Families

Explore Jane Austen’s House with our special Poetry Bookcase and House Tour in rhyme!

This specially-created installation brings together poems that Jane Austen and her family knew and loved. The poetry theme continues around the House with poems by the Austen family and a range of contemporary poets for you to discover, and a House Tour in Rhyme for children and families to enjoy! Runs until 16 November 2025. 

Visiting Jane Austen’s House

Younger visitors can enjoy our dedicated Family Fun Area – get creative with Regency letter writing, bonnet designing, , dressing up and much more!

In the garden, try your hand at our traditional garden games, borrow a picnic blanket and a book from our children’s book basket and settle down for a story.

Finish your visit by browsing the Gift Shop for special keepsakes and then let off steam at the village playground.

Pack a picnic to enjoy in Jane Austen’s garden or at one of the picnic tables in the stunning village parkland. The village café, Cassandra’s Cup, also stocks a tempting range of sweet treats!

Facilities and amenities

• Family-friendly dining options are available in the village; both Cassandra’s Cup and The Greyfriar Pub  are opposite Jane Austen’s House and The Old Kitchen Tearoom at Chawton House is just a short walk away. Please check their websites for opening times and their current services.
• Free parking is provided in the public car park opposite the House beyond the pub car park.
• An accessible toilet with baby changing facilities is available on site and, of course, breastfeeding is welcome. ​
• Across the road from the House is a beautiful parkland area with a playground and picnic benches.​

Online family fun

If you can’t make it to Chawton you can still enjoy our Regency family activities! Visit our Family Fun area to find out more…