‘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 1 September 2023

Time: 10:30 – 11:30am (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 10.30am 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. 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! 

Accessibility: This walk is primarily along pavements, however there are some uneven areas and one stop is on grass. It may not be suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. If you would like more information about the accessibility of the route, please contact us at enquiries@janeaustens.house

!!SOLD OUT!!

“I believe, ma’am, I may safely promise you never to dance with him.”

When Elizabeth Bennet says this to her mother about Mr Darcy, she believes that she is speaking the truth. She is destined, like most of Jane Austen’s characters, to contradict her words by her actions. In her novels, Jane Austen is a connoisseur of comic self-contradiction. In this talk, we will see how she brings characters alive through their inconsistencies in Pride and Prejudice, with some glances at her other novels.

Acclaimed Austen scholar Professor John Mullan will deliver our Annual Lecture in the Drawing Room at Jane Austen’s House, where Jane received and read aloud her first published copy of Pride and Prejudice in 1813.

The talk will be filmed for an online audience (watch this space for details!), but a small number of tickets are also available for the live event! As our live audience you will enjoy special access, you’ll be invited to ask questions, and you’ll enjoy the unique atmosphere of Jane Austen’s House after hours.

After the talk, join us for drinks in the Historic Kitchen and raise a glass to our favourite authoress!

Details:
Date: Thursday 7 September 2023
Time: 6pm – 7:30pm (GMT)
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: £25 

🍷 This event will include a glass of wine or non-alcoholic alternative. Please let us know of any dietary requirements upon booking.

🎥 Capacity for this event is very limited, to allow for the event to be filmed in our historic Drawing Room. Seating will be arranged around the filming equipment.

🕓 As this event will be filmed, unfortunately latecomers cannot be admitted. Please arrive in good time to take your seat.

🏠 The House will be closed for this event so access will be restricted to the Drawing Room, where the talk takes place. General House entry is not included with the event ticket.

!!SOLD OUT!! Join us for a very, very special event…

As the nights draw in and the Chawton woods turn to gold, we are delighted to hold an autumnal edition of our popular Austen Treasures event, showcasing some of the most precious objects in our collection.

We’ll examine a rare first edition of Northanger Abbey & Persuasion, published posthumously in 1818, alongside the first French edition of Persuasion from 1822, including the first illustrations to any Austen novel. We’ll also look at a personal letter from Jane to her niece Anna, written in November 1814, as well as a precious family portrait, a hand-carved letter case, an eighteenth century Navy List and one of Hugh Thomson’s original illustrations.

This event will be led by an expert on our collection who will guide you through Jane Austen’s life, works and legacy, via these precious objects.

The group will be limited to two people (!), so there will be plenty of opportunities to handle objects, ask questions and discuss as we go along.

We’ll also treat you to welcome refreshments, including a glass of bubbly to toast our favourite authoress!

Details:
Date: Friday 22 September
Time: 2pm – 3.30pm
Location: This event is at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us
Tickets: £175

**This event is now fully booked, however it can also be booked as a private event for your small group – find out more**

👫 Capacity for this event is limited to 2 people, to allow for the best possible experience.

🍷 The event will include a glass of sparkling wine or non-alcoholic alternative. Please let us know of any dietary requirements upon booking.

🌟 Austen Treasures can also be booked as a private event. Visit Special Experiences at Jane Austen’s House to find out more.