Chawton and Jane Austen Tour
Description
The only tour of Chawton guided by an Italian lady who lives in the village. During this one-and-a-half-hour walking tour, you will have the opportunity not only to discover the village that Jane Austen knew and loved and its connection to her life, but also to get a glimpse into what life is like today in an authentic English village based the guide's personal experience as a Chawton resident. This is a perfect day trip from London to a quintessentially English countryside village that offers a perfect blend of history, culture and lifestyle.
Tour Options
Itinerary
I look forward to spending a day together on the footsteps of Jane Austen! This tour is a perfect day-trip from London to discover an authentic English countryside village with unique connections to one of the most famous writers in the world. Chawton is a picture-perfect, quintessentially English village in the heart of the South Downs National Park, in Hampshire with fairy tale thatched cottages, a beautiful park and cosy stone church But Chawton is best known for being the place where Jane Austen lived happily the final eight years of her life and wrote or completed most of her famous novels, including Emma and the final version of Pride & Prejudice. As the world celebrate the anniversary of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, 2025 is definitely the perfect year to visit Chawton. On this one-and-a-half-hour guided tour, I will take you on a journey of discovery through the village that Jane Austen knew and loved and provide you with lots of information about the connections between many of the beautiful village cottages and Jane’s life. In addition, I will give you glimpse into what life is like in an English village today based on my personal experience of Chawton resident.
The House where Jane Austen lived the final eight years of her life with her mother, sister (both named Cassandra) and best friend Martha Lloyd. The tour starts outside Jane Austen’s House, that is right in the heart of the village, and ends outside Chawton House, the country mansion inherited by her brother Edward. In my introduction I’ll provide you with some general information about this important building although, for a proper deep dive, I strongly encourage you to visit it before or at the end of my tour – it is definitely worth it! Jane Austen’s House is today a well-run museum managed by a Foundation and is generally considered the best place in the world to immerse yourself into Jane Austen’s world. Access to Jane Austen’s House in NOT included in my tour. My advice is to book your ticket in advance on the House’s website as access is limited and in high demand.
The Elizabethan country manor house inherited by Jane Austen's brother Edward in 1797, along with the Chawton estate and many other properties in Hampshire and Kent. Jane Austen often mentions Chawton House in her letters and warmly refers to it as “The Great House”. During the tour, we will stop outside the entrance to Chawton House, where I will provide some general information and context about this important building. However, for a more complete experience, I invite you to visit it at the end of my tour, as it is really worth seeing. The house is managed by a foundation and is beautiful inside. It has a splendid park covering 275 acres, which is mostly open to the public all year round free of charge. Chawton House is a splendid example of a typical English gentry country mansion with beautiful interiors and many connections to Jane Austen. Entrance to the House is NOT included in my tour. Advance booking is not necessary - tickets can be purchased directly on site.
The beautiful Victorian church that is now the parish church of the village of Chawton but which, in Jane Austen's day, was the private chapel of the Knight family and part of the Chawton House estate inherited by her brother Edward Austen Knight.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour is on pavements and paved roads, but there are a couple of short sections on grassy and dirt areas, so it may not be suitable for people in wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
- The walk is easy and relaxed, but comfortable shoes and suitable clothes for the unpredictable British weather are advisable.
Reviews(35)
I am part of a small group which meets to chat in Italian every fortnight. This tour was a supplmentary event, to make us work our Italian harder! From start to finish it was fascinating, clearly explained and thought-provoking.
We had a fantastic day with Laura! Her passion and enthusiasm really shine through as she talks and walks through the gorgeous little Village of Chawton. It was so interesting learning all the little facts! Thanks so much for a great day!
I thoroughly enjoyed this tour! Laura is very knowledgeable and passionate about Jane Austen and she shared insights about Chawton that only a local resident would know.
Our guide Laura was friendly and very knowledgeable. She kept us out of the rain as much as possible, but also walked us around Chawton and kept us entertained. It was a delight to meet her and hear her stories about Jane Austen and the people she knew.
I did the Italian version of this walking tour with fellow students from my adult learning class. Laura was great, in costume and clearly enjoying herself which was infectious. She spoke clearly and not too fast so I was able to follow most of what she was saying, although it was a help that I had visited the house shortly before and so understood quite a lot of the subject matter. There was also other information. It was quite tiring concentrating so much on a hot day but altogether a positive experience. It really gave me an insight into life in the period and has re-kindled my interest in the literature of Jane Austen. Recommended.
I met Laura during a tour I took last year, and this year I decided to do it again in the company of my niece and sister-in-law. I had a great time. The day, meteorologically speaking, was not one of the best. I waited for Laura's arrival at the pub located across from Jane Austen's house, then we went on the tour. The passion and professionalism with which Laura performed her work was truly excellent. Clear, precise, and exhaustive on every topic. She kindly welcomed us into her residence. What a spectacle! I highly recommend having an experience like this to admire the beauty of this village and fully breathe in its essence. Thank you, Laura, for your availability.
I joined Laura's tour with my Italian class to help with our learning. We did the tour in Italian. Laura was very kind and spoke in the right pace. Her passion for Jane Austen and the English countryside is very evident. I highly recommend this tour!
An excellent and interesting tour and historical account delivered in friendly and informative manner
Amazing experience. Laura is very knowledgeable and passionate about Jane Austen, English literature, and the British countryside. This comes across in her flawless delivery of an Informative and interesting tour. It makes you want to reread the books and reimmerse yourself back into the 18th century. It's in Italian and I was able to follow 90% of it as she speaks very clearly and avoids making it too complicated. I highly recommend l!
We had a lovely time on Laura’s two-hour walking tour of Chawton. She was warm, engaging and knowledgeable. Hearing about Jane Austen’s life in the village and seeing the places connected to her gave me a much better sense of the woman behind the books. Laura shared interesting details and local stories that really brought the history to life. The two hours flew by, despite the rain, and I left feeling I’d learnt something new while enjoying a pleasant walk around a charming village.
