How to woo Jane Austen fans in her 250th anniversary year

23 Jan 2025by

Clara Taylor

The Regency novelist won readers’ hearts with the enduring appeal of her six books – and this year the celebrations to mark 250 years since her birth will be in full swing around the south of England

For Jane Austen fans, 2025 is set to be a big year

Jane Austen, perhaps one of the most beloved feminist authors, is embedded in British culture. Despite only publishing six books – under the pseudonym ‘A Lady’, referencing the rarity of female publishers at the time – Austen’s works have inspired well over 100 written, on-screen, and radio adaptations.

Tens of thousands of tourists every year flock to the various locations associated with the life of Austen. And with many special events on offer celebrating the 250th anniversary of her birth this year, this is only expected to increase.

The West of England tourist industry has already been boosted thanks to regency-era inspired Netflix series, Bridgerton. Bath, the location for more than 70 scenes in Bridgerton, has also long traded on its association with Jane Austen’s novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Austen herself made Bath her home from 1801 to 1806.

This year, the city’s annual Jane Austen Festival, will host three different balls: a Persuasion nautical-themed ball on May 31, followed by a Sanditon seaside-themed ball on June 28 and a birthday ball on December 13 at the Pump Room restaurant.

The Gainsborough Bath Spa, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is hosting two week-long programmes of events and exclusive experiences, the first from 7-12 April and the second from 13-18 October.

Literary enthusiasts will be able to attend talks from Jane Austen experts, Regency dance workshops, embroidery classes, and guided tours, which include Jane Austen’s House in Hampshire, now a museum. The hotel has curated the programme (from £2,200pp) in partnership with Strictly Jane Austen, a division of Bath travel specialists, ECT travel, and guests are encouraged to wear full Regency costume, which can be supplied at the start.

There's a new History and Heritage Afternoon Tea to be enjoyed at The Gainsborough Bath Spa

Running throughout the year at the aforementioned Jane Austen’s House in the rural village of Chawton is new exhibition Austenmania!, celebrating 30 years of iconic adaptations – naturally including Andrew Davies’ 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. Also covered are Persuasion, Emma Thompson and Ang Lee’s Sense and Sensibility, and Hollywood’s sharp reimagining of Emma, Clueless.

A more permanent exhibition, also conceived to mark the anniversary and included with entry tickets, is called Jane Austen and the Art of Writing, which directly links Austen’s creative process with the domestic space where she wrote her novels.

Later this year, for the first time ever, No. 8 College Street, Winchester, where Austen spent the final weeks of her life, will open to the public, allowing visitors to learn through displays and artefacts, the story of her last days.

Ticketed visits to No. 8 College Street will be available on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4 June – 30 August, and visitors are advised to book in advance due to high demand.

Kathryn Davis, managing director of Visit West told The Times, she thinks it’ll be a big year: “The depth of content available next year is beyond anything we have seen before. To tread in the footsteps of Austen is a huge draw for people and we have seen the huge impact of not just the novels but the TV and film adaptations.”

There are various other sites in the south of England that attract Jane Austen aficionados. Henry’s Townhouse in Marylebone, the former home of Austen’s brother Henry, will be hosting a series of two-night experiences that include B&B accommodation, a Q&A with a guest author, afternoon tea and a three-course dinner, plus a tour of Jane’s favourite London spots (from £975pp, based on two sharing).

The rectory in Steventon in Hampshire where Jane spent her childhood has since been demolished, but Austen’s father was rector at the 13th century St Nicholas church for 40 years, and that has changed little since Jane sat in its pews. A short walk from Steventon is the 18th century mansion of Oakley Hall Hotel, which was often visited by Jane when it was owned by the Bramston family, and was a source of inspiration for her writings.

Jane Austen was buried in Winchester Cathedral, where a new statue has been commissioned, and various tours and services will be held this year.