Chawton House

About

Chawton House is set in a picturesque village surrounded by rolling countryside and offers a unique day out for anyone interested in Jane Austen, the evolution of the English country house, beautiful gardens or women’s history.

 

Chawton was once owned by Jane Austen’s brother; he gave her a cottage on the estate where she wrote many of her greatest works and she knew “the great house” well. (Note that her house is a different property with separate admission.) You’ll discover many things inside the house that we think directly inspired details in her books.

 

Beyond the Austen connection, you’ll explore more than 400 years of Knight family history. The house hasn’t been sold since it was built in the 1590s, though keeping it the family has been a fascinating story of challenge and flexibility. Historic highlights on your tour include Elizabethan “witch marks” in the panelling, a fireback celebrating victory over the Spanish Armada, original William Morris wallpaper, the family’s specially commissioned Wedgwood tableware, and an enormous early-18^th century map of London that always captivates visitors.

 

Since the early 2000s Chawton House library has held one of the world’s leading collections of early women’s literature, with thousands of rare manuscripts from the 16^th, 17^th and early 18^th century regularly rotated through display cabinets throughout the house. In tandem with a collection of portraits and our small museum with rotating exhibitions, we tell the stories of fascinating women who’ve often been forgotten by history. 

 

Our enchanting grounds, an RHS partner garden since 2025, include a walled garden, wilderness area, historic roses, a literary-inspired herb garden, and Lutyens terraces. Chawton's Old Kitchen Tea Room offers snacks and light meals – afternoon teas available if pre-booked. Dog walkers love our rolling parkland and woods; though dogs can’t come in the house you’re welcome to enjoy a meal with them in the courtyard outside the tea room.

 

The house hosts an abundant schedule of events and workshops, inside and out, throughout the year.

Day Tickets House & Gardens 

 

Adult  (booked in advance)	£12.50
Adult (bought on the day)	£13.50
Student/Under 26	£10
6-16	£6
Under 6	Free
Disabled + carer	£5
ArtFund	£6.25
Historic Houses	Free
Gardeners’ Worldindividual    Gardeners’ World 2for1	£6.25      £12.50
Family (2 adults + 3 kids)	£30
Family (1 adult + 3 kids)	£18

 

 

 

Day Tickets Gardens 

 

Adult	£8
6-16	£6
Under 6	Free

 

Annual Tickets 

 

Adult	£25
Student/Under 26	£20
6-16	£12
Disabled	£10
Family (2 adults + 3 kids)	£60
Family (1 adult + 3 kids)	£36