Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire is the picturesque country cottage where Jane Austen lived. It is the most treasured Austen site in the world. It was here that Jane’s genius flourished and where she wrote, revised and had published all her novels: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.
Jane lived at what is now Jane Austen’s House for the last eight years of her life. She moved here in 1809 with her mother, sister Cassandra and friend Martha Lloyd after a period spent living in lodgings. The house was owned by Jane’s brother Edward, who had been named heir to the wealthy Knight family and had since inherited the Chawton Estate. The house – a 17th century building – was offered to the women rent-free for life.
In May 1817, after a period of ill health, Jane Austen left the village to seek medical treatment in Winchester. She died two months later on 18 July 1817. Jane’s mother and sister continued to live at the house for the rest of their lives. In 1845 the house was split into three dwellings to provide homes for staff on the Chawton estate and the building remained in this state until it was put up for sale in 1947.
After an appeal by the Jane Austen Society, the house was bought by Mr. T.E. Carpenter who turned it into a Museum dedicated to the life and works of Jane Austen, opening to the public in 1949.
Today, Jane Austen’s House is a Grade I listed building and one of the most important literary sites in the world, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. The Museum holds an important collection of objects associated with Jane Austen, including letters written by Jane and personal effects belonging to her and her family. Particular highlights include her jewellery, first editions of her books, furniture, textiles and the table at which she wrote her much loved novels.
Visitors to the House can freely explore Jane’s home and beautiful cottage garden whilst learning about her life through exhibitions and displays. Hands-on activities for all ages can be found alongside in-depth information panels and family objects, housed in the rooms that Jane would have known.
Once visitors have had their fill of the enchanting atmosphere, the Gift Shop with a large selection of souvenirs is well worth a browse. Schools and colleges are welcome too, with a dedicated Learning Officer ready to inspire and transport classes back to early 19th century Hampshire.
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Adult | £9.00 per ticket |
Art Fund Members | £4.50 per ticket |
Children (6-16, under 6s free) | £4.00 per ticket |
Disabled (carer free) | £4.00 per ticket |
Families (1 adult and up to 3 children) | £15.00 per ticket |
Families (2 adults and up to 3 children) | £22.00 per ticket |
Garden Ticket | Free |
Job Seekers | £4.00 per ticket |
Seniors | £8.00 per ticket |
Young People (17 – 26) | £7.00 per ticket |
Tickets are valid for one year from date of purchase, excluding special event days. On your return please present your ticket along with a form of ID.
By car: From London/NE, take the A3/A31 via Guildford/Farnham. Chawton is clearly signposted from A31/A32 roundabout near Alton. From SW follow the A31 from Winchester towards Alton. Chawton is clearly signposted from A31/A32 roundabout near Alton.
By train: Trains run regularly from London Waterloo to Alton, 2 miles from the Museum.
By bus: The number 64 Stagecoach service runs daily between Alton train station and Winchester – alight at ‘The Butts’ stop in Alton - while the number 38 service from Petersfield to Alton offers a less frequent alternative option stopping directly outside the Museum in Chawton.
2023 (1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023) |
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