Events

Join art teachers Fergal Kilkenny (St. Louis Secondary School, Co.Louth, Ireland) and Eimear McKeown (New-Bridge Integrated College, Co. Down, Northern Ireland), to explore the art of lino print. In this drop-in workshop you will have the option of cutting your own silhouette of Jane Austen or using a precut lino block, depending on how much time you have.

Participants will also have the opportunity to explore colour and collage in this session and leave Jane Austen House with their own work of art.

This workshop is linked to the ‘Friendship Postcards: Jane Austen & Maria Edgeworth’ exhibition which is on display from 22nd January – 22nd February 2026. Fergal Kilkenny is the ‘Friendship Postcards’ project lead and Eimear McKeown is one of the participating teachers. Both workshop facilitators have experience in supporting cross border work on the island of Ireland through artmaking.

This event is a drop-in session, and is free with House entry. You will need either a ticket to visit the House, or an annual pass from a previous visit to attend this workshop.

All materials are provided, and the workshop will suit all ages.

You can drop in any time between 11:00am and 2.00pm

Back by popular demand! In 2026 our Virtual Book Club will run monthly from February – November, covering all of Jane Austen’s novels as well as her teenage works and letters. Bring your thoughts, ideas and observations… bring tea and quotes and questions… expect stimulating discussion and debate!

Join our Virtual Book Club – a lively online space in which we will discuss all things Jane Austen!

Our second session will focus on Jane Austen’s extraordinary short epistolary novel Lady Susan, which tells the story of the beautiful and unscrupulous widow Lady Susan Vernon – “most accomplished coquette in England”.

We’ll get the ball rolling with questions, ideas and provocations about this short work and then it’s over to you – as a group we’ll share thoughts, theories, favourites and best-bits.

Whether you love, hate or want to be Lady Susan (!), join us to share your love of this internationally beloved author’s coming-of-age work. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

Grab a cup of tea and join us for an hour of blissful discussion with fellow Jane Austen fans around the world!

Details:
Date: Tuesday 3 March 2026
Time: 7pm – 8pm (GMT)
Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £7 

 This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. 

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

Timings are given in UK time (GMT) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time. 

Please note that booking for this event will close at 5.00pm (GMT) the day before. This is to ensure that all attendees receive their link in good time. 

Join our four literary houses in an evening to celebrate women writers who supported each other through female networks and creative collaboration as we mark International Women’s Day.

Step into the worlds of novelists the Brontë sisters, Elizabeth Gaskell, Fredrika Bremer and their earlier predecessors for a vivid insight into the literary connections and networks that sustained women’s writing lives. Through letters we glimpse supportive mentorships, introductions between writers, friendly editorial advice, the sharing of new publications, and lively discussion of literary ideas.

How did these groundbreaking women support and encourage others through both the written word and practical action? And what of authors like Jane Austen whose literary network was found in the books she read, rather than in literary friendships?

Celebrate online with us to discover iconic women writers who shaped our world through collaboration and community.

Speakers:
Dr Kim Simpson, Deputy Director at Chawton House
Sam Harrison, Programme Officer at the Brontë Parsonage Museum
Dr Diane Duffy, Chair of the Gaskell Society
Lizzie Dunford and Sophie Reynolds, Director and Head of Collections, Interpretation and Engagement, Jane Austen’s House

A partnership event with The Bronte Parsonage Museum, Chawton House and Elizabeth Gaskell’s House.

Details:
Date: Wednesday 4 March
Time: 7pm – 8.15pm
Location: This event will take place online. Join from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £6

 This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. 

If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the partner museums. 

Timings are given in UK time (GMT) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time.

Join us for a guided walk through of our beautiful virtual tour!

VISIT JANE AUSTEN’S HOUSE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME!

**Included in Forbes list of the World’s Best Virtual Tours!**

A perfect Mother’s Day treat, this special virtual tour will celebrate mothers in Jane Austen’s life and works, and explore the House in which Jane Austen spent the last eight years of her life.

As you discover the house Jane Austen knew and loved, you’ll learn about some of the best (and worst!) mothers in Jane Austen’s novels, from ‘nervous’ Mrs Bennet and ‘easy and indolent’ Mrs Price to ‘merry, fat’ Mrs Jennings, and Jane Austen’s own mother, Cassandra Leigh, an inspirational woman in her own right!

The tour will be led by an expert guide from Jane Austen’s House, who will use our beautiful virtual tour to show you around the House and outbuildings. From the comfort of your own home, you will enjoy a guided walk through of our virtual tour with lots of opportunities to chat and to ask questions.

Details:
Date: Sunday 15 March 2026
Time: 7pm – 8pm (GMT)
Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £7.00

This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. Please check your junk folders!

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

Timings are given in UK time (GMT) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time. 

Please note that booking for this event will close at 5pm (GMT) on Friday 13 March. This is to ensure that all attendees receive their link in good time. 

Join a free pop up talk about the history of Pride and Prejudice on stage and screen – from the first professional stage adaptations in the 1920s and ’30s, right up to the present day.

This talk is linked to our 2026 exhibition Staging Pride and Prejudice – after the talk, pop into the Courtyard Gallery to see the exhibition!

Details:
Date: Friday 27 March 2026
Time: 1pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.

🎫  No event ticket required, this event is free with House entry.

❗Please select the correct date and time slot when booking your tickets to enjoy this event.

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 a warm, quiet space in which to write, 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: Saturday 4 April 2026
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free with House admission – book general admission here or use your Annual Pass!

🎫 No event ticket required, this event is free with House entry.

❗ Please select the correct date and time slot when booking your general admission ticket to enjoy this event

Back by popular demand! In 2026 our Virtual Book Club will run monthly from February – November, covering all of Jane Austen’s novels as well as her teenage works and letters. Bring your thoughts, ideas and observations… bring tea and quotes and questions… expect stimulating discussion and debate!

Join our Virtual Book Club – a lively online space in which we will discuss all things Jane Austen!

Our third session will focus on Jane Austen’s first published novel, Sense and Sensibility.

We’ll get the ball rolling with questions, ideas and provocations about this short work and then it’s over to you – as a group we’ll share thoughts, theories, favourites and best-bits.

Whether you love the book, audiobook or a film or stage adaptation, join us to share your love of this internationally beloved story. Why does it matter to you? What have you learned from it? Which bits always make you cry? Which characters do you adore, admire or despise?

Grab a cup of tea and join us for an hour of blissful discussion with fellow Jane Austen fans around the world!

Details:
Date: Tuesday 7 April 2026
Time: 7pm – 8pm (BST)
Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £7 

 This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. 

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

Timings are given in UK time (BST) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time. 

Please note that booking for this event will close at 5.00pm (BST) the day before. This is to ensure that all attendees receive their link in good time. 

This early-morning entry slot is intended for people who would prefer a quieter and calmer environment to experience the House.

During this time we will reduce capacity in the House so there will be fewer visitors. We will also make some changes to reduce sensory input, including turning off all audio and video screens in the House. If there are other changes that would make your visit easier, please contact us to let us know in advance.

As part of our early opening, you will be able to explore the House and garden, and have the opportunity to take part in some family friendly activities.

The Historic Kitchen will be reserved as a quiet area for those needing to take a break. In good weather you may also wish to sit in the garden, which is very peaceful.

You can check out the layout of the House in advance by looking at our virtual tour.

Details:
Dates: Friday 10 April 2026
Times: 9am – 10am
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Standard House admission prices (Child 6-16: £7 – Adult: £14.50) Find out more about admission prices.

To book, please email enquiries@janeaustens.house and let us know what kind of experience you need, so we can best accommodate your visit.

‘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 the walk, why not 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: Sunday 12 April 2026
Time: 11am – 12pm OR 2pm – 3pm
Location: This event starts from Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us
Tickets: £15 (walk only); £25 walk + House entry

❗ Please click through the calendar and select the correct date when booking this event.

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

If you wish to visit the House before or after the walk you may use your Annual Pass, or select a ‘Walk + House entry’ ticket, to enjoy a reduced price. Please note this ticket type entitles you to House entry on this day only.

 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!

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

Join us for a guided walk through of our beautiful virtual tour!

VISIT JANE AUSTEN’S HOUSE FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME!

**Included in Forbes list of the World’s Best Virtual Tours!**

This very special virtual tour uses objects from our collection and the House itself to examine and celebrate Jane Austen’s first published novel, Sense and Sensibility.

Following in Jane’s footsteps, you’ll discover the rooms where S&S was revised and edited, soon after Jane moved to Chawton in 1809.

Moving from room to room, you’ll discover how the House itself can help us understand the novel better, and objects in the collection that help the story come to life.

This light-hearted and enjoyable event uses our beautiful virtual tour, teases out stories and objects that relate to Jane Austen’s classic work, and offers the opportunity to enjoy, examine and discuss Sense and Sensibility, and to experience Jane Austen’s House in a new way.

Details:
Date: Sunday 12 April 2026
Time: 5pm – 6pm (BST)
Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £7.00

This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. Please check your junk folders!

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

Timings are given in UK time (BST) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time. 

Please note that booking for this event will close at 5pm (BST) on Friday 10 April. This is to ensure that all attendees receive their link in good time. 

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. Please note that the House will be closed so House entry will not be possible on this day.

We’ll provide fortifying tea and coffee to keep you going! 

Bring along your work in progress or start something new! 

Details:
Date: Tuesday 14 April
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free but pre-booking essential. 

🎫 This event is free but pre-booking is essential. Please note that the House will be closed so House entry will not be possible on this day.

🗓️ Other Sewing Circle dates in 2026: 12 May, 9 June, 14 July, 11 August, 8 September, 13 October, 10 November, 8 December

A Mindful Embroidery Workshop inspired by Jane Austen (with a contemporary twist!)
With Artist, Embroiderer & Researcher Helen Sill

Step into Jane Austen’s world through the calming art of hand embroidery in this unique morning workshop.

We’ll begin with a guided tour of Jane Austen’s House. As part of a small group, enjoy the peace and quiet of the House before it opens to the public, as you walk 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 and her sister Cassandra’s hand-stitched sampler, to the topaz crosses belonging to Jane and Cassandra, and first editions of Jane’s novels.

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.

At 10am we’ll adjourn to the Learning Centre for a gentle, mindful morning of embroidery led by inspiring local artist and embroiderer Helen Sill. Drawing on the flowers, herbs, and words of Jane Austen’s home, you’ll blend historical techniques with modern textiles to create your own embroidered sampler, inspired by spring!

 What You’ll Do:

• Stitch floral and herbal motifs inspired by the Regency cottage garden at Jane Austen’s House
• Incorporate quotes from her novels into your design
• Practice stitches like back, stem, satin, seed, split, and French knots
• Gain skills in fabric prep, thread choice, and finishing techniques
• Reflect, create, and unwind in a relaxed, mindful setting

Leave with a beautiful, in-progress piece—ready to finish as a botanical sampler, bag, journal insert, or wall hanging—with guidance and materials to continue at home.

 Why Join?

• A creative, calming connection to history
• A fresh take on Regency-era embroidery
• Led by Helen Sill, whose art and research bring Austen’s world to life through thread
• Open to all skill levels—materials included

Discover the joy of stitching in Austen’s footsteps.

About the tutor:

Helen Sill is an artist, researcher, tutor and textile traveller combining a love of drawing with textiles. She explores questions of identity through her art and stitch practice, creating images informed by drawings of her surroundings and connections between communities and cultures.

Helen is an Embroiderers’ Guild Graduate and Guild Scholar and recently completed a Masters Degree in Fine Art where her research interests were around making and community focusing on the rich textile traditions of Gujarat in North West India and the North East of England.

Past commissions have included work for West Dean Gardens, the Petersfield Museum and being Artist in Resident at Chichester Festival Theatre. Her work is held in private and public collections.

Her love of talking about and working with textiles is infectious and inspiring, and she teaches a range of hand stitch classes with recycling and upcycling at their core.

Details:
Date: Friday 1 May 2026
Time: 9am – 1pm
Location: This event is at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us
Tickets: £65

*This event is now fully booked*

 This event includes refreshments, please let us know on booking if you have any dietary requirements.

 Tickets for this event include House entry for this day only. 

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

During our Spring Fling Festival, join a series of free, short talks, delivered by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic House volunteers.

11am: Sense and Sensibility
Learn more about Jane Austen’s first published novel, from first draft to rewriting and publication, and discover how Jane’s Chawton home inspired the novel.

1pm: Pictures and Portraits
Meet key members of Jane Austen’s family, via their portraits! Whilst images of Jane herself are scarce, we have plenty of portraits of her family and friends to help us understand the world she lived in, and the people who encouraged and inspired her.

Details:
Dates: Friday 1 – Monday 4 May 2026
Times: 11am / 1pm daily; duration: 15 minutes
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free with House entry

🎫 No event ticket required, this event is free with House entry.

❗ Please select the correct date and time slot when booking your tickets to enjoy this event.

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

“Do you prefer reading to cards?” said he; “that is rather singular.”
Pride and Prejudice

Join us for a peaceful afternoon reading in the beautiful grounds of Jane Austen’s House. No need to book – just drop in and make yourself comfortable with your own book, or use the time to examine some of the works in our extensive reference library.

With reference books on Austen studies and all aspects of Georgian and Regency history, as well as an impressive collection of Austen novels in translation, there is plenty to enjoy!

We’ll be on hand to help you find what you need, or to make a book recommendation!

This session will take place in the cosy Learning Centre tucked behind Jane Austen’s House.

Details:
Date: Friday 1 May 2026
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free with House admission

🎫 No event ticket required, this event is free with House entry.

❗ Please select the correct date and time slot when booking your general admission ticket to enjoy this event

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

Virtual Festival Pass

Join us for three virtual events, and make the most of our joyful Spring Fling! Festival from wherever you are in the world!

This ticket includes three very special events, all of which will be delivered online for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own home.  If you wish to attend all of these events, this ticket bundle is the best option!

Virtual Talk: Jane Austen and the Pleasures of Spring
Date: Friday 1 May
Times: 8pm – 9pm

Virtual Calligraphy Workshop: Spring!
Date: Saturday 2 May
Times: 7.30pm – 9pm

Virtual Talk: Sisterhood with Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
Date: Sunday 3 May
Times: 8pm – 9pm

Details:
Date: 1, 2, 3 May 2026
Time: 7.30/8pm – 9pm daily (BST)
Location: These events will all take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £18

This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to each event. Please check your junk folders!

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

Events will be recorded so you can watch again later. All ticket-holders will be emailed a link to the recording after the event.

Timings are given in UK time (BST) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time. 

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

Please note that booking for this event will close at 4pm (BST) on Friday 1 May. This is to ensure that all attendees receive their link in good time.

‘It was sad to Fanny to lose all the pleasures of spring. She had not known before what pleasures she had to lose in passing March and April in a town. She had not known before how much the beginnings and progress of vegetation had delighted her. What animation, both of body and mind, she had derived from watching the advance of that season which cannot, in spite of its capriciousness, be unlovely’
Mansfield Park

Join us for a celebration of spring! As the pretty cottage garden at Jane Austen’s House bursts into bloom, bluebells carpet the Chawton woods and we finally revel in spring sunshine and warmth after a long winter, we invite you to an hour of springtime revelry!

This uplifting virtual talk will travel across Jane Austen’s novels, letters and life story, covering everything from spring fashions, country walks and the Hampshire countryside, to springtime in Jane Austen’s novels and themes of hope and renewal.

DETAILS:
Date: Friday 1 May
Time: 8pm – 9pm (BST)
Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £7

**Tickets are also available as part of our Virtual Festival Pass – if you wish to attend all three online events, this is the best option!

This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. Please check your junk folders!

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

 This event will be recorded so you can watch again later. All ticket-holders will be emailed a link to the recording after the event. The recording will be accessible for one month.

Timings are given in UK time (BST) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time. 

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

Please note that booking for this event will close at 4pm (BST) on Friday 1 May. This is to ensure that all attendees receive their link in good time. 

Join us for a very special guided tour of Jane Austen’s House, led by an inspiring and knowledgeable guide. 

As part of a small group, you will enjoy an early morning tour of the House before it is open to the public. This unique tour will focus on and celebrate Jane Austen’s first published novel, Sense and Sensibility.

Following in Jane’s footsteps, you’ll discover the rooms where Sense and Sensibility was revised and edited, soon after she moved to Chawton in 1809. Moving from room to room, you’ll discover how the House itself can help us understand the novel better, and objects in the collection that help the story come to life.

With plenty of opportunities to chat and ask questions along the way, this unique tour will transport you back in time, offering the opportunity to enjoy, examine and discuss Sense and Sensibility, and to experience Jane Austen’s House in a new way.

DETAILS:
Date: Saturday 2 May 2026
Time: 9am – 10am
Location: This event takes place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us

Tickets: This event is available as part of our Full Day Pass: Saturday 2 May (morning tour)

**This event is available as part our Full Day Pass for Saturday 2 May (with morning tour) – if you wish to enjoy all the events on this day, this is the best option!

👪 Capacity for each tour will be kept low in order to allow for the best possible experience. 

⏰ This tour will begin promptly.  Please make sure you arrive in good time to join the group. Latecomers may not be admitted.

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

Join us for a full day of talks and events on the second day of our Spring Fling Festival!

This ticket includes four events on Saturday 2 May and House entry for the day (until 5pm), as well as a bonus virtual event in the evening!

If you want to get into the swing of the festival and attend all of these events – this is the best option!

Guided House Tour: Sense & Sensibility
Times: 9am – 10am

Sense & Sensibility Salon with Lucinda Hawksley
Times: 10.15 – 11.15

Talk: Adapting Pride and Prejudice for the Stage with Simon Reade
Times: 12pm – 1pm

Talk: Jane Austen and the Pleasures of Spring
Times: 2pm – 3pm

Virtual Calligraphy Workshop: Spring!
Times: 7.30pm – 9pm

Details:
Date: Saturday 2 May
Times: 9am – 9pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: £65

☕ This event ticket includes refreshments, please let us know on booking if you have any dietary requirements.

 Tickets for this event include House entry for this day only. 

The Online Calligraphy Workshop will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. Please check your junk folders!

The Online Calligraphy Workshop will be recorded so you can watch again later. All ticket-holders will be emailed a link to the recording after the event. The recording will be accessible for one month.

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

Join author and broadcaster (and Austen lover) Lucinda Hawksley for an intimate salon, discussing all things Sense and Sensibility!

Over an elegant repast of tea and cake, Lucinda will share some of her favourite scenes, characters and moments from the novel, and lead a lively discussion on everything from running down hills in the rain to secret engagements, flannel waistcoats and ivory toothpick cases. Who do you love and who do you love to hate in Jane Austen’s first published novel? Do you secretly sympathise with Mrs John Dashwood, or have a fondness for Sir John Middleton? And of course – are you team Sense or Sensibility?

Lucinda Hawksley is an author and broadcaster for TV and radio. In addition to her biographies of the artists Kate Perugini (née Dickens), Princess Louise and Lizzie Siddal, her books include Victorian Christmas, Dickens and Travel, Letters of Great Women, Dickens and Christmas, The Writer Abroad, Bitten by Witch Fever, Charles Dickens and his Circle, and March, Women, March. Lucinda lectures on literature and art history, and she teaches Life Writing for the University of Cambridge.

Lucinda’s literary antecedents come from being a great great great granddaughter of Charles and Catherine Dickens – she is the current President of the International Dickens Fellowship – however she also has a passion for the works of Jane Austen. Her absolute favourite is Persuasion.

Details:
Date: Saturday 2 May 2026
Time: 10.15 – 11.15am
Location: This event is at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us
Tickets: £19.50

**This event is also available as part our Full Day Pass for Saturday 2 May (with morning tour) – if you wish to enjoy all the events on this day, one of these is the best option!

☕ This event ticket includes refreshments, please let us know on booking if you have any dietary requirements.

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

Join acclaimed British dramatist, screenwriter, producer and director Simon Reade for a fascinating deep-dive into his stage adaptation of Pride and Prejudice (2009) which has been produced at Theatre Royal Bath, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Guthrie Minneapolis, Sheffield Crucible, and gone on national tour.

Simon will share his writing process and how he tackled the adaptation, as well as discussing his relationship with Jane Austen’s novels and how they can work in performance.

Simon Reade is a dramatist, director and producer, best known for his adaptations of literature for the stage and screen. He has a distinguished career in British theatre, including roles as Artistic Director of the Bristol Old Vic and Literary Manager of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and London’s Gate Theatre. His adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is published by Bloomsbury.

Details:
Date: Saturday 2 May 2026
Time: 12pm – 1pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Talk only: £15 / Talk + House entry: £25

**This event is also available as part our Full Day Pass for Saturday 2 May (with morning tour) – if you wish to enjoy all the events on this day, one of these is the best option!

If you wish to visit the House before or after the talk you may use your Annual Pass (if you have one), or select a ‘Talk + House entry’ ticket, to enjoy a reduced price. Please note this ticket type entitles you to House entry on this day only. Alternatively, you can purchase a Full Day Pass for Saturday 2 May which includes all events and House Entry for the day.

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

‘It was sad to Fanny to lose all the pleasures of spring. She had not known before what pleasures she had to lose in passing March and April in a town. She had not known before how much the beginnings and progress of vegetation had delighted her. What animation, both of body and mind, she had derived from watching the advance of that season which cannot, in spite of its capriciousness, be unlovely’
Mansfield Park

Join us for a celebration of spring! As the pretty cottage garden at Jane Austen’s House bursts into bloom, bluebells carpet the Chawton woods and we finally revel in spring sunshine and warmth after a long winter, we invite you to an hour of springtime revelry!

This talk will travel across Jane Austen’s novels, letters and life story, covering everything from spring fashions, country walks and the Hampshire countryside, to springtime in Jane Austen’s novels and themes of hope and renewal.

DETAILS:
Date: Saturday 2 May
Time: 2pm – 3pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Talk only: £15 / Talk + House entry: £25

**This event is also available as part our Full Day Pass for Saturday 2 May (with morning tour) – if you wish to enjoy all the events on this day, one of these is the best option!

If you wish to visit the House before or after the talk you may use your Annual Pass (if you have one), or select a ‘Talk + House entry’ ticket, to enjoy a reduced price. Please note this ticket type entitles you to House entry on this day only. Alternatively, you can purchase a Full Day Pass for Saturday 2 May which includes all events and House Entry for the day.

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

Join inspiring calligraphy teacher Laura Edralin for a gentle and creative online workshop introducing you to the joys of mindful calligraphy – developed especially to support mental wellbeing and leave you with the skills to continue your practice in your own time.

Passionate about helping people calm their minds and find their creative flow, Laura will introduce you to a beautiful brush script, ideal for beginners and calligraphy enthusiasts alike. Together, we’ll spend a quiet evening exploring spring-themes and floral details, building your skills and discovering a new hobby!

Inspired by Jane Austen’s own perfect penmanship, we will step away from the busyness of everyday life and immerse ourselves in the simple pleasure of pen on paper. Starting from scratch, you’ll learn a simple calligraphy technique and make a spring bookmark – fit for your favourite Austen novel!

What do you need?

Bring along a pencil, ballpoint pen or brush pen and some sheets of paper.

We will also send you a downloadable worksheet and bookmark template to print in advance if you can!

About the tutor:

London-based calligraphy artist and teacher Laura Edralin is known for her mindful practice, under the name Laura Letters Life. She helps people tap into their inner creative, find a space to calm their busy lives and to re-connect – whether that’s with themselves, or with others. She offers public and private workshops, workplace sessions to help people get creative, and calligraphy services to provide a personal touch for events and more.

DETAILS:
Date: Saturday 2 May
Time: 7.30 – 9pm (BST)
Location: This event is online. Join from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £7

**Tickets are also available as part of our Virtual Festival Pass – if you wish to attend all three online events, this is the best option!

**This event is also available as part our Full Day Pass for Saturday 2 May (with morning tour) and our Full Day Pass for Sat 2 May (with twilight tour) – if you wish to enjoy all the events on this day, one of these is the best option!

This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. Please check your junk folders!

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

 This event will be recorded so you can watch again later. All ticket-holders will be emailed a link to the recording after the event. The recording will be accessible for one month.

Timings are given in UK time (BST) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time. 

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

Please note that booking for this event will close at 4pm (BST) on Friday 1 May. This is to ensure that all attendees receive their link in good time.

‘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 the walk, why not 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: Sunday 3 May 2026
Time: 10am – 11am
Location: This event starts from Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us
Tickets: £15 (walk only); £25 walk + House entry

**Tickets are also available as part of our Full Day Pass for Sunday 3 May – if you wish to attend all three online events, this is the best option!

❗ Please click through the calendar and select the correct date when booking this event.

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

If you wish to visit the House before or after the walk you may use your Annual Pass (if you have one), or select a ‘Walk + House entry’ ticket, to enjoy a reduced price. Please note this ticket type entitles you to House entry on this day only.

 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!

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

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

Jane Austen has a problem. She has relocated to Chawton to enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside but her lively cast of characters is causing her a lot of bother.   Come and join Mrs Elton, Mr Collins, Lydia Bennet and many more as they seek to entertain you and fight for their right to be heard in Jane’s novels.

This brand new play is written and performed by Beckis Cooper, an actress and writer making exciting work from England’s finest writers. Her ‘remarkable’ play Unversed took venues by storm last year including Shakespeare’s Birthplace; Chawton House; Lamport Hall. Other work includes an all-female Macbeth for the Tabard Theatre and Grace Notes for The Old Red Lion/King’s Head and Edinburgh Fringe.

Beckis trained at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and The Drama Studio, following a degree in Literature from The University of Oxford and is represented by Macfarlane Chard Associates.

DETAILS:
Date: Sunday 3 May 2026
Time: Performances take place from 12pm – 1pm and 2pm – 3pm
Location: This event takes place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us
Tickets: Performance only: £19.50 / Performance + House entry: £29.50

**Tickets are also available as part of our Full Day Pass for Sunday 3 May – if you wish to attend all three online events, this is the best option!

If you wish to visit the House before or after the show you may use your Annual Pass (if you have one), or select a ‘Talk + House entry’ ticket, to enjoy a reduced price. Please note this ticket type entitles you to House entry on this day only. Alternatively, you can purchase a Full Day Pass for Sunday 3 May which includes all events and House Entry for the day.

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

Join us for a full afternoon of events on the third day of our Spring Fling Festival!

This ticket includes three events on Sunday 3 May and House entry for the day (until 5pm), as well as a bonus virtual event in the evening!

If you want to get into the swing of the festival and attend all of these events – this is the best option!

Chawton Village Walk
Times: 12pm – 1pm

Live performance: ‘From Chawton’
Times: 2pm – 3pm

‘Page to Stage’ – post-show discussion with Beckis Cooper
Times: 3.30 – 4.15pm

Virtual Talk: Sisterhood with Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
Times: 8pm – 9pm

DETAILS:
Date: Sunday 3 May
Times: 12pm – 9pm
Location: This event takes place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us
Tickets: £40

 Tickets for this event include House entry for this day only. 

The Virtual Talk will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. Please check your junk folders!

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

After the second performance of her play From Chawton, join actor and playwright Beckis Cooper for a lively post-show discussion.

Beckis will share her creative process, inspiration and influences as well as discussing her favourite characters, scenes and speeches.

She’d love to hear your feedback too, and generally chat about all things Austen!

Beckis Cooper, an actress and writer making exciting work from England’s finest writers. Her ‘remarkable’ play Unversed took venues by storm last year including Shakespeare’s Birthplace; Chawton House; Lamport Hall. Other work includes an all-female Macbeth for the Tabard Theatre and Grace Notes for The Old Red Lion/King’s Head and Edinburgh Fringe.

Beckis trained at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and The Drama Studio, following a degree in Literature from The University of Oxford and is represented by Macfarlane Chard Associates.

DETAILS:
Date: Sunday 3 May 2026
Time: 3.30pm – 4.15pm
Location: This event takes place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us
Tickets: £5

**Tickets are also available as part of our Full Day Pass for Sunday 3 May – if you wish to attend all three online events, this is the best option!

Please note, House entry is not included with this ticket.

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

Step into the elegant but precarious world of the Dashwood sisters in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. The rational Elinor and the impetuous Marianne share a sisterly bond that endures despite all outside challenges. Sisterhood was a key theme in many of Jane Austen’s best-loved novels from the close relationship of Lizzy and Jane Bennet in Pride and Prejudice to the difficult relationship between the Elliot sisters in Persuasion. So how does literature reflect reality and Jane’s own lifelong intimacy with her sister Cassandra?

Elizabeth Gaskell may not have known sisterhood in her personal life but she explored it through her novels including the ‘Amazons’ of Cranford – a neighbourhood of women maintaining social respectability with wit, courage and tea. From the gentle Miss Matty and her formidable sister Deborah to the wider sisterhood of their community, Elizabeth Gaskell portrayed the intricacies of female friendship. She looked at sisterhood again in Wives and Daughters with the complex stepsister dynamic of Molly Gibson and Cynthia Kirkpatrick. Does their contrasting character deepen their sisterly bond?

So, how does sisterhood define these two classic women writers? And is it a bond that endures for readers today?

This lively online talk is produced in association with Elizabeth Gaskell’s House.

DETAILS:
Date: Sunday 3 May 2026
Time: 8pm – 9pm (BST)
Location: This event will take place online. Join from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £7 / Virtual Festival Pass

**Tickets are also available as part of our Virtual Festival Pass – if you wish to attend all three online events, this is the best option!

This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. Please check your junk folders!

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

This event will be recorded so you can watch again later. All ticket-holders will be emailed a link to the recording after the event. The recording will be accessible for 14 days.

Timings are given in UK time (BST) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time. 

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026, and Elizabeth Gaskell’s House Short Stories – Cranford season.

This special event will showcase a range of treasures from the museum collection relating to springtime and new beginnings – with a particular nod to the Dashwoods’ new start in Sense and Sensibility.

As part of a small group, you’ll have the chance to see a range of objects up close, and to learn from our collections team about their history, care and significance.

We’ll examine a rare first edition of Sense and Sensibility and a range of Sense and Sensibility illustrations and film production shots. We’ll also look at florals and spring fashions, Regency fashion plates, floral embroideries and carvings. With a nod to April showers, we’ll also examine a pair of Regency pattens.

We’ll discuss how different illustrations were made, printed and how they influenced each other, and how we care for them as part of the museum collection.

This event will be led by an expert on our collection. The group will be kept small, so there will be plenty of opportunities to see objects up close, ask questions and discuss as we go along.

Details:
Date: Monday 4 May 2026
Time: 11.15am – 12.45pm
Location: This event is at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us
Tickets: £19.50 (event only); £29.50 (event + House entry)

If you wish to visit the House before or after the event you may use your Annual Pass (if you have one), or select a ‘Event+ House entry’ ticket, to enjoy a reduced price. Please note this ticket type entitles you to House entry on this day only.

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

‘each of them was busy in arranging their particular concerns, and endeavoring, by placing around them books and other possessions, to form themselves a home. Marianne’s pianoforte was unpacked and properly disposed of; and Elinor’s drawings were affixed to the walls of their sitting room.’ ~ Sense and Sensibility

Join us for a quiet and creative drawing session in the beautiful grounds of Jane Austen’s House. Bring your own project or just start sketching!

This session will take place in the cosy Learning Centre tucked behind Jane Austen’s House. We’ll provide a quiet space in which to draw, pencils and cartridge paper, summer flowers from the garden to sketch if you are so inspired, and fortifying tea and coffee. 

Bring along your work in progress or start something new! 

Details:
Date: Monday 4 May 2026
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free with House admission – book general admission here – please make sure you select 4 May!

🎫 No event ticket required, this event is free with House entry.

❗Please select the correct date and time slot when booking your general admission ticket to enjoy this event.

🌺 This event is part of our festival Spring Fling! running from 1 – 4 May 2026

Back by popular demand! In 2026 our Virtual Book Club will run monthly from February – November, covering all of Jane Austen’s novels as well as her teenage works and letters. Bring your thoughts, ideas and observations… bring tea and quotes and questions… expect stimulating discussion and debate!

Join our Virtual Book Club – a lively online space in which we will discuss all things Jane Austen!

Our fourth session will focus on Jane Austen’s most famous and beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice. 

We’ll get the ball rolling with questions, ideas and provocations about this short work and then it’s over to you – as a group we’ll share thoughts, theories, favourites and best-bits.

Whether you love the book, audiobook or a film or stage adaptation, join us to share your love of this internationally beloved story. Why does it matter to you? What have you learned from it? Which bits always make you cry? Which characters do you adore, admire or despise?

Grab a cup of tea and join us for an hour of blissful discussion with fellow Jane Austen fans around the world!

Details:
Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026
Time: 7pm – 8pm (BST)
Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £7 

 This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. 

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

Timings are given in UK time (BST) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time. 

Please note that booking for this event will close at 5.00pm (BST) the day before. This is to ensure that all attendees receive their link in good time. 

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 a warm, quiet space in which to write, 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: Wednesday 6 May 2026
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free with House admission – book general admission here or use your Annual Pass!

🎫 No event ticket required, this event is free with House entry.

❗ Please select the correct date and time slot when booking your general admission ticket to enjoy this event

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. Please note that the House will be closed so House entry will not be possible on this day.

We’ll provide fortifying tea and coffee to keep you going! 

Bring along your work in progress or start something new! 

Details:
Date: Tuesday 12 May
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free but pre-booking essential. 

🎫 This event is free but pre-booking is essential. Please note that the House will be closed so House entry will not be possible on this day.

🗓️ Other Sewing Circle dates in 2026: 9 June, 14 July, 11 August, 8 September, 13 October, 10 November, 8 December

Back by popular demand! In 2026 our Virtual Book Club will run monthly from February – November, covering all of Jane Austen’s novels as well as her teenage works and letters. Bring your thoughts, ideas and observations… bring tea and quotes and questions… expect stimulating discussion and debate!

Join our Virtual Book Club – a lively online space in which we will discuss all things Jane Austen!

Our fifth session will focus on Jane Austen’s most complex and controversial novel, Mansfield Park.

We’ll get the ball rolling with questions, ideas and provocations about this short work and then it’s over to you – as a group we’ll share thoughts, theories, favourites and best-bits.

Whether you love the book, audiobook or a film or stage adaptation, join us to share your love of this internationally beloved story. Why does it matter to you? What have you learned from it? Which bits always make you cry? Which characters do you adore, admire or despise?

Grab a cup of tea and join us for an hour of blissful discussion with fellow Jane Austen fans around the world!

Details:
Date: Tuesday 2 June 2026
Time: 7pm – 8pm (BST)
Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £7 

 This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. 

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

Timings are given in UK time (BST) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time. 

Please note that booking for this event will close at 5.00pm (BST) the day before. This is to ensure that all attendees receive their link in good time. 

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 a warm, quiet space in which to write, 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: Wednesday 3 June 2026
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free with House admission – book general admission here or use your Annual Pass!

🎫 No event ticket required, this event is free with House entry.

❗ Please select the correct date and time slot when booking your general admission ticket to enjoy this event

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 9 June
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free but pre-booking essential. 

🎫 This event is free but pre-booking is essential. Please note that the House entry is not included in your ticket.

🗓️ Other Sewing Circle dates in 2026: 14 July, 11 August, 8 September, 13 October, 10 November, 8 December

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 a warm, quiet space in which to write, 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: Saturday 4 July 2026
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free with House admission – book general admission here or use your Annual Pass!

🎫 No event ticket required, this event is free with House entry.

❗ Please select the correct date and time slot when booking your general admission ticket to enjoy this event

Back by popular demand! In 2026 our Virtual Book Club will run monthly from February – November, covering all of Jane Austen’s novels as well as her teenage works and letters. Bring your thoughts, ideas and observations… bring tea and quotes and questions… expect stimulating discussion and debate!

Join our Virtual Book Club – a lively online space in which we will discuss all things Jane Austen!

Our sixth session will focus on Jane Austen’s perfect summer novel, Emma.

We’ll get the ball rolling with questions, ideas and provocations about this short work and then it’s over to you – as a group we’ll share thoughts, theories, favourites and best-bits.

Whether you love the book, audiobook or a film or stage adaptation, join us to share your love of this internationally beloved story. Why does it matter to you? What have you learned from it? Which bits always make you cry? Which characters do you adore, admire or despise?

Grab a cup of tea and join us for an hour of blissful discussion with fellow Jane Austen fans around the world!

Details:
Date: Tuesday 7 July 2026
Time: 7pm – 8pm (BST)
Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £7 

 This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. 

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

Timings are given in UK time (BST) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time. 

Please note that booking for this event will close at 5.00pm (BST) the day before. This is to ensure that all attendees receive their link in good time. 

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 14 July
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free but pre-booking essential. 

🎫 This event is free but pre-booking is essential. Please note that the House entry is not included in your ticket.

🗓️ Other Sewing Circle dates in 2026: 11 August, 8 September, 13 October, 10 November, 8 December

In July 2026 our popular Summer Festival will return with a host of special events commemorating the anniversary of Jane Austen’s death on 18 July, and celebrating her ‘perfect’ summer novel Emma.

The three-day festival will run from Friday 17 – Sunday 19 July, with our popular annual Dress Up Day taking centre stage on the Saturday with a host of dress and costume-related events. The Festival programme will also include themed tours and talks, workshops and special events.

As usual there will be free events to drop into, and exclusive ticketed events that you won’t want to miss – as well as plenty of online events for those further afield!

The full programme and tickets will go on sale in April. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to see the programme!

‘I never in my life saw anything more elegant than their dresses.’
Pride & Prejudice

Join us for our popular annual Dress Up Day! On this special Saturday, we’ll be dressing up in our finest Regency outfits and we’d love you to join us!

In 2026, Dress Up Day will fall on the anniversary of Jane Austen’s death, making it a particularly special and poignant day to look back and celebrate her unique life, her beloved novels and characters, and her extraordinary literary legacy.

Dress Up Day is a unique and special day in our calendar. It’s the perfect excuse to break out your favourite Regency regalia and pose, picnic or promenade at Jane Austen’s House and our pretty cottage garden. It’s a lovely way to step back in time and get a sense of life in Regency England, and to experience the House in a new way.

We can’t wait to see your Regency outfits – but if you don’t have a Regency dress of your own, we’ll have lots available for you to try on.

We’ll be taking photographs throughout the day. If you’re happy to appear in photographs to be used on our website and social media, we’d love to include you!

Details:
Date: Saturday 18 July 2026
Time: 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Location: This event takes place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us
Tickets: Free with House admission. Book your tickets here. (Don’t forget to select 18 July!)

‘we are very busy making Edward’s shirts and I am proud to say that I am the neatest worker of the party’.
Jane Austen, September 1796

Join specialist hand embroiderer Jenny Adin-Christie for an exclusive embroidery course, creating a unique needle case design inspired by Jane Austen’s life, works and legacy – and the beautiful house where she lived and wrote.

About the design:
Jenny has created a bespoke design for a needle case, inspired by Jane Austen and the collection at Jane Austen’s House.

Over the week-long course, students will have the chance to work on site at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton – Jane Austen’s home for the last eight years of her life – and to learn all the key embroidery and construction techniques required to create this very special heirloom project. Find out more about the design..

Class kit:
To create the design, the ticket cost includes a project kit containing all fabrics, threads, construction materials and needles required, plus fully illustrated instruction manual (value £240).

Jane Austen’s House exclusives:
The course will take place in the Learning Centre at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, where Jane Austen wrote or revised and had published her six beloved novels. Situated in the pretty cottage garden, just a stone’s throw from the House itself, you will enjoy privileged access to the House throughout the course. Each day will include a talk or tour from specialist House staff, focusing on an aspect of Jane Austen’s life, works or the museum collection.

Draft itinerary (subject to change):
Monday: Guided tour of Jane Austen’s House
Tuesday: Objects up close
Wednesday: Guided Chawton village walk
Thursday: Day off – sewing area open but no tuition
Friday: Garden tour with Head Gardener
Saturday: Farewell afternoon tea

Refreshments:

Each day we will provide tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes for attendees to help themselves to. We will also provide a buffet-style lunch of sandwiches, quiches etc which can be enjoyed in the Learning Centre or in the museum garden. If you have any dietary requirements please let us know after booking. There are also catering options available in the village for those that would prefer.

Details:
Dates: Monday 27 July – Saturday 1 August 2026 (no tuition on Thursday 30^th)
Times: 10.00 – 16.00 daily
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: £995

What is included?

• The ticket cost includes tuition each day. The class size will be limited to 12 people, to allow everyone to receive Jenny’s attention and expertise.
• The course kit is included, containing everything you need to make the design, and full printed instructions. You will need to provide your own basic embroidery equipment, and we will provide a list closer to the time. If you prefer to borrow equipment, this can also be arranged.
• Daily refreshments are included, consisting of morning tea, coffee and biscuits; lunch; afternoon tea or coffee and cake. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know after booking.
• Travel and accommodation are not included in the course ticket. Please arrange your own transport to Jane Austen’s House each day, and book local accommodation.

Find out more about the embroidery course…

About the Tutor:

Jenny Adin-Christie is a specialist hand embroiderer.

Jenny’s career stemmed from a rich family heritage of craftsmanship, being taught to stitch and make from an early age by her mother, a teacher specialising in textiles, and her father, a master gunsmith and fishing rod builder.

Fine hand embroidery became her true passion and Jenny was encouraged to apply for a sought-after place on the rigorous three-year Apprenticeship course then offered at the Royal School of Needlework, Hampton Court. Here she learnt to work a hugely diverse range of traditional and more contemporary techniques to a professional standard, training simultaneously in art and design.

Jenny graduated from the Apprenticeship in 1996 with distinction and awards in goldwork and silk shading, before being honoured with full-time employment at the RSN. This role allowed her the enviable opportunity to practice her skills on the enormously varied commissions of the commercial studio, and as a tutor on the broad range of courses. Jenny thus became widely recognised as a specialist in the fields of whitework, metal thread, raised embroidery/stumpwork and embroidery design.

Ten years of invaluable experience as a senior tutor and studio embroiderer, eventually becoming Assistant Head of the Studio at the RSN, allowed Jenny to branch out as a freelance embroiderer when her daughter was born in 2008. Jenny now works full time as a professional hand embroiderer, running her own business from her home studio in Surrey.

 ‘If you are not familiar with Jenny’s work, she is one of the most talented needlework artisans of the modern era, with her projects and classes in such high demand, any opportunity to see her teach or admire her work, is a must.’ – Inspirations magazine

Terms and conditions:

• Your booking is non-refundable. If for any reason you cannot attend the course after booking, please contact us in the first instance and we will see if we can re-sell your place. If we are able to do so, we will refund you the full cost minus an admin fee of £25. If we are not able to do so, no refund will be offered. If you cancel your place within 14 days of the course starting, no refund will be issued.
• If in the unlikely event that we are forced to alter or cancel the course, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer you one of the following options.

1. To accept the new arrangements
2. To cancel your booking and receive a full refund for the cost of the course.

• We will not be liable for refunding any expenses, including, but not limited to, travel and accommodation costs, which have been occurred as a result of the booking.
• We require a minimum number of participants to book a workshop in order to be able to run it. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone the workshop in case the minimum number has not been achieved.

‘we are very busy making Edward’s shirts and I am proud to say that I am the neatest worker of the party’.
Jane Austen, September 1796

Join specialist hand embroiderer Jenny Adin-Christie for an exclusive embroidery course, creating a unique needle case design inspired by Jane Austen’s life, works and legacy – and the beautiful house where she lived and wrote.

About the design:
Jenny has created a bespoke design for a needle case, inspired by Jane Austen and the collection at Jane Austen’s House.

Over the week-long course, students will have the chance to work on site at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton – Jane Austen’s home for the last eight years of her life – and to learn all the key embroidery and construction techniques required to create this very special heirloom project. Find out more about the design..

Class kit:
To create the design, the ticket cost includes a project kit containing all fabrics, threads, construction materials and needles required, plus fully illustrated instruction manual (value £240).

Jane Austen’s House exclusives:
The course will take place in the Learning Centre at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, where Jane Austen wrote or revised and had published her six beloved novels. Situated in the pretty cottage garden, just a stone’s throw from the House itself, you will enjoy privileged access to the House throughout the course. Each day will include a talk or tour from specialist House staff, focusing on an aspect of Jane Austen’s life, works or the museum collection.

Draft itinerary (subject to change):
Monday: Guided tour of Jane Austen’s House
Tuesday: Objects up close
Wednesday: Guided Chawton village walk
Thursday: Day off – sewing area open but no tuition
Friday: Garden tour with Head Gardener
Saturday: Farewell afternoon tea

Refreshments:

Each day we will provide tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes for attendees to help themselves to. We will also provide a buffet-style lunch of sandwiches, quiches etc which can be enjoyed in the Learning Centre or in the museum garden. If you have any dietary requirements please let us know after booking. There are also catering options available in the village for those that would prefer.

Details:
Dates: Monday 27 July – Saturday 1 August 2026 (no tuition on Thursday 30^th)
Times: 10.00 – 16.00 daily
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: £995

What is included?

• The ticket cost includes tuition each day. The class size will be limited to 12 people, to allow everyone to receive Jenny’s attention and expertise.
• The course kit is included, containing everything you need to make the design, and full printed instructions. You will need to provide your own basic embroidery equipment, and we will provide a list closer to the time. If you prefer to borrow equipment, this can also be arranged.
• Daily refreshments are included, consisting of morning tea, coffee and biscuits; lunch; afternoon tea or coffee and cake. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know after booking.
• Travel and accommodation are not included in the course ticket. Please arrange your own transport to Jane Austen’s House each day, and book local accommodation.

Find out more about the embroidery course…

About the Tutor:

Jenny Adin-Christie is a specialist hand embroiderer.

Jenny’s career stemmed from a rich family heritage of craftsmanship, being taught to stitch and make from an early age by her mother, a teacher specialising in textiles, and her father, a master gunsmith and fishing rod builder.

Fine hand embroidery became her true passion and Jenny was encouraged to apply for a sought-after place on the rigorous three-year Apprenticeship course then offered at the Royal School of Needlework, Hampton Court. Here she learnt to work a hugely diverse range of traditional and more contemporary techniques to a professional standard, training simultaneously in art and design.

Jenny graduated from the Apprenticeship in 1996 with distinction and awards in goldwork and silk shading, before being honoured with full-time employment at the RSN. This role allowed her the enviable opportunity to practice her skills on the enormously varied commissions of the commercial studio, and as a tutor on the broad range of courses. Jenny thus became widely recognised as a specialist in the fields of whitework, metal thread, raised embroidery/stumpwork and embroidery design.

Ten years of invaluable experience as a senior tutor and studio embroiderer, eventually becoming Assistant Head of the Studio at the RSN, allowed Jenny to branch out as a freelance embroiderer when her daughter was born in 2008. Jenny now works full time as a professional hand embroiderer, running her own business from her home studio in Surrey.

 ‘If you are not familiar with Jenny’s work, she is one of the most talented needlework artisans of the modern era, with her projects and classes in such high demand, any opportunity to see her teach or admire her work, is a must.’ – Inspirations magazine

Terms and conditions:

• Your booking is non-refundable. If for any reason you cannot attend the course after booking, please contact us in the first instance and we will see if we can re-sell your place. If we are able to do so, we will refund you the full cost minus an admin fee of £25. If we are not able to do so, no refund will be offered. If you cancel your place within 14 days of the course starting, no refund will be issued.
• If in the unlikely event that we are forced to alter or cancel the course, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer you one of the following options.

1. To accept the new arrangements
2. To cancel your booking and receive a full refund for the cost of the course.

• We will not be liable for refunding any expenses, including, but not limited to, travel and accommodation costs, which have been occurred as a result of the booking.
• We require a minimum number of participants to book a workshop in order to be able to run it. We reserve the right to cancel or postpone the workshop in case the minimum number has not been achieved.

Back by popular demand! In 2026 our Virtual Book Club will run monthly from February – November, covering all of Jane Austen’s novels as well as her teenage works and letters. Bring your thoughts, ideas and observations… bring tea and quotes and questions… expect stimulating discussion and debate!

Join our Virtual Book Club – a lively online space in which we will discuss all things Jane Austen!

Our seventh session will focus on Jane Austen’s last completed novel, Persuasion.

We’ll get the ball rolling with questions, ideas and provocations about this short work and then it’s over to you – as a group we’ll share thoughts, theories, favourites and best-bits.

Whether you love the book, audiobook or a film or stage adaptation, join us to share your love of this internationally beloved story. Why does it matter to you? What have you learned from it? Which bits always make you cry? Which characters do you adore, admire or despise?

Grab a cup of tea and join us for an hour of blissful discussion with fellow Jane Austen fans around the world!

Details:
Date: Tuesday 4 August 2026
Time: 7pm – 8pm (BST)
Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £7 

 This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. 

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

Timings are given in UK time (BST) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time. 

Please note that booking for this event will close at 5.00pm (BST) the day before. This is to ensure that all attendees receive their link in good time. 

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 11 August
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free but pre-booking essential. 

🎫 This event is free but pre-booking is essential. Please note that the House entry is not included in your ticket.

🗓️ Other Sewing Circle dates in 2026: 8 September, 13 October, 10 November, 8 December

This early-morning entry slot is intended for people who would prefer a quieter and calmer environment to experience the House.

During this time we will reduce capacity in the House so there will be fewer visitors. We will also make some changes to reduce sensory input, including turning off all audio and video screens in the House. If there are other changes that would make your visit easier, please contact us to let us know in advance.

As part of our early opening, you will be able to explore the House and garden, and have the opportunity to take part in some family friendly activities.

The Historic Kitchen will be reserved as a quiet area for those needing to take a break. In good weather you may also wish to sit in the garden, which is very peaceful.

You can check out the layout of the House in advance by looking at our virtual tour.

Details:
Dates: Friday 21 August 2026
Times: 9am – 10am
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Standard House admission prices (Child 6-16: £7 – Adult: £14.50) Find out more about admission prices.

To book, please email enquiries@janeaustens.house and let us know what kind of experience you need, so we can best accommodate your visit.

Back by popular demand! In 2026 our Virtual Book Club will run monthly from February – November, covering all of Jane Austen’s novels as well as her teenage works and letters. Bring your thoughts, ideas and observations… bring tea and quotes and questions… expect stimulating discussion and debate!

Join our Virtual Book Club – a lively online space in which we will discuss all things Jane Austen!

Our eighth session will focus on Jane Austen’s youthful, spoof-Gothic novel, Northanger Abbey.

We’ll get the ball rolling with questions, ideas and provocations about this short work and then it’s over to you – as a group we’ll share thoughts, theories, favourites and best-bits.

Whether you love the book, audiobook or a film or stage adaptation, join us to share your love of this internationally beloved story. Why does it matter to you? What have you learned from it? Which bits always make you cry? Which characters do you adore, admire or despise?

Grab a cup of tea and join us for an hour of blissful discussion with fellow Jane Austen fans around the world!

Details:
Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
Time: 7pm – 8pm (BST)
Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £7 

 This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. 

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

Timings are given in UK time (BST) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time. 

Please note that booking for this event will close at 5.00pm (BST) the day before. This is to ensure that all attendees receive their link in good time. 

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 a warm, quiet space in which to write, 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: Saturday 5 September 2026
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free with House admission – book general admission here or use your Annual Pass!

🎫 No event ticket required, this event is free with House entry.

❗ Please select the correct date and time slot when booking your general admission ticket to enjoy this event

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 8 September
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free but pre-booking essential. 

🎫 This event is free but pre-booking is essential. Please note that the House entry is not included in your ticket.

🗓️ Other Sewing Circle dates in 2026: 13 October, 10 November, 8 December

In September 2026 our popular Autumn Festival will return with a host of special events marking the turning of the year, and celebrating Persuasion – Jane Austen’s last completed novel.

The three-day festival will run from Friday 18 – Sunday 20 September, with a packed programme featuring themed tours and talks, workshops and special events.

As usual there will be free events to drop into, and exclusive ticketed events that you won’t want to miss – as well as plenty of online events for those further afield!

The full programme and tickets will go on sale in June. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to see the programme!

Back by popular demand! In 2026 our Virtual Book Club will run monthly from February – November, covering all of Jane Austen’s novels as well as her teenage works and letters. Bring your thoughts, ideas and observations… bring tea and quotes and questions… expect stimulating discussion and debate!

Join our Virtual Book Club – a lively online space in which we will discuss all things Jane Austen!

Our ninth session will focus on Jane Austen’s last, unfinished novel, Sanditon.

We’ll get the ball rolling with questions, ideas and provocations about this short work and then it’s over to you – as a group we’ll share thoughts, theories, favourites and best-bits.

Whether you love the book, audiobook or a film or stage adaptation, join us to share your love of this internationally beloved story. Why does it matter to you? What have you learned from it? Which bits always make you cry? Which characters do you adore, admire or despise?

Grab a cup of tea and join us for an hour of blissful discussion with fellow Jane Austen fans around the world!

Details:
Date: Tuesday 6 October 2026
Time: 7pm – 8pm (BST)
Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!
Tickets: £7 

 This event will take place on Zoom. Please provide a valid email address, as you will be emailed a link to join the tour in the run up to the event. 

 If you are joining as a group or household, please buy one ticket for each person attending.  All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Museum. 

Timings are given in UK time (BST) – please do check what the event time is in your territory, to ensure you log in at the right time. 

Please note that booking for this event will close at 5.00pm (BST) the day before. This is to ensure that all attendees receive their link in good time. 

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. Please note that the House will be closed so House entry will not be possible on this day.

We’ll provide fortifying tea and coffee to keep you going! 

Bring along your work in progress or start something new! 

Details:
Date: Tuesday 13 October
Time: 11am – 1pm
Location: This event will take place at Jane Austen’s House in Chawton. Find us.
Tickets: Free but pre-booking essential. 

🎫 This event is free but pre-booking is essential. Please note that the House will be closed so House entry will not be possible on this day.

🗓️ Other Sewing Circle dates in 2026: 10 November, 8 December