A perfect 21 Day Jane Austen Itinerary (Heathrow to Heathrow)

Have you always dreamt of following in the footsteps of Jane Austen and seeing where the literary great lived, worked and died? 

Drawing on our extensive knowledge of the best Jane Austen sites to visit in the U.K, we’ve compiled this 21-day Jane Austen themed itinerary.

It covers all aspects of Jane’s life and legacy and includes a mix of cosmopolitan cities, quaint villages and quintessential English countryside (with a healthy dose of British history thrown in).

You’ll not only see all the major Austen sites but you’ll also get to visit some of the best locations and attractions that the U.K has to offer.

Plus we’ve carefully selected a range of high quality, varied hotels for each night of the itinerary with additional suggestions for dining options.

Our itinerary relies on hiring a car and self-driving though there is the option to combine driving and train travel if you wish to avoid driving in central London.  

Use our itinerary and you’ll not only follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen but you’ll also experience some of the best destinations, hotels and restaurants that the U.K has to offer.  

At the end of the post you will find a copy of the map of the itinerary including recommended hotels and restaurants.

21 day Jane Austen Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in London

Arrive at Heathrow Airport in the morning to get the most out of your day. Take the train or transfer to your hotel with our preferred partner XFA cars.

In the afternoon, make a self-guided Jane Austen walking tour to include the British Museum and the exterior of 10 Henrietta Street (in Covent Garden). This is where Jane’s brother Henry lived and where Jane regularly stayed when she was in London. 

Dinner –  For classic British cuisine on your first night in the U.K, try

Stay – The Montague on the Gardens is an elegant townhouse hotel just a one minute walk from the British Museum. 

Day 2: London to Steventon & Chawton (Hampshire)

Pick up your hire car and drive to Steventon (around 1.5 hrs depending on traffic).

Jane Austen was born in Steventon in 1775 and you can visit the Norman era St. Nicholas Church where generations of the Austen family were rectors. Jane attended this church for 26 years.

After exploring Steventon, continue driving to Chawton (30 mins) to visit Jane Austen’s House Museum. It’s situated in the house where Jane lived from 1809 to 1817 and is where she wrote her most famous novels. 

You’ll see some of Jane’s belongings, her writing desk, letters, jewellery and first editions of her books. This is one of the Jane Austen attractions in this itinerary that needs prior booking so book online early to avoid disappointment. 

Stay: The Alton House Hotel provides excellent value for money and is just a 10 minute drive from the museum. 

Dinner: For traditional country-pub food, try The Greyfriar in Chawton.

Day 3: Winchester

Drive to Winchester (30-minute drive). Spend the afternoon visiting Winchester Cathedral and see Jane’s burial spot, marked by a simple brass plaque. Make time to view the exterior of 8 College Street which was Jane’s final residence and where she died in 1817. 

Stay: Hotel du Vin Winchester is a charming boutique hotel close to the cathedral. 

Dinner: Enjoy traditional pub grub at the 18th century The Old Vine.

Day 4: Southampton

After breakfast, make the short 30 minute drive to Southampton and spend a couple of hours enjoying the city’s self-guided Jane Austen Heritage Trail. Download the trail in advance here. Jane lived in Southampton from 1806-1809 (sadly, it was a difficult time in her life) so you’ll visit places which she also visited. 

Spend the afternoon exploring other Southampton attractions such as the SeaCity Museum and the Old Town.

Stay: The Pig in the Wall is a character-packed boutique hotel tucked within Southampton’s medieval city walls.

Dinner: Try The Jetty, a seafood restaurant overlooking Ocean Village Marina.

Day 5: Basildon Park & Claydon House

Drive to Basildon Park, Berkshire (around 1.5 hrs) which was the filming location for Netherfield, Mr. Bingley’s home, in the 2005 film Pride & Prejudice. Spend two hours exploring the 400 acre estate and its 18th century Palladian house.  

After lunch, drive to Claydon House, Buckinghamshire (1 hr) which featured in the 1996 film adaptation of Emma starring Gywneth Paltrow. Enjoy a 1.5 hour tour of the National Trust owned 18th century house and get a taste of what life was like for the affluent in the Georgian era. 

Stay: Treat yourself to a four-poster bed at the outstanding 17th century Hartwell House Hotel.

Dinner: Indulge in fine dining at the hotel’s on-site restaurant. 

Day 6: London

Return to London (1.5 hours) and spend a free day visiting the capital’s famous museums or shop for souvenirs.

Optional: Attend a Jane Austen-themed play. Check here for what’s on in London theatres during your visit. 

Stay: Return to the Montague on the Gardens or, if you want to be close to the theatre district, try The Resident Covent Garden. 

Dinner: Check out one of our favourite restaurants in London, Dishoom in Covent Garden. 

Day 7: Godmersham Park & Groombridge Place (Kent)

There is a lot of driving today so set off early to make the most of your day. Start by driving to Godmersham Park in Kent (1.5 hrs), the home of Edward Austen Knight which is said to be the inspiration for Mansfield Park. 

Godmersham can only be viewed from the outside but you can visit Godmersham’s Heritage Centre or enjoy a walk in the Kent countryside.

After lunch, drive to Groombridge Place (1 hr) which doubled as Longbourn in the 2005 film  adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Allocate at least two hours to explore the gardens and house.

If you decide that Godmersham is not worth the long detour east from London, you could instead visit Hever Castle on route from London to Groombridge Place.

Stay: The Tunbridge Wells Hotel is situated in the Pantiles, the historic heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells. 

Dinner: The Giggling Squid is a locally owned, highly rated Thai restaurant and easily walkable from the hotel.

Day 8: Wilton House, Stourhead & Luckington Court

Today is a busy day so set off early for the 2 hour drive to Wilton House. This grand stately home doubled as the interiors of Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice (2005). Spend around 1-2 hours exploring the 16th century house and 21 acre grounds. 

After lunch, head to Stourhead Gardens (a 30 minute drive). Allocate at least two hours to explore the world famous gardens (2,650 acres!) and Stourhead House. Don’t miss the garden folly, the Temple of Apollo, where Mr. Darcy proposed to Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice. 

On route to your accommodation for the night (a 30 minute drive), make a roadside stop to view Luckington Court which doubled as Longbourn in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice starring Colin Firth.

Stay: For a characterful stay, book into The Devonshire Arms, a former hunting lodge in the heart of the Somerset Levels. 

Dinner: To avoid driving after your long day, eat at the on-site restaurant. 

Day 9: Montacute House & Travel to Bath

After a hearty breakfast to fuel your day, make the short 20 minute drive to Montacute House in Somerset and take a tour of the 17th century house. It’s one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture in the U.K and featured in 1995’s Sense and Sensibility starring Kate Winslet. Allocate at least 2 hours to fully explore the house and gardens. 

Drive to Bath (1 hr) and spend some free time soaking up the atmosphere of this stunning Georgian city. You could also visit some other famous Bath sites such as the Roman Baths. 

Stay: Henrietta House Hotel. This will be a 4 night stay so take the opportunity to unpack! 

Dinner: I recommend skipping dinner and instead enjoy a late afternoon tea at the famous Sally Lunn’s. 

Day 10: Bath

This activity packed Austen themed day starts with a visit to the excellent Jane Austen Centre, a must visit for Austen fans.

It’s an interactive museum where you’ll enjoy a guided tour by character actors, quill writing activities and dressing up in Regency outfits. You can also have your photo taken with a Jane Austen waxwork or enjoy tea in the on-site Regency tea room. 

Don’t rush the centre: it’s well worth taking your time here so I’d allow at least two hours for your visit. 

Spend the afternoon visiting the Assembly Rooms (closed at present for restoration) and the Royal Crescent. 

If you’re in Bath on a Wednesday, you could even join this Regency dance class! 

Dinner: Enjoy luxury fine dining at the Georgian era Royal Crescent Hotel. 

Day 11: Bath 

Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Royal Crescent, one of Bath’s most photographed landmarks. This sweeping curve of 30 Georgian houses is a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture and offers fantastic photo opportunities. If you’re interested in learning more about life in Georgian Bath, No. 1 Royal Crescent is open to visitors and gives a glimpse into life during that era.

Next, take a gentle stroll to The Circus and discover the free-to-enter Georgian Garden behind Number 4. This hidden gem shows what a typical Georgian garden looked like and is a peaceful spot to enjoy Bath’s historic charm.

In the afternoon, relax and recharge at the Thermae Bath Spa, where you can unwind in Britain’s only natural thermal waters. The rooftop pool offers lovely views across the city.

Dinner: Indulge in an Austen-inspired afternoon tea at The Pump Rooms Restaurant which featured in Northanger Abbey. 

Day 12: Lacock & Box Hill

Today is an opportunity to get out into the English countryside. Start your day with a 30 minute drive to idyllic Lacock Village, a medieval village which has featured in several tv and film adaptations, including Pride & Prejudice and Downton Abbey.  

You’ll want to allocate around 2 hours to explore its timber framed cottages and medieval tithe barn. If you have time, I also recommend a visit to nearby Lacock Abbey. 

If the weather is fine, head to Box Hill for the afternoon and enjoy one of its many walking trails with outstanding views of the North Downs. This was the filming location for the famous picnic scene in Emma where Emma is chastised by Mr Knightly after embarrassing Ms.Bates. 

Return to Bath for your last evening. 

Dinner: For something a little different, head to Sotto Sotto, an underground restaurant set in natural Bath stone cellars. Pre-booking is essential due to its small size.

Day 13: Travel to Peak District

Spend the day driving to the Peak District. The drive will take between 3 -4 hours but you could make sightseeing stops along the way to see Gloucester Cathedral, Worcester or Matlock. 

Stay: Check in for a 2 night stay at the outstanding Beeley Inn. It sits on the Chatsworth Estate so you can enjoy early morning or late evening walks. 

Dinner: After a long day driving, eat at the on-site restaurant which serves produce sourced from the Chatsworth Estate. 

Day 14: Chatsworth House

Drive (or walk for 25 minutes) to Chatsworth House and spend a leisurely day exploring the stunning house and gardens. Chatsworth House is believed to be the inspiration for Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice and it also featured in the 2005 movie.

You can tour 25 fully furnished rooms inside the 18th century house including the stunning Painted Room. The 105 acre garden with its waterfalls, lakes and ponds is unmissable. 

I recommend stopping off at the excellent on-site cafe for some English tea or for lunch.  

If you have any spare time, drive to Bakewell, a charming market town just a 12 minute drive from Chatsworth House before returning to the Beeley Inn. 

Dinner: There are lots of great pubs serving food in Bakewell such as the Woodyard, The Bulls Head or The Ashford Arms. 

Day 15: Haddon Hall

Drive the short 12 minute journey to Haddon Hall which featured in the Pride and Prejudice movie. Spend 2 hours enjoying a tour of one of England’s oldest houses and exploring the Elizabethan walled garden. I recommend making time to wander the parkland which is home to 500 native trees. 

In the afternoon, make the most of your time in the Peak District (one of our favourite locations in the U.K and one we lived near) and take a walk in Dovedale. You’ll amble on wide flat paths alongside the River Dove flanked by towering limestone ravines. If the weather is good, you can cross the famous stepping stones over the river and climb Thorpe Cloud for breathtaking panoramic views. 

Dinner: Return to Bakewell or The Beeley Inn. 

Day 16: Lyme Park

After breakfast, drive for 1 hour across the Peaks to reach Lyme Park in Cheshire. However, I’d recommend leaving a few hours for the journey as you will want to stop off on route at interesting spots such as Buxton. 

Allocate 2 hours to explore the 1,400 acre Lyme Park and Regency era mansion house. Don’t miss the lake where Mr. Darcy set hearts racing by emerging from the water in his wet shirt in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. 

Stay: You’ll feel like Regency royalty staying at the Shrigley Hall Hotel. This 262 acre estate dates back to 1825. 

Dinner: Dine at the award winning on-site restaurant. 

Day 17: Belton House (Lincolnshire)

Depart early for your 2.5 hour drive to Belton House in Lincolnshire. You could break your journey with a short detour to Matlock or a photo stop at High Peak Junction. 

Spend the remainder of the day exploring Belton House, an Insta-worthy 17th century manor and its famous library. If the weather is good, enjoy a wander around the expansive landscaped gardens (which include an Italian and Dutch garden) or the wider parkland and deer park. 

Stay: Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa. This 1905 hotel has 30 acres of grounds and in WWII was used by the infamous 617 squadron of the RAF (better known as The Dambusters). 

Dinner: I highly recommend eating at the on-site restaurant which has been awarded an AA Rosette. 

Day 18: Return to London

Depart for London, a direct journey of around 2.5 – 3 hours to drop off your hire car. If you choose the A1(M) / M11 route you could make a detour to visit Cambridge for a lunch stop. 

Explore Cambridge or enjoy an additional afternoon and evening in London.

Alternatively, return your hire car at the nearest depot to Woodhall Spa and return to London by train.

Stay: Return to your previous London hotels or, if you’d like to stay in a Regency era building, book the elegant Dorset Square Hotel near Regents Park. This is a 3 night stay so it’s worth being comfortable and central!

Dinner: If staying near Regents Park, check out Drunch Regents Park. 

Day 19: London

Enjoy a car-free day by exploring central London on foot and by public transport. Visit Covent Garden and immerse yourself in other Regency-era locations such as Cumberland Place and Spencer House in Westminster. 

Dinner: Treat yourself to Frog by Adam Handling, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Covent Garden serving food inspired by London itself! 

Day 20: Day Trip to Windsor or Oxford

Make an optional literary-themed day trip to historic Windsor or to world famous Oxford. Both destinations are easily reached by train in under an hour from central London. 

Alternatively, you could take a tour which includes your transport. Check out these tour options for Oxford and Windsor. 

Return to London.

Dinner: Dine at Rules Restaurant in Covent Garden, London’s oldest restaurant dating back to 1785. It specialises in British cuisine, pies and puddings so it’s perfect for your last night in the U.K. 

Day 21: Departure

Transfer to Heathrow with our recommended partner XFA cars for your flight home.

Jane Austen Itinerary Map

Click for the Jane Austen Itinerary Map

Tips for enjoying your Austen-themed itinerary

All driving times in this itinerary are approximate. It is guaranteed that you will encounter road works and traffic jams at some point in your Austen adventure, so always allow extra time for your journeys. 

If you choose rural routes over motorways, allocate extra time for spontaneous stops and scenic viewpoints. 

Nervous about driving in the U.K.? Check out our tried and tested Tripiamo guides, which are designed to help overseas drivers navigate the U.K.

I recommend pre-booking entry tickets to all attractions well in advance of your trip. 

As several of these sites are owned by the National Trust, it may be cost-effective to purchase a National Trust membership. 

Dress for varied weather. We recommend packing a raincoat, whatever time of year you visit!

Make sure you book your car early to secure the type of car you wish to drive..

We hope you enjoy your Austen-themed tour of the U.K. We know you will love exploring Britain’s historic and literary past as much as we do!