Wednesday 1st October 2025 to Sunday 5th October 2025
Venue: Chawton House
Celebrate the arrival of Autumn with us with a week-long programme of displays and events.
Displays
1-5 October, 10am-3pm: FREE EXHIBITION: Exploring Austen’s Landscapes returns to Dyer’s Barn.
Find out more about our historic Parkland, from Jane Austen’s connection with the local landscape to the modern conservation efforts that keep it thriving. Alongside the exhibition, you’ll find self-guided creative activities for the whole family all week, and kid-focused activities over the weekend.
Meanwhile up at the House, from 25 September, see our brand new Library display, Austen’s Autumn, focusing on ‘the sweet scenes of autumn‘ in Jane’s novels, and seasonal recipes and illustrations from our collection.
Round off your visit with a trip to the Old Kitchen Tearoom, and enjoy a harvest-themed menu.
Events
- Thursday 2 October, 10am-3pm, Dyers Barn. Head down to see Alton Art Society in action painting landscapes around Dyers Barn.
- Thursday 2 October, 11.30am, meet on the turning circle in front of the House: Head Gardener’s Harvest Tour. Join Julia for a guided tour of the Chawton House Gardens, focusing on the Walled Garden, Orchard and Kitchen Garden.
- Thursday 2 October, 6-9.30pm: Harvest Supper. Enjoy Golden Hour in the courtyard with welcome drinks from 6pm, before a hearty 3-course seasonal supper, followed by the Chawton House quiz of the year.
- Friday 3 October, 11am, from Dyers Barn: In Austen’s Footsteps – get your wellies on and join a member of the Curatorial team on an Austen-focused Estate walk, followed by a warming soup and hot drink in the Old Kitchen Tearoom on return.
- Saturday 4 October, 11am, 12.30pm or 2pm, the Walled Garden: Autumn Apples: From Orchard to Bottle. Celebrate Autumn and learn about our heritage orchard with an introduction from the Head Gardener and an apple-pressing demo from Kilnside Farm, before enjoying your own cider and apple-flavoured sausage roll.