‘she was moreover noisy and wild, hated confinement and cleanliness, and loved nothing so well in the world as rolling down the green slope at the back of the house.’

Northanger Abbey

This fun, relaxed family walk will take you back in time, to discover the village Jane Austen knew and loved. Inspired by Jane’s hoard of over thirty nephews and nieces, we’ll be dressing up, telling stories, playing games, crafting and making memories along the way.

Together we’ll walk in Jane’s footsteps and learn about her love of nature and village life, and see some of the houses and beautiful country views she knew over 200 years ago. We’ll keep it fun with stories, games and activities, and of course plenty of opportunities to chat, share ideas and questions – we want everyone to be involved!

The walk will be led by our brilliant guides Rebecca and Ellora, whose enthusiasm and love for Austen is infectious! Throughout the walk they’ll share stories and readings, initiate games and lead activities to help bring Jane’s world to life.

This walk is particularly aimed at families with children aged 8+ but all are welcome!

After the walk, we’ll offer squash and biscuits (or tea for grown ups!) in the Learning Centre. After that you are welcome to stay and play our vintage garden games in Jane’s pretty cottage garden – or why not stroll over the road to the lovely parkland area opposite? There are plenty of picnic benches, swings and climbing activities to keep your little ones busy!

If you’re making a day of it, you might also enjoy a snack or lunch at Cassandra’s Cup, opposite the Museum (bookings must be made separately, visit Cassandra’s Cup).

Find out more about our family facilities…

Details:

Date: Friday 7 April

Time: 10 – 11am (British Summertime)

Tickets: £16.50 per family (2 adults and up to 3 children – but we know that families come in all shapes and sizes so please contact us if you have a different family set up and we’ll make it work!)

Location: This event starts from Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us

⏰ The guided walk will depart from Jane Austen’s House at 10am promptly. Please make sure you arrive in good time to join the group.

👪 This walk is particularly aimed at families with children aged 8+, but all are welcome!

☂️The walk is suitable for all abilities, but please wear sturdy, sensible footwear and bring a bottle of water and sun cream or an umbrella – depending on the weather!

🍪 After the walk we’ll serve squash and biscuits (or tea!) in the Learning Centre. As its Easter there may also be chocolate eggs to be found along the way! Please let us know of any dietary requirements after booking. 

🎫 Please note, this event ticket does not include access to Jane Austen’s House. If you wish to visit the House before or after the guided walk, please ensure that you book tickets separately. Family tickets available and Under 6s go free! 

‘I do not want any such pursuit to get me out of doors. The pleasure of walking and breathing fresh air is enough for me, and in fine weather I am out more than half my time. Mamma says I am never within.’

Northanger Abbey

~

This fun, relaxed guided walk will take you back in time, to discover the village Jane Austen knew and loved. Walk in Jane’s footsteps and learn about her love of nature, village life, houses and views she knew, and the importance of village life in shaping her writing.

Throughout the walk, short readings from Austen’s letters and novels will bring her world to life.

After your walk, why not explore the House itself or enjoy a well-earned cup of tea at Cassandra’s Cup, opposite the Museum? (Bookings must be made separately, visit Cassandra’s Cup website)

Details:

Date: Saturday 29 April

Time: 12pm – 1pm

Location: This event starts from Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us

Tickets: £16.50

 The guided walk will depart from Jane Austen’s House at 12pm promptly. Please make sure you arrive in good time to join the group.

 The walk is suitable for all abilities, but please wear sturdy, sensible footwear and bring a bottle of water and sun cream or an umbrella – depending on the weather!

 Please note, this event ticket does not include access to Jane Austen’s House. If you wish to visit the House before or after the guided walk, please ensure that you book tickets separately.

Jane’s sister Cassandra was her dearest friend and companion throughout her life. Pretty and practical, she is often pictured as the more solemn of the two sisters, although Jane at least thought she was extremely funny. She was also a talented artist, and her portrait of Jane is a treasure of the National Portrait Gallery. In 2023, we are celebrating 250 years since Cassandra’s birth with a year-long programme of events.

For this special event, join us for a unique guided tour of Jane Austen’s House. In each room, discover objects, paintings and stories that reveal more about Jane’s beloved sister and her life here in Chawton.

Together, we’ll discover the rooms where Jane and Cassandra lived, and learn more about Cassandra’s life story. From her happy childhood in Steventon to the tragic death of her fiancé, followed by a life dedicated to family and friends, art, reading and charity work, we’ll get to know Cassandra through objects, portraits, stories and letters.

After Jane’s early death, Cassandra continued living in Chawton Cottage until her own death in 1845. Find out more about this time – the ways in which she fostered her sister’s legacy and preserved her memory, overseeing her will, the publication of her works, and the distribution and final destruction of her letters.

After the tour we’ll serve tea and biscuits in the Learning Centre, giving everyone the chance to continue the discussion about Jane and Cassandra and their lives here in Chawton.

Details:

Date: Monday 1 May

Time: 9.45am – 10.45am

Location: This event starts from Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us

Tickets: £6.50

The tour will begin at 9.45am promptly. Please make sure you arrive in good time to join the group.

☕After the walk we’ll serve tea and biscuits in the Learning Centre. Please let us know of any dietary requirements after booking. 

🎨 This event is part of our ‘Year of Cassandra’, celebrating the life of Cassandra Austen, 1773 – 1845.

‘I do not want any such pursuit to get me out of doors. The pleasure of walking and breathing fresh air is enough for me, and in fine weather I am out more than half my time. Mamma says I am never within.’

Northanger Abbey

~

This fun, relaxed guided walk will take you back in time, to discover the village Jane Austen knew and loved. Walk in Jane’s footsteps and learn about her love of nature, village life, houses and views she knew, and the importance of village life in shaping her writing.

Throughout the walk, short readings from Austen’s letters and novels will bring her world to life.

After your walk, why not explore the House itself or enjoy a well-earned cup of tea at Cassandra’s Cup, opposite the Museum? (Bookings must be made separately, visit Cassandra’s Cup website)

Details:

Date: Saturday 27 May

Time: 12pm – 1pm

Location: This event starts from Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us

Tickets: £16.50

 The guided walk will depart from Jane Austen’s House at 12pm promptly. Please make sure you arrive in good time to join the group.

 The walk is suitable for all abilities, but please wear sturdy, sensible footwear and bring a bottle of water and sun cream or an umbrella – depending on the weather!

 Please note, this event ticket does not include access to Jane Austen’s House. If you wish to visit the House before or after the guided walk, please ensure that you book tickets separately.