Chawton House and Winchester

Approx Journey Time: 1 hrs 30 mins

Time at Destination: 5 hours split across both destinations

Comfort stop: Yes

Drop off Point: Chawton House, Coach Park and King Alfreds Statue in Winchester

A day trip to Chawton House offers a captivating glimpse into literary history and the charm of the English countryside. Departing in the morning, you’ll arrive at the historic Elizabethan manor, once home to Jane Austen’s brother, Edward Austen Knight. You can wander through the beautifully preserved rooms filled with period furniture and rare books from the extensive collection of women's literature. Stroll through the picturesque gardens, which inspired some of Austen's beloved novels, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Afterwards, take a short drive to Winchester, a historic city full of charm, once the capital of ancient England. Explore its stunning cathedral, quaint streets, and bustling markets. A perfect blend of heritage and atmosphere awaits you.

Chawton House is a historic Elizabethan manor located in the village of Chawton, Hampshire. Built in the 1580s by the Knight family, it later became the residence of Edward Austen Knight, brother of the renowned novelist Jane Austen. Edward inherited the estate and offered a nearby cottage to his mother and sisters, including Jane, providing her with a stable home where she revised and wrote several of her major works. Today, Chawton House serves as a centre for the study of early women's writing, housing a library with over 9,000 volumes from 1600 to 1830. The collection includes rare and unique works by authors such as Mary Astell, Aphra Behn, and Mary Wollstonecraft, highlighting the contributions of women to literature during this period.

Visitors to Chawton House can explore the historic rooms, stroll through the restored gardens, and enjoy exhibitions that celebrate women's literary history. The house also hosts events and educational programs, continuing its mission to honour and promote early women's writing.

Spend some time in the historic city of Winchester that once served as the capital of Anglo-Saxon England under King Alfred the Great in the 9th century . Its rich heritage is evident in landmarks like the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, renowned for its Gothic architecture and as the final resting place of author Jane Austen . Today, Winchester seamlessly blends its storied past with vibrant contemporary culture, offering visitors a charming mix of ancient sites, independent shops, and scenic walks along the River Itchen.