‘Yes, yes, we will have a Pianoforte, as good a one as can be got for 30 Guineas — & I will practise country dances, that we may have some amusement for our nephews & neices, when we have the pleasure of their company.’ 

Jane Austen, 28 December 1808  

Throughout our Pride and Prejudice Festival, we will welcome competent pianists who wish to practice on our 1813 Clementi square piano for an hour each morning – just as Jane Austen used to do. 

The first hour of the day will be devoted to piano practice in the Drawing Room. The House will be open to visitors, so if you wish to play, please be prepared for an appreciative audience!  

We will provide a selection of sheet music from the period, as well as printed copies of Jane Austen’s handwritten music books, so you can practice the songs that Jane herself played in this very room, should you wish to. We are also very happy for you to play from your own repertoire, although we do ask that you choose appropriate music to play. 

Find out more about our Clementi square piano.

Details: 

Dates: 23-28 January 2025 

Times: 10am – 11am 

Free with House entry – however this event is limited to one person per session, so pre-booking is essential

📖 This event is part of our Pride and Prejudice Festival, 23-28 January 2025.

We have plenty of exciting activities and events to keep you entertained during our Pride and Prejudice Festival 23-28 January 2025, celebrating Jane Austen’s beloved novel and the 250th anniversary of her birth in 2025 – all free with House admission!

Piano Practice
23 – 28 Jan, 10am – 11am daily
Each day of the Festival, we will welcome a competent pianist to practice on our 1813 Clementi square piano – just as Jane Austen used to do. Visit between 10 – 11am each day to enjoy live piano music bringing the House to life!

Pride and Prejudice Trail
23 – 28 Jan, 10am – 5pm daily (last entry 4pm)
Explore Jane Austen’s House with our fun Pride and Prejudice trail! In different rooms around the House you will discover a range of items left by characters in the novel – from Lydia’s abandoned game of Lottery Tickets to Mary’s copy of Fordyce’s Sermons.

Pick up a free trail guide and enjoy reliving moments from the novel as you explore the House where it was revised and published.

Pride and Prejudice Photo Station
23 – 28 Jan, 10am – 5pm daily (last entry 4pm)
Grab a bonnet and a fan or a top hat and a greatcoat.. and pose as your favourite P&P character in our pop up photo station! Character quote speech bubbles will help express just what you want to say – whether you are stepping into Lizzy’s muddy shoes or Darcy’s riding boots!

Pop Up Talks: Austenmania
Fri 24 Jan, 2pm
Sat 25 Jan, 1pm
Tues 28 Jan, 11.30am
Drop into a free pop up talk about our new exhibition: Austenmania!

Stitching Circle
Tues 28, 11am – 1pm
Join us for a morning of your own sewing, knitting or embroidery in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this session is open to all.

Drop in and Write
Fri 24 Jan, 11am – 1pm
Join us for a quiet and inspiring creative writing session – we’ll provide writing prompts and inspiration, pens and paper, access to our extensive reference library, and fortifying tea and coffee. Bring along your work in progress or start something new!

We look forward to welcoming you in this special anniversary year! You can book admission for the day and slot corresponding to these free events here and visit our events page to view and book all Pride and Prejudice Festival events.

📖 These events are part of our Pride and Prejudice Festival, 23-28 January 2025.

Join us for a quiet and inspiring creative writing session in the beautiful grounds of Jane Austen’s House. No need to book – just drop in and write!   

This session will take place in the cosy Learning Centre tucked behind Jane Austen’s House. We’ll provide writing prompts and inspiration, pens and paper, access to our extensive reference library, and fortifying tea and coffee. 

Bring along your work in progress or start something new! 

Details: 

Date: Friday 24 January 2025 

Time: 11am – 1pm 

Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us. 

Tickets: Free with House admission

🎫 Please ensure you select the correct date and time slot when booking your ticket. 

📖 This event is part of our Pride and Prejudice Festival, 23-28 January 2025.

Join us for a morning of your own sewing, knitting or embroidery in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this session is open to all. 

Bring along your own project or dive into our work basket and help us with the museum’s mending.  

This session will take place in the cosy Learning Centre tucked behind Jane Austen’s House. We’ll provide fortifying tea and coffee to keep you going! 

Bring along your work in progress or start something new! 

Details: 

Date: Tuesday 28 January 2025 

Time: 11am – 1pm 

Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us. 

Tickets: Free with House admission 

🎫 Please ensure you select the correct date and time slot when booking your ticket. 

📖 This event is part of our Pride and Prejudice Festival, 23-28 January 2025.