Did you know Jane Austen was born in Hampshire? 
Here are some Hampshire spots you can visit which are linked to the novelist…
Steventon
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Steventon – Jane was born on the 16th December 1775 in the village of Steventon in North Hampshire where her father was the vicar of the small 12th-century church.
Steventon Rectory is where Jane spent the first 25 years of her life.
Unfortunately, the Rectory was razed shortly after Jane’s passing, but Steventon still proudly celebrates being part of her life with its iconic village sign, and a transformed telephone box celebrating the author.
Jane Austen’s house, Chawton
This is the famous writer’s 17th-century house (informally known as Chawton Cottage) in which novelist Jane Austen spent the last eight years of her life.
Explore the house and learn about the life of Jane, her family and lots of historical facts about the era she lived in. Kids are given a family trail activity to fill in as they move from room to room which they always enjoy, and you can even play some traditional garden games in the green space surrounding the house which was full of sweet flowers.
Psst! For a complete post on Jane Austen’s Chawton, head this way…
Edward Austen’s Chawton House
Chawton House is an Elizabethan Manor House that once belonged to Jane Austen’s brother, Edward. It’s just a few minutes walk from Jane Austen’s House in the lovely village of Chawton which has a lovely tea room, pub, and a great playground for the kids worth stopping by. Dogs are also welcome on the grounds!
From 1809 until 1817 Jane lived in the beautiful village of Chawton near Alton where Jane’s brother owned Chawton House.
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Basingstoke
Jane Austen spent a good amount of time in Basingstoke, and attended social event at the Assembly Rooms in Market Place and regularly visited family friends at The Vyne, Oakley Hall and Ashe House.
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of her death, a statue of the novelist was designed and installed at the top of town, in front of the Willis Museum.
Southampton
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Netley Abbey is an interesting spot to visit with the kids as almost all of the walls of its 13th-century church still stand, so feels like you’ve gone back in time.
Winchester
In 1817 Jane became ill and moved to a house in College Street, Winchester with her sister to be closer to her doctor. Sadly after a couple of weeks at the age of 41, she passed away on the 18th July 1817. A few days later she was laid to rest in Winchester Cathedral.
Visit Hampshire
Today you can visit her grave inside the Cathedral.
Her house is located at 8 College Street. The building looks rather ordinary, but look out for the blue plaque above the door, you would probably miss it! It’s now a private residence, so there is no visitor access, and it should be treated as such.
