious Jane Austen-themed afternoon tea. Visit www.roseatehotels.com.
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