If the famous line, "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife,” makes you smile affectionately and fantasize about the green pastures, elegant architecture, style and social intrigues of Regency Britain, you are not alone. For two centuries, Jane Austen’s witty, observant and kind novels have delighted readers and inspired travelers to discover the world of the author and her cast of beloved characters.
This ground-breaking female author’s books still among the most-read English-language classics. And they are also among the most-adapted into film and television, engaging fans who may not even realize they are immersed in the world of Jane Austen. The 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy remains one of the most iconic TV adaptations. Similarly, films such as Sense and Sensibility (1995), Clueless (1995, a modern take on Emma), and Bridget Jones's Diary (based loosely on Pride and Prejudice) have brought Austen's work to new generations of fans, blending classic literature with modern sensibilities.
In 2025, Britain – and especially Jane Austen’s home county of Hampshire – will be celebrating the 250th year of her birth, with special events taking place throughout the year.
Celebrating Jane Austen in Britain: Must-Visit Destinations
From her birth in the village of Steventon in December, 1775, to a later home in Southampton, and a cottage now called Jane Austen’s House in the village of Chawton, where she lived for the last eight years of her life, to Winchester, where she died and where she is buried in Winchester Cathedral, to locations of where the romantic comedies of her stories took place, fans of Jane Austen, the Regency period and Great Britain her novels brought so vividly to life – can retrace her steps and enter the world of Jane Austen.
1. Steventon, Hampshire
Start your journey in the small village of Steventon, where Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775. The village, with its tranquil setting, inspired much of her early writing. Although the house where she grew up no longer stands, the Steventon Church and the surrounding countryside are evocative of the rural England that shaped her stories. Take a walk through the village, imagining Austen's daily life here as she wrote Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice.
2. Chawton, Hampshire
Just a short drive from Steventon, Chawton is perhaps the most significant destination for any Austen fan. This is where she spent the last years of her life and where many of her most famous works were written, including Emma, Mansfield Park, and Persuasion. The Jane Austen's House museum in Chawton is a highlight of the visit, where you can step inside the house where she lived and worked, and see the writing desk where she completed her novels.
Click here for Jane Austen House, Chawton’s anniversary year exhibitions, events and partnerships.
The nearby Chawton House, once owned by her brother, is now a library dedicated to women’s writing, adding another layer to her literary legacy.
3. Bath, Somerset
Bath holds a special place in Austen's life and novels. The author lived in the city for several years, and it appears prominently in Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. The Georgian architecture and the famous Roman Baths give the city a sense of elegance and charm that Austen captured in her works. The Jane Austen Centre (pictured above and top) offers a fascinating glimpse into her time in Bath, with exhibits about her life and the period. Walking through the Assembly Rooms and the Royal Crescent (pictured below), you'll see the locations Austen would have frequented, bringing her stories to life.
Jane Austen Festival in Bath, held every September – 250th anniversary in 2025 - dates are September 12-21, 2025.
4. Winchester, Hampshire
The final stop on Austen’s journey, Winchester, is where she spent her last days and where she was buried in the magnificent Winchester Cathedral. Visitors can pay their respects at her tomb, which is located in the cathedral’s north aisle. The city itself is steeped in history and offers an atmospheric setting for those following in the footsteps of Austen, with its medieval streets and serene cathedral close.
Winchester Cathedral unveils a Jane Austen statue in 2025, also celebrating with a special service, theater performances and tours.
5. Lyme Regis, Dorset
For those wishing to experience the dramatic landscapes that feature in Austen’s novels, Lyme Regis on the Dorset coast is a must-see. The seaside town plays an important role in Persuasion, where Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth’s relationship is brought to a turning point. The town is famous for its fossil-filled cliffs and beautiful coastal views, making it a wonderful destination for both literary pilgrims and nature lovers.
These destinations provide not only a chance to immerse yourself in the settings that influenced Jane Austen’s writing but also an opportunity to step back into the elegance and grace of Regency-era Britain. For anyone captivated by Austen’s wit and keen social observations, visiting these spots offers a personal connection to one of England’s greatest literary figures.
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Images courtesy of Visit Britain:
Top Images: Jane Austen Centre
Image of Bath: VisitBritain/Andrew Welsher
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