Welcome to
Portsmouth
Chawton and Jane Austen Tour
- Duration1h 30m
- Max Travelers15 people
- Free CancellationUp to 24 hrs
- CategoryCultural Tours, Excellent Quality
Overview
The only tour of Chawton guided by an Italian lady who lives in the village.
During this one-and-a-half-hour walking tour, you will have the opportunity not only to discover the village that Jane Austen knew and loved and its connection to her life, but also to get a glimpse into what life is like today in an authentic English village based the guide’s personal experience as a Chawton resident.
This is a perfect day trip from London to a quintessentially English countryside village that offers a perfect blend of history, culture and lifestyle.
Gallery
What's included
Information about the connections between many of the village cottages and Jane Austen
Tips on what to see, where to eat and stay in the area.
Guided tour of Chawton village
Anecdotes and fun facts about life in the village today based on my experience as a Chawton resident.
What's Not included
Food and transfers to/from the participants' place of arrival or stay.
Entrance to Jane Austen's House (must be pre-booked on the house website).
Entrance to Chawton House (can be purchased on site).
Itinerary
I look forward to spending a day together on the footsteps of Jane Austen!nnThis tour is a perfect day-trip from London to discover an authentic English countryside village with unique connections to one of the most famous writers in the world.nnChawton is a picture-perfect, quintessentially English village in the heart of the South Downs National Park, in Hampshire with fairy tale thatched cottages, a beautiful park and cosy stone church nnBut Chawton is best known for being the place where Jane Austen lived happily the final eight years of her life and wrote or completed most of her famous novels, including Emma and the final version of Pride & Prejudice.nnAs the world celebrate the anniversary of Jane Austenu2019s 250th birthday, 2025 is definitely the perfect year to visit Chawton.nnOn this one-and-a-half-hour guided tour, I will take you on a journey of discovery through the village that Jane Austen knew and loved and provide you with lots of information about the connections between many of the beautiful village cottages and Janeu2019s life. In addition, I will give you glimpse into what life is like in an English village today based on my personal experience of Chawton resident.
The House where Jane Austen lived the final eight years of her life with her mother, sister (both named Cassandra) and best friend Martha Lloyd.nnThe tour starts outside Jane Austenu2019s House, that is right in the heart of the village, and ends outside Chawton House, the country mansion inherited by her brother Edward.nnIn my introduction Iu2019ll provide you with some general information about this important building although, for a proper deep dive, I strongly encourage you to visit it before or at the end of my tour u2013 it is definitely worth it!nnJane Austenu2019s House is today a well-run museum managed by a Foundation and is generally considered the best place in the world to immerse yourself into Jane Austenu2019s world.nnAccess to Jane Austenu2019s House in NOT included in my tour. My advice is to book your ticket in advance on the Houseu2019s website as access is limited and in high demand.
The Elizabethan country manor house inherited by Jane Austen's brother Edward in 1797, along with the Chawton estate and many other properties in Hampshire and Kent.nJane Austen often mentions Chawton House in her letters and warmly refers to it as u201cThe Great Houseu201d.nnDuring the tour, we will stop outside the entrance to Chawton House, where I will provide some general information and context about this important building. However, for a more complete experience, I invite you to visit it at the end of my tour, as it is really worth seeing.nnThe house is managed by a foundation and is beautiful inside. It has a splendid park covering 275 acres, which is mostly open to the public all year round free of charge.nnChawton House is a splendid example of a typical English gentry country mansion with beautiful interiors and many connections to Jane Austen. nnEntrance to the House is NOT included in my tour. Advance booking is not necessary - tickets can be purchased directly on site.
The beautiful Victorian church that is now the parish church of the village of Chawton but which, in Jane Austen's day, was the private chapel of the Knight family and part of the Chawton House estate inherited by her brother Edward Austen Knight.
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The tour is on pavements and paved roads, but there are a couple of short sections on grassy and dirt areas, so it may not be suitable for people in wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
The walk is easy and relaxed, but comfortable shoes and suitable clothes for the unpredictable British weather are advisable.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.