‘I went up to the Great House between 3 & 4, & dawdled away an hour very comfortably.’ Jane Austen, 1814
Walk in Jane Austen’s footsteps as you visit the ‘Great House’ owned by her brother Edward where she spent much of her time. Plan your visit
‘Edward is very well and enjoys himself as well as any Hampshire born Austen can desire. – He talks of making a new Garden…’ Jane Austen, 1813
Explore the beautiful landscaped gardens More about the gardens
‘You know how interesting the purchase of a sponge-cake is to me’ Jane Austen, 1815
Enjoy a slice of homemade cake or a light lunch in the Old Kitchen Tearoom without paying an admission fee. Menu
‘We four sweet Brothers & Sisters dine today at the Great House. Is not that quite natural?’ Jane Austen, 1815
See the table where Jane Austen dined with her family, and view her brother’s suit, travel journal and portrait. Plan your visit
‘Why not seize the pleasure at once? -- How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!’ Jane Austen, 1814
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the corridors of the Elizabethan manor house. Plan your visit
‘When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library’ Jane Austen, 1813
Breathe in the leather bound books in the library and hear tales from the fascinating collection of early women's writing More about the collection

What’s on

More events

Monday 4th March 2019 to Monday 16th December 2019

Display: Writing Women's Rights

Monday 4th March 2019 to Monday 16th December 2019

Exhibition: Jane Austen's Reading

Sunday 21st July 2019

Plant Fairs Roadshow

Jane Austen Garden Trail

New for 2019, the Jane Austen Garden Trail is a unique walking route around the Chawton grounds.

Quill broach
Help us to keep the house, grounds and library going today. Donate now
Austen and de Stael
North American Friends can donate here.

The ‘Reading with Austen’ website.

This site digitally recreates of the Library of Godmersham Park, as Jane Austen would have seen it. Click here to explore the Library, and here to read the blog.

Latest news

More news

16th July 2019

The Jane Austen Garden Trail Officially opened!

Last month, during Jane Austen Regency Week, Professor Panine Barchas, President of the North American Friends of Chawton House (NAFCH) officially opened our Jane Austen

18th June 2019

Chawton House wins £1,000 Movement for Good award

Chawton House has won a £1,000 Movement for Good award thanks to nominations from the public. Chawton House was nominated to win a £1,000 boost

2nd May 2019

New Old Kitchen Tearoom opening times!

The Old Kitchen Tearoom will open its doors from 9.00am during the week from May 15 Due to the ongoing popularity of the Old Kitchen