In Jane Austen's Footsteps

Chawton and Winchester. (Possible Stonehenge add-on)

NB: The following is a typical example of this tour. Your private tour will be tailored to fit your personal requirements regarding time, pick-up location and interests, and may therefore vary from what is described below.

Tour Highlights:

This is a treat for all Jane Austen fans - and also for anyone who simply wants to enjoy beautiful Hampshire countryside and history. Enjoy a full day exploring in the footsteps of Jane Austen from birth to burial place. Visit Jane Austen's House in Chawton; visit Winchester Cathedral; see Jane's birth village and local church. Enjoy afternoon tea at Jane's family friends' house OR visit Stonehenge (but not both; sorry)

Itinerary:

We meet at 9am and drive to Chawton, the village Jane lived in for the last 8 years of her life. Enjoy the thatched cottages; it's a pretty village. You have time for an independent visit of Jane Austen's house, where she spent those last years comfortably with her mother and sister, and did the vast majority of her writing. We leave at 11.30am and drive to Winchester, the ancient capital of Anglo-Saxon England. So not only do you have the opportunity to pay homage at Jane Austen's burial place, but also discover the history and riches of this Norman cathedral. There is time for a walk through the city and to have lunch (don't eat too much though!). At 2pm we depart for either Stonehenge (If that is what you have chosen) where you have 2 hours for a visit, OR we travel to Steventon via the long, scenic route so that I can show you the delightful Hampshire countryside. Unfortunately the house Jane was born in has long gone, but the church her father was rector of still stands. If it's open you are welcome to have a little peak inside. We end the day with an absolute treat. In Jane's day, she would often walk over to nearby Oakley Hall to visit her friends the Bramstons. But you will get to enjoy a wonderful afternoon tea, complete with finger sandwiches, scones and cream, fancy cakes all served with tea or coffee. You can imagine yourself as the lord or lady of the manor! Afterwards I will drive you back to your hotel, arriving around 6pm.

Need to know:

Covid 19 Update: This tour will run but there may be some modifications, and may need more time at the sites than usual. 

  • Pick up from Windsor, Heathrow or Farnborough area hotels or stations
  • If you're staying in London and are happy to take the train from Waterloo to Farnborough Main, there is a discounted price. 
  • Please choose at time of booking whether you wish to visit Stonehenge OR have afternoon tea.
  • I do not come around Jane Austen's house with you. They have room docents. I usually come around Winchester cathedral with you, and for those who go to Stonehenge, I do go around the stones with you.
  • There is a possibility I may not be able to find parking space in Winchester. In this case I will drop you off and not come around the cathedral with you.
  • Please be aware there is an £8 per adult admission charge to Winchester Cathedral (children free)
  • Afternoon tea - Vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and children's (up to age 10) menu also available, but must be pre-booked. In the event Oakley Hall is not available, we will have afternoon tea elsewhere.
  • Tour duration = 9 hours

Cost:

£340 per car includes my services and car parking.

**DISCOUNTED PRICE OF £295 FOR TOURS STARTING AND ENDING @ FARNBOROUGH STATION / HOTELS**

Please also add on:

Afternoon tea package (includes admissions to Jane Austen's House and afternoon tea) @ £38 per adult, or £24 per child up to and including the age of 10.

Stonehenge package (includes admissions to Jane Austen's House and Stonehenge) @ £32 per adult or £20 per child up to the age of 17.