The UK has a long history of world-leading literature. Few British authors, however, have captured the hearts and minds of readers around the world as profoundly as the much-loved Jane Austen, in light of her 250th birthday, with numerous tribute events taking place throughout England.
Her tales of love and social mores transport readers into a world that has been lost to timeāand teach us some important lessons in the process. Full of whimsical characters, her stories will enlighten and entertain readers for generations to come.
Here are some of the stunning locations that have become a part of her legacy. If you’re a Jane Austen fan in the UK, you can’t afford to miss out on these fantastic locations – take a look below.
Where to follow in Jane Austen’s footsteps in Britain? At a glance:
- Chawton Cottage & Jane Austen’s House Museum, Hampshire
- Chawton House, Hampshire
- Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire
- Bath & the Jane Austen Centre, Somerset
- Southampton, Hampshire
- Bath, Derbyshire, Surrey and beyond
Chawton Cottage & Jane Austen’s House Museum, Hampshire
Nestled in the village of Chawton, Hampshire, this 17th-century cottage was Jane Austenās final and most productive home, where she revised and completed many of her significant works, including Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility.
Today, the cottage stands as Jane Austenās House Museum, a beautifully preserved Grade I listed site, a rare glimpse into her domestic life. Inside, youāll find her original writing table, personal letters, jewellery, and first editions. The museum regularly hosts recitals, immersive exhibitions, and creative writing workshops.
Chawton House, Hampshire
Just a short stroll from the cottage lies Chawton House, the grand Elizabethan manor that once belonged to Austenās brother, Edward Knight. Known to Jane as the āGreat House,ā it is now home to a significant research centre dedicated to early womenās writing.
Explore the manorās extensive library, filled with rare literary works by female authors from the 1600s onward. The estate also features lovingly restored walled gardens, parklands, and trails that echo the Regency-era landscapes Austen described in her novels.
Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire
Jane Austen spent her final days in the historic city of Winchester, where she moved in 1817 to seek medical treatment. Though her life was tragically cut short at just 41, she was laid to rest with honour in Winchester Cathedral, where her tomb remains a place of pilgrimage.
Her final residence, No. 8 College Street, is now privately owned but is often open to the public during the summer months.
Bath & the Jane Austen Centre, Somerset
From 1801 to 1806, Jane Austen lived in Bath, the fashionable spa town that left an indelible mark on her writing. Bathās social circles and architecture provided the inspiration for Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.
The Jane Austen Centre, located in a Georgian townhouse similar to the one she lived in, is a charming tribute to her time there. The centre features interactive exhibits, period costumes, films, and even a lifelike wax figure of Austen. Here, enjoy guided walks, themed tea rooms, and attend the Jane Austen Festival, where hundreds don Regency attire to promenade through the city each September.
Southampton, Hampshire
Before settling in Chawton, Austen lived in Southampton, a bustling port town that still bears the imprint of her presence. The Jane Austen Heritage Trail leads visitors through eight historically significant locations associated with her time in the city, including the Dolphin Hotel and the Austen family home site.
Local museums, such as Sea City, also feature exhibitions that explore Southamptonās Georgian history and Jane Austenās brief but formative stay.
Bath, Derbyshire, Surrey and beyond
Visit Box Hill, where Emmaās famous picnic scene unfolds, or Chatsworth House, widely believed to be the inspiration for Pemberley and featured in many Pride and Prejudice adaptations.
Picturesque villages like Lacock and grand estates such as Stoneleigh Abbey and The Vyne also connect to Austenās extended family and film heritage. All these scenic destinations are highlighted on the Jane Austen 250th Anniversary Trail.
Prepare to see ‘Jane Austen’s England’ on your next fantastic trip to Britain, or further your discoveries with a London tour.
