Visit West has announced a series of events throughout 2025 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. Born in Hampshire on 16 December 1775, Austen’s legacy will be honoured with various events and experiences in Bath, inviting fans to engage with her work and the world she depicted.
EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES
Jane Austen Festival 2025 (12 September – 21 September 2025)
The festival will feature special events, including a Grand Regency Promenade on Saturday 13 September.
Jane Austen Themed Balls
The festival will include three themed balls in 2025: a nautical-themed ball inspired by Persuasion on 31 May, a seaside-themed ball based on Sanditon on 28 June, and a Yuletide Birthday Ball at the Pump Room Restaurant on 13 December.
The Jane Austen Centre
Visitors can learn about Austen’s life and her connection to Bath. The centre offers immersive experiences, including ‘Tea with Mr Darcy’ in the Regency Tea Room.
Illustrating Austen at The Holburne Museum (September 2025 – January 2026)
This exhibition will showcase artwork inspired by Austen’s novels, exploring how her characters have evolved.
An Audience with Lucy Worsley on Jane Austen (27 May 2025)
Historian Lucy Worsley will present illustrated talks about Jane Austen’s life and works.
Pride & Prejudice (*sort of) at The Theatre Royal Bath (14 – 18 April 2024)
This production offers a unique retelling of Austen’s iconic love story.
Austen Lost & Found with The Natural Theatre Company
Performances will take place throughout the year, using the city itself as a stage to explore Jane Austen’s life and creative inspirations.
TOURS AND EXHIBITIONS
Free Audio Walking Tour
This self-guided tour highlights significant locations related to Jane Austen’s life in Bath, including extracts from her novels and letters.
Jane Austen and Austentatious Bath Tour
An eight-hour tour curated by In and Beyond Bath will visit key locations in Bath and the Cotswolds, including lunch and cream tea.
Photo Tours of Bath
A guided tour focusing on Austen’s various lodgings and locations from her novels, along with historic buildings.
Sydney Gardens Jane Austen Trail
Visitors can explore Austen’s connection to the Georgian Pleasure Gardens, where she lived and wrote between 1801 and 1804.
FOOD AND DRINK
Sally Lunn’s
One of Bath’s oldest houses, known for the original Sally Lunn bun, will be offering a taste of local history.
Afternoon Tea at Roseate Villa Bath
Visitors can experience a traditional afternoon tea with a Jane Austen blend tea.
Afternoon Tea at The Pump Room Restaurant
Visitors can enjoy afternoon tea while listening to classical music, as Austen did during her visits.
ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES
The Gainsborough Hotel and ECT Travel
Two six-day programmes in April and October will provide literature enthusiasts with immersive experiences related to Jane Austen.
The Francis Hotel
A two-night Georgian getaway, which includes visits to key sites and afternoon tea.
Mr Darcy’s Abode – Bath Luxury Rentals
This boutique self-catering property is ideal for groups celebrating Austen’s anniversary.
Click here for more information on the Jane Austen 250 celebrations.
