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Offered languages
- English
- Italian
This tour is not only an immersive experience into the world of Jane Austen in two of the places she loved the most in Hampshire, but also the perfect day trip from London to discover the authentic English countryside and one of the most charming villages in southern England.
It is the only Chawton and Alton tour led by a British and Italian guide who actually lives in Chawton and shares the beauty of English country life with thousands of followers through her Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels.
As well as stepping into Jane Austen's world, you will walk with Laura along the Jane Austen Trail, the 1.5 miles route that Austen herself used when visiting relatives and acquaintances in Alton. Along the way, you will also gain a unique insight into modern country village life in England through the eyes of someone who calls Chawton home.
The tour begins outside Alton railway station, which is easily reached via a direct train from London Waterloo.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, this tour offers the perfect blend of history, culture, literature, and lifestyle.
Children up to six years do not pay.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The meeting point is in the pedestrian area immediately to the left as you exit Alton railway station. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The tour will begin promptly at the stated time. Your guide will be wearing a badge with the Passione Campagna Inglese Tour logo.
The tour ends at the entrance to Chawton House, the Elizabethan country manor inherited by Jane Austen's brother Edward, that is located at the southern end of Chawton village.
Itinerary
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1Alton
The tour begins at Alton railway station and follows the Jane Austen Trail towards Chawton. Alton is a charming historic market town in Hampshire, surrounded by the beautiful countryside of southern England. Located around 43.5 km from London and just half an hour from Winchester, its historic centre is home to several buildings connected with Jane Austen’s life and mentioned in her letters. During this first part of the tour, Laura will introduce you to Alton and the places associated with the author of Pride and Prejudice, while also sharing insights into the town’s history and what life is like there today.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2Chawton
After exploring Alton, the tour continues to the nearby village of Chawton, approximately 1.5 mile from the town centre, following the Jane Austen Trail. The route is completely flat and follows paved footpaths throughout, making it suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. Chawton is a quintessentially English village nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, surrounded by the rolling countryside of Hampshire. With its picture-perfect thatched cottages, wonderful village park and historic church, it has a timeless charm that feels wonderfully removed from the modern world. Above all, Chawton is the village Jane Austen knew and loved, where she spent the final eight years of her life and found the peace and inspiration to write, revise and complete some of her most celebrated novels. Laura will guide you through Jane’s Chawton, revealing the stories and connections hidden behind its cottages and familiar landmarks, while also sharing a glimpse of village life today through her own experience as a Chawton resident.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
Jane Austen's House (Pass by)
Jane Austen’s House is one of the most treasured literary homes in England, set in the heart of the village she knew and loved. Jane spent the final eight years of her life here with her mother, her sister Cassandra and their friend Martha Lloyd, and it was within these walls that she wrote, revised or completed her novels. Today, the house is a museum and offers a wonderfully intimate glimpse into Jane Austen’s life and world. Admission is NOT included in the tour, but Laura will introduce its history and significance before your visit. We recommend booking admission in advance, as tickets are limited and often sell out.
Admission ticket free -
Chawton House (Pass by)
Chawton House is a beautiful historic country estate set in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, once inherited by Jane Austen’s brother, Edward Knight. Jane knew the house well and often mentioned it in her letters, affectionately and playfully calling it “The Great House”. Its elegant setting, family connections and timeless atmosphere make it one of the most evocative places linked to her life in Chawton. Admission to Chawton House is NOT included in the tour, but Laura will bring its story to life and reveal its close connections with Jane Austen, her family and the world she knew.
Admission ticket free -
St Nicholas Church (Pass by)
St Nicholas’ Church is a beautiful Victorian church set beside Chawton House, surrounded by the peaceful Hampshire countryside. Today it is Chawton’s parish church, but in Jane Austen’s time it was the private chapel of the Knight family and formed part of the Chawton House estate owned by her brother Edward. Its quiet setting and close connection with the Austen and Knight families make it one of the most atmospheric places in the village.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour mainly follows pavements and paved roads, but includes a couple of short sections over grass and unpaved ground, so it may not be suitable for wheelchair users.
- This tour/activity has a maximum of 15 participants.
- The walk is not strenuous, but we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the unpredictable English weather.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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