This year celebrates the 250th year of the birth of Jane Austen. We will be visiting Chawton House which is a spectacular Elizabethan Manor that once belonged to Jane’s brother Edward and visited by her regularly. It is now home to a unique collection of books written by women in English from 1600 -1830 and a collection of fine portraits.

Coffee is included on arrival, followed by House History Tour. There is an exhibition dedicated to Mary Robinson: actress, mistress, writer and radical. She was mistress to the Prince of Wales (later George IV) – consequently from being the most famous woman in England to outcast. The exhibition explores her journey as one of the most popular and influential writers of her day.

Lunch is included and eaten in the house.

There is an option of a short walk to the church. In the grounds there is a lovely statue of Jane Austen and the gravestones of her mother and sister, Cassandra. Alternatively, you could go straight to the Jane Austen House which is a 10-minute walk away in the village.

After a short introduction at Jane Austen House, you are able to freely explore the rooms and garden where she lived and wrote her novels.  You can uncover the story of her life and times and get up close to her letters, jewellery and first editions of her novels.

Please bear in mind there is some walking involved, down the drive at Chawton, and into the village to the Jane Austen House, so good mobility is required (and an umbrella!).

Prices:

Total cost of visit: £64.50 per person

Discounted entries:

Art fund members: £57.75
Historic house members: £51.50

Please remember your membership cards.