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Celebrating 250 Years of Jane Austen

Celebrate 250 Years of Jane Austen as you Follow in the Author's Footsteps along the Great West Way

This suggested itinerary takes visitors on a Great West Way journey to celebrate one of the most famous, and quintessentially English novelists of all time, Jane Austen (1775-1817). 2025 marks 250 years since this remarkable author was born and throughout her life she lived, travelled and visited destinations along or within easy reach of the Great West Way. Many of these locations inspired the authors work and have been brought to life in film and tv adaptations of her books. Today, visitors can follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen to explore the route for themselves. Its starts in Bath but could be travelled from West to East, starting in London if required.

Day 1:

Where better to start than in the World Heritage City of Bath and a visit to the Jane Austen Centre. It offers a snapshot of life during Regency times and explores how living in this magnificent city affected Jane Austen’s life and writing. The famous costumed guides take visitors on an entertaining and educational journey. They can dress up using their extensive collection of dresses, bonnets and coats or have a go writing with a quill pen and ink

Stop for lunch at The Pump Rooms and if time allows visit The Roman Baths where the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex on the site of Britain’s only hot spring, which still flows with natural hot water today.

In the afternoon explore the city with Bath Curious Strolls where costumed guides recount tales of the fashionable gentry and low life of former times, seen through the eyes of former residents and visitors. Walk through streets and alleyways admiring the magnificent Georgan architecture, across tranquil parks and around unique Crescents to hear about hidden histories which will surprise and delight. Why not join in wearing a costume of your choice to add to the authenticity?

Enjoy the Hop on with Jane Austen bus and walking Tootbus tour, with unlimited hop-on hop-off access across two bus routes, exploring iconic landmarks like the Royal Crescent and Roman Baths at your leisure. This open-top bus tour brings to life the locations that inspired Jane Austen’s timeless novels with audio guides available in 10 languages and breathtaking views of Georgian architecture, paired with the captivating Pride & Promenade Tootwalk.

Or take a tour with In and Beyond Bath who offer day tours encompassing Cotswolds, Lacock, and Bath. Take inspiration from Jane Austen's novels when you embark on an enchanting journey to unearth the essence of authentic England. Their unique tours encapsulate the importance of slow travel along the Great West Way whilst offering an intimate exploration that marries iconic landmarks with untouched treasures, revealing the soul of quintessential England.

Overnight: Hampton by Hilton Bath City or The Manor House in Castle Combe

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Day 2:

Explore the market town of Bradford on Avon.

Have morning refreshments at The Bridge Tea Rooms – with waitresses in costume and delightfully delicious tea and cakes!

Travel a short distance to Trowbridge to visit Parade House, a beautifully furnished Grade 1 Listed Georgian Townhouse. Pre-booked visits include a tour of the Regency themed rooms and a ‘Bridgerton style afternoon tea experience' in the Ballroom. Requested experiences include costumed performances by the Jane Austen Dancers of Bath and Georgian or Regency costume hire for visitors.

In the afternoon detour off the route to visit National Trust’s Stourhead House & Gardens, a breathtaking 18th century landscape garden and Palladian mansion with lakeside walks, grottoes and classical temples. It was also the filming location for the Pride & Prejudice adaptation (2005), where Darcy made his first unsuccessful proposal to Elizabeth at the folly - Temple of Apollo - in the pouring rain.

Overnight: The Old Bell Hotel, Warminster

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Day 3:

Detour off the route to Winchester, Hampshire, to visit Winchester Cathedral – the final resting place of Jane Austen. Jane is buried in the north nave aisle of Winchester Cathedral under a memorial stone, which mentions ‘the extraordinary endowments of her mind’ but which fails to pay tribute to her extraordinary achievements as a novelist. To celebrate the anniversary a new life-size outdoor memorial statue is being made.

Journey onto Chawton, near Alton, where from 1809-1817 Jane lived. Jane's brother owned Chawton House, but offered Jane, her sister and mother a house in Chawton Village, now known as Jane Austen's House. It was here that Jane revised previous drafts of Sense & Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice and Northanger Abbey and created Mansfield Park, Emma, and Persuasion. The library, house and gardens are open for visitors to saunter through the grounds, see Austen heirlooms, such as the dining table at which Jane would have enjoyed family meals, and explore the extensive collection of early women’s writing.

In a quiet corner of the Hampshire countyside is the village of Steventon. This is where Jane Austen was born and where she spent her childhood. In 1823, 5 years after Jane’s death, the Austen’s Rectory was demolished by her nephew, William Knight, who became the Rector of Steventon. The family home would have faced the road to Steventon Church, with the well in the back of the house. Today the only sign of the Rectory that remains is a small grassy clump in a field, where the well is located.

DON’T MISS

For the first time, during the summer of 2025, members of the public will be invited to step inside the house in Winchester, 8 College Street, where Jane Austen spent her final days, to commemorate the 250^th anniversary of her birth. The cathedral, where Austen was buried, is also planning events over the summer season. Winchester’s official tourist guides will be running special themed tours on “Jane Austen’s Winchester” and offering some costumed drama walks under the title “My Dear Cassandra”. During this anniversary year there will also be a new Jane Austen trail around the city which will highlight key locations and connecting them with events and exhibitions, including a special exhibition at The Arc.

Overnight at Oakley Hall Hotel, where Jane Austen was a regular visitor.

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Day 4:

Return to the Great West Way through Berkshire's beautiful countryside on the Kennet & Avon Canal, to the pretty village of Kintbury near Hungerford. The Austen family visited Kintbury to see their friends known as the Fowle family. Take a trip on the Kennet Horse Boat which operates public horse-drawn barge trips for visitors. Freddie and Monty, the shire horses are bedecked in traditional harness and the boat is purpose built to the traditional style of canal boats in the 1800’s and decorated in the bright colours of the ‘roses and castles’ canal style.

An afternoon trip to Reading to see the Abbey Gateway a Grade I listed Gateway overlooking the Forbury Gardens and is a substantial part of what remains of Reading Abbey. The Abbey Gateway was once part of the Reading Ladies Boarding School which was famously attended by Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra. The Reading Museum is also a fantastic visit with ten galleries to explore. You could also book a walking tour of the town or off the beaten track experience with a Blue Badge Guide from Tours2Order.

INSIDER TIP

Interested in following in the footsteps of Jane Austen? There is a Jane Austen Trail Walk from the market town of Alton to Chawton village and an audio Walking Tour of Bath to help visitors discover Jane Austen’s world, seeing it come alive with every step.

DON'T MISS

To celebrate this momentous year in Austen history the 2025 Jane Austen Festival will take place from Fri12 - Sun 21 Sept 2025 and in 2026, Fri 11- Sun 20 Sept. The Jane Austen Centre will be holding some extra special events in Bath throughout 2025.