250 Years of Jane Austen: Our Pick of Regency Cities & Stately Stays

As we approach Jane Austen’s anniversary in 2025, marking 250 years since her birth, fans of her work have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world she so beautifully depicted. From Hampshire, her birthplace, to the elegant streets of Bath, exploring Austen’s England offers a journey through the Regency era experiences that shaped her stories. And what better way to celebrate than by staying at some of Britain’s most historic hotels, where echoes of her era resonate in every detail.

Jane Austen’s anniversary promises a host of events and experiences that pay homage to her enduring legacy.

At the heart of the anniversary is Jane Austen’s House, where her most beloved novels took shape. This charming museum, set in the village of Chawton, offers an intimate glimpse into her life. Stay nearby at Park House Hotel to partake in events like the Sense & Sensibility Festival in May, Emma Festival in July, and Persuasion & Poetry Festival in September. Each event features unique activities such as candlelit tours, poetry readings, and workshops that delve into Austen’s creative process, providing a deeper connection to her craft.

Bath, one of the quintessential Regency cities, hosts the world’s largest Jane Austen Festival each September. The festival’s Regency-costumed promenades and elegant balls in historic venues transport attendees back to Austen’s time, creating a vibrant celebration of her legacy. Workshops, lectures, and performances round out the experience, making it a must-visit for any fan. For accommodations that capture the Georgian elegance of the period, stay nearby at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa and Homewood Hotel, offering the best of Regency-style luxury.

Often overlooked in Austen’s story, Southampton played a formative role in her life. The city has curated a Jane Austen Trail, guiding visitors through significant Jane Austen heritage sites. For Jane Austen’s anniversary, Southampton plans exhibitions and performances exploring Austen’s early years. A stay at the Montagu Arms allows guests to enjoy luxurious accommodations while delving into this lesser-known chapter of Austen’s life.

In London, the National Portrait Gallery will feature lectures and exhibitions exploring the life and works of Jane Austen. These events will shed light on her literary achievements and enduring influence. To fully embrace the Regency cities, book a stay at The Athenaeum, The Hari, or The Capital, all offering luxurious bases from which to explore Austen-inspired cultural landmarks.

Jane Austen drew inspiration from the landscapes and locales she encountered, weaving them seamlessly into her novels. These settings remain a vital part of her legacy, offering modern visitors a tangible connection to Regency era experiences.

Much of Sense and Sensibility was influenced by Austen’s visits to Devon. The charming village of Upton Pyne, near Exeter, inspired the fictional Barton, where Elinor Dashwood’s journey unfolds. Visitors to this picturesque region can immerse themselves in the pastoral beauty that captured Austen’s imagination, with rolling hills and quaint hamlets reminiscent of her descriptions. Sidmouth, another Devonshire gem, holds its own Austenian allure. Rumoured to be the site of a fleeting romance in Austen’s youth, this seaside town offers coastal charm that feels as though it’s stepped out of a novel. For an indulgent stay nearby, Bovey Castle, a grand country retreat set amidst the dramatic Dartmoor countryside, provides a luxurious base to explore these Jane Austen heritage sites.

The rugged beauty of Lyme Regis, immortalised in Persuasion, remains a must-visit for enthusiasts preparing for the Jane Austen anniversary. The Cobb, a historic harbour wall pivotal to Louisa Musgrove’s infamous fall, is as evocative today as when Austen described it. This atmospheric coastal town provides a window into Regency era experiences, where visitors can stroll along the same dramatic shores that inspired her. Nestled nearby, The Priory in Dorset offers a serene retreat, allowing guests to reflect on the poignant themes of love and second chances that are central to Austen’s final completed novel. The combination of sweeping sea views and tranquil surroundings makes it an ideal escape for any Austen admirer.

Gardens were an integral part of Jane Austen’s life and work, often symbolising tranquillity, romance, and the delicate balance between nature and society. From the manicured lawns of Pemberley to the pastoral charm of Hartfield, her novels reflect the significance of gardens in Regency era experiences. For Austen, these spaces were not just settings but extensions of character and mood, offering places of reflection, connection, and gentle intrigue. For those enchanted by Austen's love of gardens and outdoor settings, Gravetye Manor offers impeccable grounds that could have been lifted directly from her novels. Nestled in the Sussex countryside, its 35 acres of historic gardens offer a serene escape into nature. Originally created in 1885 by visionary gardener William Robinson, the estate remains one of England’s most significant historic gardens. Guests can wander through the orchard, lose themselves in the vibrant flower garden, or unwind on the croquet lawn, soaking in the timeless beauty of this horticultural masterpiece.

As we approach the Jane Austen anniversary, it’s worth noting that her novels have not only stood the test of time in literature but have also found new life on screen, delighting audiences through film and television adaptations. These adaptations bring Austen’s characters and settings to life, allowing viewers to experience her wit, romance, and keen social observations in a visually captivating way.

Perhaps the most iconic Austen adaptation is the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice, which brought Mr. Darcy’s grand estate, Pemberley, to the big screen. Chatsworth House in Derbyshire served as the filming location for Pemberley, enchanting fans with its stately architecture and magnificent grounds. A visit to Chatsworth offers a chance to wander through the very halls and gardens that Elizabeth Bennet explored, imagining the famous moment when she unexpectedly encounters Darcy. Stay nearby at Middlethorpe Hall, an elegant retreat offering a timeless connection to Austen’s world.

In Pride and Prejudice (2005), Basildon Park in Berkshire became the embodiment of Netherfield, Mr. Bingley’s elegant estate. Its Palladian design and sweeping parklands set the scene for key moments of romance and intrigue. After touring this iconic Jane Austen heritage site, Austen enthusiasts can retreat to Hartwell House, a magnificent country house hotel steeped in history and Regency charm.

The 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice brought Rosings Park, Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s imposing estate, to life through the grandeur of Belton Estate in Lincolnshire. Visitors can marvel at its Baroque architecture and lush grounds, gaining a deeper appreciation for the locations that shaped Austen’s timeless narratives. Nearby, Hambleton Hall offers luxury accommodations and a serene escape for fans exploring Austen’s cinematic legacy.

Lacock Village in Wiltshire, with its unspoiled Georgian streets, has served as Meryton in several Austen adaptations. Wandering through its historic lanes evokes the bustling village life depicted in her novels, making it a quintessential stop for fans. Nearby, Whatley Manor provides a luxurious haven, blending contemporary comforts with a nod to Regency elegance.