Itinerary idea: follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen

2025 marks Austen’s 250th anniversary, with this itinerary transporting groups to some of the places associated with the famous writer along the touring route from Bristol to London.

Many attractions along the Great West Way will also be holding special events and activities relating to the author, as well as the filming adaptations that have taken place across the years.

Here’s what groups can expect across the five-day itinerary:

Day One: begin in Bath

Start your journey with a trip to the World Heritage City of Bath and a visit to the Jane Austen Centre. It offers a snapshot of life during Regency times and explores how living in the city affected Jane Austen’s life and writing. Costumed guides take visitors on an entertaining and educational journey, with group rates available.

No.1 Royal Crescent provides visitors with an insight into what life was like for the wealthy and their servants in 18th-century Bath. Stop for lunch at The Pump Rooms and, if time allows, visit The Roman Baths.

In the afternoon, explore the city with Bath Curious Strolls, where costumed guides recount tales of the fashionable gentry and low life of former times. You could also take a detour to Dyrham Park, in south Gloucestershire -  a 17th century baroque country house that sits in an ancient deer park, and that boasts an exterior that was featured in the filming of the Sanditon adaptation.

Day Two: explore the market town of Bradford on Avon

Take a walking tour of the town and you will find that the ancient bridge in the town centre remains its natural focus. It even still retains two of its original 13th-century arches.

Afterwards, travel a short distance to Trowbridge to visit Parade House, a beautifully furnished Grade I listed Georgian town house. Pre-booked visits include a tour of the Regency-themed rooms and a Bridgerton style afternoon tea experience in the Ballroom.

In the afternoon, head towards Stourhead House & Gardens, an 18th century landscape garden and Palladian mansion with lakeside walks, grottoes and classical temples. It was also the filming location for the 2005 Pride & Prejudice adaptation.

Day Three: venture to the Cathedral city of Salisbury

Within easy reach of the route is the cathedral city of Salisbury, which has been welcoming travellers since 1227. Visit Salisbury Cathedral with its tallest spire in Britain where groups of ten or more can book in advance for a discounted rate.

The Cathedral Close is home to a number of attractions, including Mompesson House which has magnificent plasterwork, a fine oak staircase, period furniture and a walled garden. The house was one of the major locations for the 1995 film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, where it featured as Mrs Jennings’ London town house.

Day Four: take a detour

Go a little further from the route towards Hampshire and the village of Steventon. This is where Jane Austen was born and where she spent her childhood. Today the only sign of the Rectory that remains is a small grassy clump in a field, where the well is located.

Journey onto Chawton, near Alton, where from 1809-1817 Jane lived. Her brother owned Chawton House, but offered Jane, her sister and mother a house in Chawton Village, now known as Jane Austen’s House. It was here that Jane revised previous drafts of Sense & Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice and Northanger Abbey and created Mansfield Park, Emma, and Persuasion.

From there, head into Winchester to visit its huge cathedral – the final resting place of Jane Austen. The writer is buried in the north nave aisle of the cathedral under a memorial stone. To celebrate the anniversary, a new life-size outdoor memorial statue is being made. Groups of ten or more can book a tour at discounted rates.

Day Five: back on the trail

Return to the Great West Way through Berkshire’s countryside on the Kennet & Avon Canal, to the village of Kintbury near Hungerford. Take a trip on the Kennet Horse Boat which operates public horse-drawn barge trips for visitors. Groups can book a private charter for up to 50 passengers, plus catering and a live on-board band for an extra cost.

An afternoon trip to Reading offers the chance to see the Abbey Gateway, a Grade I listed structure overlooking the Forbury Gardens. This is a substantial part of what remains of Reading Abbey, and was once part of the Reading Ladies Boarding School, which was famously attended by Jane Austen and her sister Cassandra. The Reading Museum nearby also has ten galleries to explore. Advance booking is essential for groups of ten or more.

If you are returning to London and have some extra time, consider making a stop in Windsor where you can travel with Windsor Carriages (licensed since 1849) in a horse-drawn carriage.

Enjoy a ride with coachmen who share their stories and local knowledge of Windsor Great Park. Book an exclusive group package in advance, with a selection of optional extras, including professional photography and refreshments.

Jane Austen would have travelled through Richmond-upon-Thames, from Hampshire, to visit her brother Henry’s house in Henrietta Street, London. If time allows, take a moment to stop and explore Richmond Park, Marble Hill House and nearby Strawberry Hill House and Syon House & Gardens, all of which are worth a visit.