It is a universally acknowledged truth that Jane Austen loved the English countryside and that Chawton and the nearby town of Alton were two of the places where she was happiest.
On this tour, which lasts approximately two and a half hours, I will take you to the places that shaped Jane Austen's life in this beautiful part of the Hampshire countryside and lead you along the path she herself used to walk when she went from Chawton to Alton to do her shopping or visit friends.
The tour is available in Italian or English (not simultaneously).
The tour departs from Alton Train Station and follows the Jane Austen Trail to Chawton. The route is approximately 3 km (1.9 miles) long and is an enjoyable, flat walk that takes about an hour. Along the way, there are many places and buildings associated with Jane Austen that are mentioned in letters written by her or by people close to her.
Once we reach Chawton, we will continue our tour to explore the charming village where the author spent the last eight years of her life with her mother, her sister Cassandra, and her close friend Martha Lloyd before her untimely death on July 18, 1817.
This tour offers a truly immersive experience into the world of Jane Austen in Chawton and Alton. You will discover many of the places that inspired her novels, as well as gain a glimpse of life in an English village, based on my own experience of living in Chawton, where I have resided for several years.
2025 is the perfect year to visit Chawton because it marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, and the village is hosting numerous cultural events organised by Jane Austen's House and Chawton House.
The walk is not strenuous, but I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the unpredictable English weather.
The tour mainly takes place on pavements, but a few sections involve grassy and dirt areas and may not be suitable for wheelchair users.
After my tour, I recommend visiting Jane Austen's House or Chawton House:
Jane Austen's House: janeaustens.house
Chawton House: chawtonhouse.org
Visits to Jane Austen's House must be booked in advance on the house's website, as admission is subject to quotas and, with the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth in full swing, a large number of visitors from around the world are expected this year.
In Chawton, there is a pub, The Greyfriar, which is located opposite Jane Austen's House, and two tea rooms: Cassandra's Cup, next to the pub, and The Old Kitchen, inside Chawton House. At both, you can enjoy light meals, homemade cakes, or a cream tea or cappuccino.
Children under 8 years old can join my tour for free.
I look forward to spending a day with you following in the footsteps of Jane Austen!
