Jane Austen's House Museum
Winchester Road, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1SD
This 17th-century red brick building may be unassuming but it’s where English novelist Jane Austen wrote and revised many of her classic novels, including Pride and Prejudice. As the only one of her former homes open to the public, Jane Austen’s House Museum is a must-visit for literature fans who want to marvel over Austen artefacts, memorabilia, and manuscripts.
The Basics
Home to the novelist from 1809 to her death in 1817, Jane Austen’s House Museum was officially inaugurated in 1949. Explore the rooms where Austen lived and worked, peek into the bedroom, kitchen, and even admire her writing desk and other personal effects, before stopping by the library, gift shop, and garden. Combine a visit to Jane Austen’s House Museum with an exploration of wider Winchester. Guided tours typically depart from London and include stops at Winchester Cathedral and more.
Things to Know Before You Go
Jane Austen’s House Museum is a must for bookworms, especially fans of Austen.
Children under 6 enter for free, while those under 16 enter for a reduced fee.
Plan to spend around two hours exploring the house and grounds.
Visitors are welcome to picnic in Jane Austen’s House Museum garden.
The ground floor and outbuildings at Jane Austen’s House Museum are fully accessible for strollers and wheelchair users, but the upper level is only accessible via staircase
How to Get There
Jane Austen’s House Museum is located in Chawton, a small Hampshire village 19 miles (30 kilometers) away from the town of Winchester. Most visitors find it easiest to arrive by private vehicle, following the A31 to Chawton. There’s free parking available nearby.
When to Get There
Jane Austen’s House Museum is typically open daily from February to December, except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. The museum is closed entirely in January. Jane Austen’s House Museum is generally open from the mid-morning to the late afternoon and last admission is always 30 minutes before closing.
The Life of Jane Austen
Jane Austen was one of the most significant English authors of the 19th century, penning close to a dozen published and unpublished works. Perhaps the most famous of her six major novels is Pride and Prejudice, although each one has been adapted for the screen. Austen is buried in the historic town of Winchester, just 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton.
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