Join us for a very special guided tour of Jane Austen’s House, exploring this special building and discovering its secrets – from Witches’ marks in the cellar to bricked up doorways, mathematical tiles and pub brawls.

Whilst today we think of the House in terms of its significance to Jane Austen, it has many more stories to tell. Already 300 years old when Jane Austen moved in, over its long life it has been used as a farmhouse, a coaching inn and tenement housing, as well as being the home and workplace of a one of the world’s most beloved novelists.

On this fascinating tour, you’ll learn about the origins of the building, its development over time, acquisition by the Knight family in 1769, and its murderous history as a village pub.

We’ll move on to explore the life of the House after the Austen women – who lived here and what are their memories? And of course, discover the fascinating story of the founding of the museum by dedicated Austen fans, who couldn’t bear to see her old home falling into disrepair. How did a rusty old iron grate kick-start the story of the museum, and how did the House become a war memorial?

This event will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Museum in 1949, bringing the story right up to date, from late 15^th century right up to the present day.

Details:

Date: Friday 12 July

Time: 9am-10am

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

Tickets: £19.50

Dress Up Day is one of our favourite days of the year. Get a head-start on the festivities by joining this special guided tour of Jane Austen’s House, in full Regency dress!

As part of a small group, you will enjoy an early morning tour of the House before it is open to the public. Before we begin, we’ll make sure everyone is correctly attired – either come in your own Regency dress or borrow what you need from our dressing up box.

Once we are happy with our appearance we’ll explore the House, walking in Jane Austen’s footsteps through rooms that she knew and loved. In each room, you’ll discover precious objects from Jane Austen’s life, from her father’s Mahogany bookcase to her sister Cassandra’s hand-stitched sampler, Jane’s turquoise ring and the topaz crosses belonging to Jane and Cassandra, to first editions of her novels and her own hand-written music books.

With plenty of opportunities to chat and ask questions along the way, this unique tour will transport you back in time to get a sense of Regency life and to experience the House in a new way.

Details:

Date: Saturday 13 July 2024

Time: 9am – 10:30am 

Location: This event takes place at Jane Austen’s House. Find us

Tickets: £19.50

⏰ The Guided Tour will last around 1 hour, 9-10:30am includes time for dressing up!

On the anniversary of her death, join us for a special tour of Jane Austen’s House. 

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Join us for a very special guided tour of Jane Austen’s House, walking in Jane Austen’s footsteps and discovering the house she knew and loved, whilst learning about her life here in Chawton and her extraordinary legacy. 

On this fascinating tour, led by an expert guide, you’ll learn about Jane’s life here in Hampshire and discover precious objects from her life, including her tiny writing table, the topaz crosses that inspired Mansfield Park, rare first editions of her novels and a handwritten music book in Jane’s own hand.   

In this exclusive, early-morning tour, there will be lots of opportunities to chat and to ask questions. After the tour, you’ll enjoy a light breakfast of toasted English muffins and tea – just as Jane used to do! 

Details: 

Date: Thursday 18 July 

Time: 9am-10.30am 

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

Tickets: £25  

💐 This event is part of our Anniversary Festival celebrating the life of Jane Austen, who died in Winchester on 18 July 1817. 

🎟️ Your ticket includes a House tour, followed by a light breakfast of toasted English muffins, butter and preserves, and a choice of tea or coffee. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know after booking. 

✨ Capacity for this event will be kept very low to make it a truly special experience.