Over spring break, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to London, England for a field study course centered around Jane Austen. Throughout the semester, we read all of Austen’s novels, paying close attention to the settings and social environments that shape her stories. Then, over break, we were able to step into those worlds ourselves, visiting the places that inspired her writing and brought her characters to life.
As someone who loves both literature and traveling, this experience felt especially meaningful. It allowed me to experience England and Austen’s work in a completely different way. If you’re a Jane Austen fan dreaming of a trip to England, or just someone who loves the idea of traveling with a literary lens, these are a few places that made the biggest impression on me.
Bath
We started with a day trip to Bath, a place often positively associated with Austen. Interestingly, Austen herself didn’t actually enjoy living there; she moved against her will and seemed to struggle during her time in the city. It was interesting to hear how Bath is presented as one of her favorite places when that wasn’t necessarily true. Although this was the case, the city is still undeniably beautiful. While we were there, we visited the Jane Austen Centre, which offered insight into her life, her family, and what society looked like during her time. Walking through Bath while knowing both the myth and the reality of her experience there added a really unique perspective. Another place that isn’t necessarily associated with Jane Austen, but is still a must-see, is the Roman Baths. It was the most amazing self-guided experience that allowed for learning, self-reflection, and connection with others.
Winchester
Next, we traveled to Winchester, where Austen spent the final weeks of her life with her sister, Cassandra. She is buried in Winchester Cathedral, and visiting her grave was a powerful moment. One detail that stood out to me was that her gravestone doesn’t mention her writing at all, but rather, it focuses on her role as a sister and daughter. It was a reminder of how different her legacy looked during her lifetime compared to how we view her today. We also found the cutest little bookshop nearby, believed to be a place Austen herself may have visited, which made the experience feel even more personal.
London
While in London, we took a walking tour focused on Austen’s life. We saw the bank her brother owned and learned about the theaters and social spaces she may have frequented. It was fascinating to imagine what these places looked like during her time and how much they’ve evolved. Another place that we didn’t have time for, but would be interesting to visit is the National Portrait Gallery, which holds the only widely accepted portrait of Austen, partially painted by her sister.
Chawton and Steventon
One of my favorite days was spent visiting Steventon and Chawton, where Austen spent much of her life. In Steventon, we saw the church where her father was the rector and where she would have attended regularly. In Chawton, we visited the exterior of Jane Austen’s House (which is currently closed for improvements) and explored Chawton House, a stunning estate where she spent time writing and revising her novels. This part of the trip stood out the most to me because it shifted my perspective. While we had seen grand cities and landmarks, it was these quieter, more personal spaces that truly shaped her life and work. It made me realize how much inspiration can come from the simplest places.
After experiencing these locations firsthand, I feel like I understand Austen’s novels on a much deeper level. The settings are no longer just descriptions on a page; they’re real places filled with history, emotion, and meaning. For me, this trip wasn’t just about travel, it was about connection to literature, history, and a perspective I wouldn’t have gained otherwise.
If you’re someone who loves reading, traveling, or just romanticizing your life a little bit, I can’t recommend an experience like this enough. Exploring the world through the lens of a writer like Jane Austen adds a whole new layer to both the places you visit and the stories you love. And if nothing else, it might just inspire your next adventure.