From Bath to Chawton, from Stourhead to Lyme Regis, follow a charming itinerary to relive the intrigues of Jane Austen where they blossomed. This article takes you to see Georgian residences, gardens with elegant bridges, film shooting villages managed by the National Trust, wind-swept cliffs, and even a hotspot for elopements in Scotland. In 2025, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the author’s birth, and a new adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is announced by Netflix, here are the iconic places to discover, along with practical advice, cinematic nods, and ideas to enrich your getaway.
It’s impossible to resist the allure of Jane Austen this year. Her novels remain reliable travel companions, and current events blend in with flair: in April, Netflix unveiled the cast of its upcoming adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, while museums, festivals, and exhibitions celebrate 250 years of a pen that is still so modern. Put on your bonnet (or your umbrella), the journey begins.
Stourhead, Wiltshire: between the arched bridge and the declaration at the Temple of Apollo
At Stourhead, romance is not hidden: a mirror lake, neoclassical temples, views that seem painted by hand… and this arched bridge that you cross while suddenly feeling the spirit of Elizabeth Bennet. The famous Temple of Apollo, immortalized by a proposal scene in the 2005 film of Pride and Prejudice, is at the heart of a special exhibition this year, featuring costumes, open until November.
The Palladian residence, maintained by the National Trust, showcases a collection of decorative arts, but it’s in the gardens where one most delightfully loses the sense of time. The accessible path circles the lake in about an hour, revealing follies and temples at the turn of perfect lawns for a picnic. A friendly reminder: here, England remains England. Watch for lunchtime: pub kitchens may close earlier than expected and turn an idyllic stroll into a tragedy… of the stomach. Be sure to plan your visit and your culinary breaks.
Lacock Village and Its Abbey: living showcases of novels and filming
The medieval village of Lacock feels like a movie set in the open air. Between Tudor facades and carefully preserved alleys by the National Trust, it’s easy to visualize the Bennet sisters or Emma’s chatter. Fans of both small and grand sagas will also recognize locations glimpsed in other screen epics.
Just a few steps away, the Abbey of Lacock, founded in the 13th century, features cloisters and gardens perfect for romantic daydreams. Access to the village is free, but the abbey requires a ticket: check seasonal hours and prices before heading there to avoid finding the door closed.
Lyme Regis, Dorset: on The Cobb jetty with Anne Elliot
On the Jurassic coast, Lyme Regis offers a natural theater for Persuasion. After a walk on the heights, you reach the sea to walk along The Cobb, the stone jetty swept by spray where a certain Louisa Musgrove left an indelible mark in memories and film adaptations. The steep steps, the surf, and the changing light create a perfect scene to meditate on the second chances dear to Jane Austen.
Apart from Bath, Lyme Regis is one of the few “real” places used by the author, a sign of a particular affection for this shore. The sunsets are beautiful there; so is the fish and chips.
Isle of Wight: Needles, Shanklin Chine, and whims of the wind
Just a short crossing from Southampton, the Isle of Wight boasts milder climates… unless Aeolus decides otherwise. The colorful sand cliffs of Alum Bay and the rocks of the Needles form a postcard that delights, whether in calm weather or in gusts. In the 19th century, the Austen family made a stop here, and the island made its way into the dialogues of Mansfield Park, where “The Island” was talked about.
Add a stop at Shanklin Chine, a romantic and shaded ravine, and finish with a hot chocolate if the breeze cools. Literature lovers can extend the stroll with the route of literary heroes through beaches, residences, and hills.
Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire: a small desk for a great work
In the village of Chawton, you enter almost on tiptoe: creaky floorboards, the scent of lavender in the garden, a ribboned bonnet to try on, and especially this tiny writing desk where the masterpieces were written and revised. The house of Jane Austen, a red-brick family property, was her refuge during her last eight years, and it is said that it inspired the cottage of the Dashwood sisters in Sense and Sensibility.
In 2025, exhibitions and special visits at Chawton House and the author’s house fill up quickly. If you feel inspired to prolong the inspiration, why not consider literary retreats to let your own pen converse with Jane’s?
Bath, Somerset: between Royal Crescent, balls, and social chronicles
Bath has the style to win over even the most skeptical minds. Once parked, one is carried away by the golden arc of the Royal Crescent, the elegance of Milsom Street, and the lush paths of Sydney Gardens, vibrant scenes from Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. The entire city, classified as UNESCO, blends Roman baths with Georgian facades with effortless Austenian grace.
Every September, the Jane Austen Festival unfolds: balls, lectures, costumed tours, and teas at the Pump Room provide a complete immersion into the Regency. After the excitement, nothing prevents a wellness break: take a look at this review of Homewood House Spa for a deliciously contemporary interlude just steps from Bath.
Gretna Green, Scotland: the anvil of the hasty hearts
At the Scottish border, Gretna Green has seen generations of determined lovers pass through, happy face and papers in hand. In Mansfield Park, these fleeting escapades are already mentioned, made possible by more flexible laws than in England. Here, you marry “over the anvil,” a simple ceremony marked by the blacksmith’s strike: a scene so romantic that reality couldn’t resist replaying it. Museum, reenactments, and white dresses in the wind ensure the dose of emotion… and gossip that would not have been denied by the heroines of Austen.
Following the screen tracks in 2025: costumes, filming, and new adaptations
This year, the celebration is in full swing: at Stourhead, admire the costumes from the rain proposal scene, while Netflix prepares a new version of Pride and Prejudice whose cast was revealed in spring. From Lacock to Lyme Regis, the filming locations serve as bridges between page and celluloid: follow them to rediscover the novels with fresh eyes.
Practical advice and inspirations to prolong the journey
Many of the sites presented are managed by the National Trust: check the hours and book in advance, especially during peak season. Pubs and tearooms may have surprising hours; anticipate your meals to avoid running dry. If the England of Austen has made you eager to explore beyond the beaten path, draw inspiration from these unknown English destinations that are gaining popularity.
Want a winter in Regency style? Nothing illustrates the art of living by the fireside better than a carefully selected country address: these cozy retreats with a fireplace will make a perfect headquarters to radiate between Stourhead, Bath, and the Jurassic coast. Between landscapes, words, and the music of balls, your journey will be nothing to envy from a new chapter of Jane Austen.
