Events

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

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

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

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

Details:

Date: Wednesday 22 March 2023

Time: 6pm – 7pm (GMT)

Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!

Tickets: £6.50

 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.

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

“Painting and writing have much to tell each other” – Virginia Woolf

Only 12% of the National Portrait Gallery’s paintings are by women. One of those is a portrait of Jane Austen, painted by her sister Cassandra whilst they were living here in Chawton.

These two creative sisters united the worlds of painting and writing, and in this poetry workshop you will do the same. You will borrow the techniques of artists like Cassandra to paint poems of your own, penning portraits and splashing colour over the page.

This Zoom workshop is suitable for beginners, and will have a running time of 90 minutes, including guided writing time. As well as being inspired by visual art, you will also have access to example poems to help inspire your writing.

About the tutor: Ellora Sutton is the Creative Engagement Officer at Jane Austen’s House as well as being a prize-winning poet. Her work has been published in The Poetry Review, Popshot Quarterly, The North, bath magg, Poetry News, and Poetry Birmingham Literary Journal, amongst others. Her latest pamphlet, antonyms for burial (Fourteen Poems), is the Poetry Book Society’s Spring 2023 Pamphlet Choice.

Feedback from Ellora’s previous workshops

“I loved it and it inspired me to try something new in safe space with other like-minded budding poets.”

“Thank you so much for being such a delightful, nurturing workshop facilitator, and for introducing us to such mind-blowing poems”

“I feel totally inspired. Poetry feels less out of reach now. Thank you.”

“Ellora made the workshop enjoyable, useful and inspiring.”

Details:

Date: Sunday 26 March

Time: 2pm – 3.30pm (GMT)

Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!

Tickets: £25; concessions (disabled people/young people under 26): £15

 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 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. This event takes place on the day that clocks go forward in the UK – please take extra care!

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

Back by popular demand! In 2023 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 us for 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 the novel 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 April 2023

Time: 7pm – 8pm (GMT)

Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!

Tickets: £6.50 – or book the first three book clubs of the year for £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 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. 

Young Person’s Short Story Writing Morning: Write your own tales in a style entirely new

Did you know that Jane Austen started writing stories when she was just eleven years old? Her teenage writings are funny stories, adventure stories, stories of brave girls and boys behaving badly, impossible stories where anything can happen. Her father called these stories “tales in a style entirely new” – and he was right!

Over three hours (including a break to refuel!) you will be inspired in the same place where an older Jane Austen wrote her world-famous novels! Following fun writing exercises guided by our Creative Engagement Officer Ellora, you will leave the session with your very own short story.

Perfect for budding writers or complete beginners. Just bring your imagination!

Details:

Date: Wednesday 5 April

Time: 10am – 1pm

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

Tickets: £6.50

😊 This event is for ages 12-16 only

🍪 We’ll have a break mid-morning for squash and biscuits. Please let us know of any dietary requirements after booking. 

✉️ If you have any questions about this event, or want to let us know your young person’s requirements, please get in touch on enquiries@janeaustens.house 

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

Northanger Abbey

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find out more about our family facilities…

Details:

Date: Friday 7 April

Time: 10 – 11am (British Summertime)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 exclusive online event, hosted by an expert guide from Jane Austen’s House, will use our beautiful virtual tour to show you around the House and outbuildings. As part of a small group, you will enjoy a guided walk through of our virtual tour with lots of opportunities to chat and to ask questions.

Details:

Date: 22 April

Time: 6-7pm (GMT)

Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!

Tickets: £6.50

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

Northanger Abbey

~

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

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

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

Details:

Date: Saturday 29 April

Time: 12pm – 1pm

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

Tickets: £16.50

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details:

Date: Monday 1 May

Time: 9.45am – 10.45am

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

Tickets: £6.50

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

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

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

Back by popular demand! In 2023 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 us for 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 novel, Pride and Prejudice. 

We’ll get the ball rolling with questions, ideas and provocations about the novel 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 May 2023

Time: 7pm – 8pm (GMT)

Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!

Tickets: £6.50 – or book the first three book clubs of the year for £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 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. 

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 exclusive online event, hosted by an expert guide from Jane Austen’s House, will use our beautiful virtual tour to show you around the House and outbuildings. As part of a small group, you will enjoy a guided walk through of our virtual tour with lots of opportunities to chat and to ask questions.

Details:

Date: 13 May

Time: 4-5pm (GMT)

Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!

Tickets: £6.50

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

Northanger Abbey

~

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

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

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

Details:

Date: Saturday 27 May

Time: 12pm – 1pm

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

Tickets: £16.50

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

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

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

Back by popular demand! In 2023 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 us for 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 third published novel, Mansfield Park. 

We’ll get the ball rolling with questions, ideas and provocations about the novel 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 June 2023

Time: 7pm – 8pm (GMT)

Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!

Tickets: £6.50 – or book the first three book clubs of the year for £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 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. 

Back by popular demand! In 2023 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 us for 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’ summertime novel, Emma. 

We’ll get the ball rolling with questions, ideas and provocations about the novel 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 July 2023

Time: 7pm – 8pm (GMT)

Location: This event will take place online. Join us from the comfort of your own home!

Tickets: £6.50 – or book the first three book clubs of the year for £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 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.