Whether you’re an ardent fan or set-jetter, there’s a whole host of special activities planned in memory of the iconic Miss Austen …
Born in Hampshire, Jane Austen’s six novels, published anonymously, continue to inspire with many adaptations, films, societies and festivals, highlighting her enduring appeal.
Jane was also interested in fashion, and documented Regency style. Her heroines wore high-waist empire-cut dresses with puff sleeves and often a high neckline, clearly the inspiration for current designers from Love Shack Fancy to Rixo. For fans of Regency fashion, there’s a Style and Sensibility exhibition at Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Lancaster from April 3 to November 16.
I also recommend watching Jane Austen: Behind Closed Doors, on BBC iPlayer; a visual history by Lucy Worsley. Here are some of my favourites and where to stay:
CHAWTON, HAMPSHIRE
1 Visit Chawton, Hampshire
The Jane Austen House Museum is decorated with wallpaper reproduced from original fragments by Hamilton Weston. The museum is hosting a Sense and Sensibility Festival in May, among many other special events. www.janeaustens.house
Stay: Heckfield Place, Hampshire
Just down the road from Chawton is historic Heckfield Place, an eco-friendly Georgian country house hotel that does the impossible – it’s design-forward, while seamlessly blending classical elements. You’ll find art from the private collection of the owner, billionaire Gerald Chan, plus a farm with produce that goes directly the restaurant thanks to superstar chef Skye Gyngell (of Petersham Nurseries and Spring in London fame). This is a stately stay Mr Darcy would be proud to call home. www.heckfieldplace.com
READING
2 Visit Reading
Jane spent time at Reading Ladies Boarding School in the historic Abbey Gateway, now cared for by Reading Museum, with guided tours between April and October. As education was not compulsory, it’s telling that her enlightened parents chose to send her here, and the school is often cited as the inspiration for Mrs Goddard’s School in Emma. You might also like to visit Highclere Castle, the set of Downton Abbey, a 40-minute drive out of town.
Stay: The Roseate
This townhouse is part of the Roseate group; I’ve stayed in the Edinburgh hotel and it’s gorgeous. Avant-garde, imaginative and contemporary in design, Roseate hotels take their name from a bird with pink plumage. It’s the ideal base for Royal Ascot in June as it’s near Ascot Racecourse, or Reading Festival in August as it’s close to the venue. Guests will love design details in the hotel, including rugs by Diane Von Furstenberg, Bill Amberg, and Lulu Guinness for The Rug Company, as well as impressive artworks by Paul Ambille, Isabelle de Ganay, and Alain Bonnefoit. www.roseatehotels.com
BATH
3 Visit Bath, Somerset
“Oh! Who can ever be tired of Bath?” asked Jane in Northanger Abbey, who called it home from 1801 to 1806. Bath is the hub of the 250th anniversary celebrations, with an exhibition at No 1 Royal Crescent Museum, and three Regency-themed balls in May, June and December. For an immersive overview of Jane’s life, visit The Jane Austen Centre and Regency Tea Room, where costumed characters guide you through the experience. On my visit, it was Harriet Smith from Emma. You can learn about her family, via entertaining anecdotes, and also dress up in Regency costumes, or try your hand at writing with a quill and ink. Each September, the International Jane Austen Festival plays out in venues across the city. However, you don’t need a guide as you can retrace Jane’s footsteps on your own walking tour – most famous is No 4 Sydney Parade, which is the only house in Bath with a plaque informing visitors of Jane’s residency.
Stay: The Bath Priory
On my recent visit, I stayed in The Bath Priory, a charming Relais & Châteaux manor within the gardens of a former priory, just outside the town centre and a short walk to the Royal Victoria Park. Built in 1835, this Georgian sandstone blends modern fabrics and antique furniture. The hotel has two exquisite dining options: The Priory Restaurant and The Pantry, in addition to a stunning art collection, best enjoyed in the lounge. A must-visit is its Garden Spa by L’Occitane – the only one in the UK – with lovely products also included in-room. www.thebathpriory.co.uk
LONDON
4 Visit London
Jane relished her visits to London, where her brother Henry lived in Covent Garden (there’s a plaque to commemorate her visits there). Her letters detail trips to dressmakers, milliners, and the theatre. Plied and Prejudice is on at The Vaults in Waterloo until mid-May; an immersive parody of her famous novels with five actors scrambling to play 20 characters in a chaotic retelling! There are also walking tours around London, marking the various locations she would frequent. www.pliedandprejudice.com
Stay: Henry’s Townhouse
There’s a line-up of experiences at this Grade II listed Regency building once owned by Henry. A special anniversary package throughout the year offers exclusive use of the townhouse for up to twelve guests, which includes a welcome hamper of traditional English tea and cakes, and tickets to the V&A Museum to explore its Regency exhibition. Author Jessica Bull, who wrote Miss Austen Investigates, and Natasha Poliszczuk, editor and literary interviewer, will also host intimate talks about Jane’s life over dinner in the hotel’s Monsieur Halavant’s Pantry. www.henrystownhouse.co.uk
LYME REGIS
5 Visit Lyme Regis
Jane visited Lyme Regis on two known occasions, and collated material here for her last novel. A plaque at Pyne House on Broad Street reads, “This is the most likely lodging of Jane Austen, whose visits to Lyme in 1803 and 1804 gave birth to her novel Persuasion”. The Cobb is a good starting point for following in her footsteps, as shown in the Netflix adaption starring Dakota Johnston and Cosmo Jarvis. Lyme Regis Museum also has an Austen collection, handed down or loaned from the family. Finally, visit the Jane Austen Garden and Jane’s Café at the end of Marine Parade.
Stay: The Kersbrook
This 14-room thatched, 18th century Grade II listed guest house is very central to Lyme’s harbour … who can forget Meryl Streep on the pier in the film adaptation of John Fowles’ French Lieutenant’s Woman? www.visit-dorset.com
CHATSWORTH, DEVONSHIRE
6 Visit Chatsworth, Derbyshire
Believed to be the inspiration for Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice, it was immortalised as the home of Darcy in the 2005 film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. From the grand staircase and ceiling of the Painted Hall to The Sculpture Gallery, it’s definitely worth a visit. Chatsworth is hosting a range of events in June, from talks and theatre to garden tours. www.chatsworth.org
Stay: The Cavendish
Georgian country house hotel in a picture postcard location, within the Peak District National Park. The hotel is part of the 35,000-acre Chatsworth Estate, belonging to the Cavendish family since 1549; the family’s Irish estate is Lismore, Co Waterford. Interior designer Nicola Harding worked with Laura Burlington (wife of William, heir to Chatsworth) to update the hotel this year. There are 28 rooms in three categories (Cosy, Spacious, Splendid); mine overlooked the Capability Brown-designed landscape. Breakfast is served in the three AA Rosette restaurant The Gallery. The Garden Room offers lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, or guests can book The Kitchen Table for a bespoke menu.
LYME PARK, CHESHIRE
7 Visit Lyme Park, Cheshire
In the classic Pride and Prejudice BBC series starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, Pemberley was filmed at Lyme Park in Disley, Cheshire – a 1,400-acre National Trust property offering gorgeous walks and views. Fun fact: Helen Fielding was inspired to write her Bridget Jones books thanks to this 1995 adaptation.
Stay: Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, Cheshire
Built in 1816, this country estate oozes old world charm, surrounded by pretty gardens. It’s famous for its health club and spa, and was also the setting for the Beckham’s engagement back in 1998. It’s close to the medieval town of Nantwich, Ness Botanic Gardens, and the cathedral city of Chester. After a day of sight-seeing, enjoy the hotel’s AA-Rosette restaurant, while the wood-panelled bar has an impressive selection of (50+) gins. www.handpickedhotels.co.uk
WINCHESTER
8 Visit Winchester
Jane died at No 8 College Street in July 1817 and, this summer, the house will open to the public for the first time. Jane loved Winchester Cathedral and is buried in the north aisle. Large floral displays will be created for special dates between May to December, with a commemorative service in October. www.historicwinchester.co.uk
Stay: Lainston House Jane Austen Package
The Exclusive Collection is offering a duo-destination package at two country house hotels from April to September, which facilitates visiting key sites. The journey begins at The Manor House in Castle Combe, a 17th-century manor in the Cotswolds, then Bath (see above), with the next chapter at Lainston House, a country manor outside Winchester with the longest avenue of lime trees in the UK. Close to Chawton and Steventon, where Jane was born, the experience will be enhanced for fans with dedicated “rose reading spots” on the grounds, planted with Harkness ‘Jane Austen’ roses. There will also be a themed afternoon tea throughout the escape package period, and an outdoor screening in the summer. Don’t miss the Regency Fashion Show at Winchester’s Great Hall, on July 26. www.exclusive.co.uk
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