Jane Austen House Museum

Earlier this month I was browsing the internet looking for things in the UK to do within driving distance for a day trip. I love being able to drive a few hours away and explore a new city or area. During my research, I found the Jane Austen House Museum. A museum set in the house that Jane spent much of her life and did most of her writing before passing in her forties. I knew right away that I wanted to visit. I'm not going to say that I'm an avid fan of her writing as I've only read Pride and Prejudice and Emma but I love both of those pieces and she was such an amazing historical woman that I had to visit the museum. Of course, I also love old houses so that was the icing on the cake.

The only problem was that I knew that Brandon would have no interest in driving that far for a museum of a literary figure that he doesn't care about. So I asked a new friend and their little daughter to join me. I'm not used to traveling with children but their little girl is one of the best-behaved kids and so sweet. I've really taken to her any time we're around them. It was also a good opportunity for me to get to know this new friend better as we were stuck in the car for so long. Thankfully, we talked the entire time and learned a lot about one another. I also learned that I am highly distracted while having a conversation and have a harder time following the GPS. A few wrong turns might have ensued. 

The museum is nestled into the tiny village of Chawton, Alton. This town was so quaint. The trees were beginning to turn yellow and orange as Autumn approached and the old buildings were full of old-English charm. I wish I had taken more pictures of the village but we were traveling with a toddler and it began to rain later in the day. 

When we arrived, we were starving and made our way to this enchanting tea shop called Cassandra's Cup. You must stop in for some tea at least but if you're hungry, their cranberry bacon brie panini is to die for. I also had a chai tea latte that was very good. 

After lunch, we walked across the street to the museum. It is nine pounds to get into the museum but the ticket is good for a year so you can always come back if you wish. I don't think it would be worth coming back for unless you were with someone new or you didn't live far away but it is an option if you keep your ticket. The gardens outside were so pretty. Thankfully it was sunny when we arrived so we got to see them in all their glory before the rain set in.

The actual inside of the house is not very large at all. So it should be a rather quick trip as you walk through the creaking home and read about Jane Austen and her family. Make sure to watch the video that plays in a building off of the back garden before touring the house as it will give you a bit of history about where all she had lived, her family life, her life in the house, and her death. This museum is the only Jane Austen sight that is open to visitors so it is a special place. 

Jane Austen's writing desk

A lock of Jane Austen's hair

When we were finished walking around the house and grounds, set off down the road towards St. Nicholas Church where Austen's mother and sister are buried. The church itself is stunning like most churches in England.

There is another large home that you can tour while you're in the area and Jane Austen's resting place isn't far away at the Winchester Cathedral (it was closed the day we went) so there are plenty of things to do in the area to make a day of it. Unfortunately, we left later, had a child with us, and ran into accident traffic around London that made our trip an extra hour long. We spent a lot of time in the car on this trip but it was fun to get away during the week and see a piece of history.