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Jane Austen's World

Enter a time capsule of important sites in the life of the celebrated author. 
PART 2

city of Bath. Roman spa and Bath Abbey in a glass ball

Jane's world dramatically changed when her father retired and moved the family to the city of Bath where she lived from 1801 to 1805. Jane loved the village atmosphere of Steventon, so the size and bustling social scene of the renowned spa community were an abrupt contrast. There's continuing speculation as to whether her time was taken up by socializing, editing or writing beyond starting another novel,The Watsons, which was never finished. Not much is known about this period because her sister Cassandra burned most of Jane's letters after her death. 

 

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landscape, city of Bath, UK

Bath continues to exude an air of gentility within its beautifully chiselled Georgian structures, the finest in the world.  Balls, concerts and theatre were the order of the day in Jane's time. Matchmaking came with it, despite the spa waters likely being a draw for many visitors more interested in health than marriage. 

Royal Crescent, city of Bath, Somerset, UK

The crowning jewel in the city's architecture is the  incomparable Royal Crescent, a sweeping curve of exquisite Palladian limestone  residences, No. 1 Royal Crescent Museum and a five-star hotel and spa. 

busker relaxing, Bath Abbey, city of Bath, Somerset, UK
Thermae rooftop pool, city of Bath, Somerset, UK

As part of your Bath immersion, which might include an after-hours abbey tour or swimming in the Thermae rooftop spa pool, you must visit the  Jane Austen Centre to learn about all things Jane. Toast her talent over a relaxing afternoon tea in the Centre's Regency Tea Room. Alternatively, you could choose The Pump Room next to the Abbey where Jane herself was a patron. And Charles Dickens was in line before her!

Temple of Apollo, Stourhead Garden, Somerset, UK

The splendid 18th century English landscape-style  Stourhead Gardens and House await you less than an hour's drive south of Bath.  Here, in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice, is where Mr. Darcy fumbles his marriage proposal to Elizabeth Bennet in the pouring rain at the Temple of Apollo (pictured) in this view from the Pantheon, modelled after that in Rome.

3 ladies wearing Jane Austen clothing, Stourhead House, Somerset, UK

While touring Stourhead House I met these ladies who had come from a Jane Austen event in Bath to walk the gardens in their finery — an authentic tribute to English heritage and the arts.

JANE AUSTEN 250TH CELEBRATIONS

Bath

Steventon Village

County Hampshire

International

www.visitbritain.com

A MONEY-SAVING TIP

The sun may have set on the British empire, but its currency, the pound (£), remains strong. One money-saving tip for travellers is to book flights out of the UK after your visit to destinations that are less than 2,000 miles away (such as Europe), then fly home from there. Otherwise, Britain applies a substantial Air Passenger Duty fee. Several airlines allow multi-city flights on the same ticket. Why not enjoy the APD savings on a second destination?

© Gary Crallé 2025

All Rights Reserved

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