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Classic Jane Austen enthusiast or captivated by Regency-era Bridgerton?
Step forth into the ballroom, promenade in period finery, or relive historical adventures – read on for some ton-tastic days out in Hampshire inspired by all things Austen.
For shopping and lunching: Winchester
Centred around its iconic Cathedral, a stroll around historic Winchester can feel like stepping back in time and it’s the perfect place to promenade and admire the exquisite architecture at every turn. Austen fans should look out for the plaque at the house on College Street where Jane Austen died and visit her grave inside Winchester Cathedral.
Whilst you might not be looking to purchase a corset or ballgown, Winchester is a wonderful shopping destination with independent shops like The Consortium and The Hambledon dotted between High Street favourites.
When you’ve shopped until you’re ready to drop, retire for lunch or afternoon tea at The Ivy Winchester Brasserie on the High Street or 17th-century Lainston House just out of town.
For Regency fashion: Dress Up Day at Jane Austen's House or Experience Hampshire’s Jane Austen costume experience at Hampshire Wardrobe
Step out in Regency finery with Dress Up Day at Jane Austen's House on 13 July 2024, with walks around the village and photo opportunities in the pretty cottage garden.
Or, gather your friends for Experience Hampshire’s Jane Austen and Regency costume experience at the Hampshire Wardrobe near Winchester, enabling you to delve into the Hampshire Cultural Trust’s Regency textile archives with the help of a Jane Austen expert and curator.
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For families: Jane Austen’s House
Naturally, the home of the prestigious author, where she lived whilst writing her famous novels, is a must-visit for all Austen aficionados.
Jane Austen’s House also makes for a super family day out with a dedicated family fun area where younger visitors can get creative with Regency letter writing, miniature self-portraits, and dressing up.
There’s also a family trail inside the house, and traditional garden games and picnic tables in the pretty garden. Jane Austen’s House also runs special family events throughout the year.
Find out more about Jane Austen’s House
For readers and writers: Chawton House
A visit to Jane Austen’s House can be combined with a trip to see Chawton House. The Elizabethean manor house that belonged to Jane’s brother Edward, is now the Chawton House Library which celebrates early women writers.
Visitors can see first editions of Austen’s works as well as works by Mary Wolsetencraft, Mary Astell, George Elliot, and many more. The Jane Austen Garden Trail can be found in the grounds featuring quotations from Jane’s writings.
Find out more about Chawton House
For walkers: Jane Austen circular walk, Chawton
For those wanting to follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen, the 4.5-mile Jane Austen circular walk begins at Jane Austen's House in Chawton and goes through the fields and beautiful countryside that inspired her.
See Jane Austen’s House Museum, Chawton House, St. Nicholas’ Church, Chawton and All Saints’ Church, Farringdon along the way and finish with some refreshments at Cassandra’s Cup tea room or The Greyfriar pub.
Find out more about Jane Austen walks and trails in Hampshire
For cyclists: The Writers’ Way, South Downs
The Writers’ Way is a 17-mile trail linking Alton to surrounding villages through some beautiful countryside of the South Downs: it is open to walkers, cyclists, and horse-riders.
The route is named after several famous authors who are closely connected to the countryside in this part of Hampshire, including of course, Jane Austen. The trail goes through Chawton, passing Jane Austen’s House and on to Selbourne (home of natural history pioneer Gilbert White) and Farnham, the birthplace of William Cobbett.
The route can be shortened to 12 or 8 miles, incorporate a return to Alton using The Watercress Line steam railway, or extended to 40 miles with the Writers’ Connection and Meon Valley route.
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For the intrepid: Beaulieu River
One of Jane Austen’s brothers was a Royal Navy captain, and Jane, and her sister Cassandra, often visited the New Forest and took boat rides up the Beaulieu River to watch the ships being built at Buckler’s Hard.
Throughout the summer months, visitors can take a cruise on the Beaulieu River as Jane and her sister would have done.
Those looking for adventure, can explore the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve on canoe or kayak with New Forest Activities.
Find out more about Jane Austen in Hampshire
Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary in 2025
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Related
Jane Austen’s House in the picturesque Hampshire village of Chawton is one of the most important literary sites in the world. It was in this inspiring cottage that Jane Austen’s genius flourished and where she wrote, revised, and had published all six of her globally beloved novels.
Join Jane Austen's House for their popular annual Dress Up Day! On this special Saturday, they'd love you to join them by dressing up in your finest Regency outfits!
Chawton House was owned by Jane Austen’s brother Edward, and known to her as ‘the Great House’. Jane lived in a cottage on his estate and would stroll up to ‘dawdle away’ many an hour in the grand Elizabethan manor and its picturesque gardens.
A 4.5-mile circular walk in the heart of Jane Austen country. Start at Jane Austen's House in Chawton and follow in her footsteps across fields and through the village of Farringdon. Jane was inspired by this beautiful countryside to write and revise all her novels.
The Writers’ Way is a 13 mile trail linking Alton to surrounding villages through some beautiful countryside; it is open to walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. The route uses a mixture of paths and rural lanes with generally gentle gradients, at times on age-old sunken tracks and at others on paths over open farmland or through woodland.
Escape to the beauty spot of Buckler’s Hard, where history and stunning scenery come together for an unforgettable trip out in the New Forest countryside. Once a bustling shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built, the charming village of Buckler’s Hard now a peaceful haven. Relax with a cuppa and a slice of cake, take a ramble beside the Beaulieu River, or delve into the village’s history in the Buckler’s Hard Museum.
Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, one of Southern England's most historic buildings, Winchester Cathedral boasts centuries of English heritage, magnificent architecture, priceless treasures and works of art.
