Retracing Jane Austen’s footsteps across England

More than two centuries since the publication of her first novel, Jane Austen (1775–1817) is as relevant as ever. Her name lives on through podcasts, memes and fan clubs, her characters remain beloved, and her stories are continually reimagined on screen, fuelling global conversations with each new adaptation. The literary legend – who could only sign that debut work Sense and Sensibility “By a Lady” in 1811 – could scarcely have imagined such widespread or lasting fame.

This year, to celebrate what would have been her 250th birthday, Austen fever is reaching new heights. Across the UK, a rich programme of events and exhibitions invites fans to engage with her legacy while discovering some of the country’s most charming and historic settings. We journey to explore them firsthand.  

Realm of romance: Bath

“Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath ?” exclaimed one of Austen’s heroines about this spa city. A Unesco World Heritage site renowned for its Roman archaeology and Georgian architecture, Bath is a location that frequently appears in Austen’s novels, and the city hosts a lively Jane Austen Festival every September.

Dressed in Regency-inspired attire, guide Theresa Roche leads us on a time-travelling tour of the town. First stop: The Pump Room , a Regency-era “matchmaking” hotspot and key setting in both Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. During her Bath years, Austen received a marriage proposal – only to decline it the next day. Not that Roche dwells too heavily on this: “Most visitors come seeking the English romance from her books. I won’t shatter their fantasies!”

After taking in the Royal Crescent and The Circus, two magnificent parades of imposing, Grade I-listed Georgian townhouses, we arrive at Gay Street, where Austen once lived. The street is now home to The Jane Austen Centre , which offers period costume photo ops – including the chance to pose with Mr Darcy himself.

Cradle of genius: Steventon

Wind back the clock 250 years during your visit with a visit to Austen’s birthplace. Steventon is a picture-perfect village in Hampshire , a 90-minute drive from London. This month, it hosts the Jane Austen Regency Country Fair, complete with traditional dances, arts and crafts, and themed talks.

Although Austen’s childhood home in Steventon no longer stands, St Nicholas Church, where she regularly attended the sermons of her clergyman father, remains virtually unchanged. Beneath a vaulted ceiling, weathered prayer benches whisper stories of centuries past, creating an atmosphere that’s both rustic and inviting. Stepping outside, we walk the same muddy paths Austen once perambulated, taking in the idyllic countryside views that shaped her imagination.

This July, an exhibition of works by local artists will be held at St Nicholas, paying tribute to Austen’s enduring legacy.

Literary landmark: Chawton

It’s the ultimate pilgrimage site: Jane Austen’s House in Chawton , where the author lived for eight years and completed some of her greatest works. Now a museum, it displays hundreds of precious items belonging to Austen and her family, from letters to jewellery. Enter the drawing room where she first read Pride and Prejudice aloud and see the modest parlour-room writing desk where she sat to write such immortal classics as Mansfield Park, Emma and Persuasion.

To mark the author’s 250th anniversary, the museum is hosting a year-long programme of festivities, which director Lizzie Dunford expects will draw visitors from far and wide. On the day of our visit, we encounter a diverse cohort of fans, or “Janeites”, from around the globe, including travellers from South Africa who’ve made the trip specially for the occasion. There’s a good reason for Austen’s enduring popularity, says Dunford: “Her works deeply resonate with readers. Her characters are so real; they have a timelessness.”

Sombre epilogue: Winchester

Winchester is a city steeped in history and charm, but tracing the writer’s final footsteps here marks a poignant chapter in any Austen-themed journey. She arrived in 1817 to receive treatment for an illness, but died on 18 July while staying at 8 College Street. This summer, for the first time, the house opens to the public, featuring exhibits that guide you through Austen’s final days, during which she was lovingly cared for by her devoted sister, Cassandra.

Afterwards, pay your respects at nearby Winchester Cathedral , Austen’s resting place. To mark her 250th birthday, a statue of the author will be displayed outside the cathedral from 16 October, with a handwritten poem also on display until 19 October. Austen’s brief 41 years produced just six novels, yet they have inspired countless readers. She once wrote: “Indulge your imagination in every possible flight.” A timeless invitation to guide your own life’s journey.

Getting there

Bath and Winchester can be reached from London directly by train. Chawton and Steventon are each about 25km from Winchester and are best reached by a taxi or ride-hailing service in a journey of about 30 minutes.

Unmissable celebrations

Jane Austen Summer Festival of Emma

This celebration at Austen’s former home shines a spotlight on Emma, a novel often described as the author’s “perfect” summer story. The festival includes themed talks, garden readings and creative workshops.

12–20 July

The Jane Austen Festival

Bath’s annual festival features guided tours, costume balls, theatrical performances and themed lectures. Participants dressed in period attire parade through the city’s elegant streets.

12–21 September

Yuletide Jane Austen Birthday Ball

Concluding a year of celebrations, this grand event takes place at The Pump Room in Bath in December, on the Saturday before Austen’s birthday. Regency-style dress is required.

13 December

Where to stay

The Bird

In the centre of Bath, boutique hotel The Bird boasts a decor that’s in keeping with its name: charming bird motifs appear on the walls and furnishings throughout the property, creating an English country garden atmosphere.

The Old Vine Hotel

Near Winchester Cathedral, The Old Vine hotel features a ground-floor pub where you’ll collect your room key from the bartender then discover surprisingly spacious, luxurious rooms upstairs. Don’t miss the authentic pub fare.