Day 1 – Start with a visit to Jane Austen’s birthplace at the Old Rectory in Steventon, where she lived the first 25 years of her life and where she created the first drafts of three of her published books. A giant lime tree planted by Austen’s brother, James, is all that remains in the spot where the rectory once stood, however you can visit St Nicholas Church, where Jane was baptised and where her father preached. A guided tour can be arranged.
Continue to the town of Reading, where Jane was schooled for 2 years from the age of 9 years old. The Reading Ladies Boarding School became her home, as well as for her elder sister Cassandra and cousin Jane. Located in the Reading’s Abbey Quarter, the school is thought to be the inspiration for Mr Goddard’s School in Emma.
Day 2 – Begin with a visit to Chawton and Jane Austen’s House. She lived in this picturesque cottage for the last 8 years of her life, and it is where she wrote and revised all six of her novels. Today, this museum celebrates her life, works and legacy.
In the afternoon continue the short distance to Chawton House, once owned by Jane’s brother, Edward, and known to her as ‘the Great House’. There are Austen heirlooms on display, as well as an impressive collection of early women’s writing to be discovered in the library, which houses first and early editions, original manuscripts, and paintings.
Continue onto the city of Winchester where she passed and is buried. Visit the historic Cathedral which has welcomed visitors for over 900 years, and view Jane’s burial site. A guided tour is highly recommended.
Day 3 – Enjoy a day in the beautiful Georgian city of Bath, where Jane lived for 5 years, seeing firsthand the strict social structures that became a theme throughout her work. Here, follow in the footsteps of her and many of her characters, with both Northanger Abbey and Persuasion being set here. Visit the Assembly Rooms which were part of the fashionable 18th century society life, as well as the Jane Austen Centre and Exhibition which offers a snapshot of her life in the Regency city.
The Pump Room and Roman Baths are a must for visitors. Featuring in her novels, it would have been frequented by Jane during her time living in the city. An afternoon tea here is highly recommended, as is a walking tour to gain a better understanding of the city Jane would have known.
This region has much to offer visitors outside of the Jane Austen theme, from historic castles, exceptional gardens, world renowned gin distilleries, maritime history and cities such as Bristol and Salisbury. Also in this area, it is possible to include a visit the standing stones of Avebury, as well as the iconic Stonehenge.
