8 Travel Destinations Handsome Enough To Tempt All Jane Austen Lovers

In Austen's novels, every ball, stroll, and parlor conversation takes you through storied lands. We embark on a journey not just through the English countryside, but through the very pages of literary history, discovering the enchanting locales that inspired some of the most beloved novels of all time. Here are eight travel locations giving major Jane Austen vibes to inspire your next trip. 

Bath, England

Jane Austen lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806, and the city is often featured in her novels, especially Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Visitors can immerse themselves in her world at The Jane Austen Centre, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the Regency Tea Room, explore the historic Pump Room and Roman Baths, and imagine the elegant balls described in her novels at the Bath Assembly Rooms. Consider staying at The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa located in a historic Georgian building, perfect for immersing yourself in Regency elegance. 

Chawton, England

Jane Austen spent the last eight years of her life in Chawton, where she wrote or revised all her major works. Her home, now the Jane Austen’s House Museum, offers a fascinating glimpse into her life and works. Nearby, St. Nicholas Church is where Austen’s mother and sister are buried, and Chawton House, a grand Elizabethan manor that belonged to her brother Edward, is another must-visit. Consider staying at the nearby Swan Hotel, a charming 16th-century coaching inn near the Jane Austen’s House Museum. 

Here, Jane Austen frequently visited her brother Edward's home, which influenced her depiction of grand estates located throughout England. While Godmersham Park is privately owned, visitors can still appreciate the exterior and the surrounding countryside.

The Peak District, England

Nestled in the heart of England, the Peak District is a picturesque expanse of rolling hills, rugged moorlands, and serene valleys. This breathtaking landscape serves as the fictional backdrop for Mr. Darcy's grand estate, Pemberley, in Pride and Prejudice. Visitors can immerse themselves in the timeless beauty that enchanted Elizabeth Bennet during her transformative visit. Wander through lush meadows, explore charming villages, and feel the echoes of Austen's narrative in the English countryside. The Peak District offers a perfect blend of natural splendor and literary nostalgia, inviting travelers to step into a scene straight out of Austen's beloved novel.

Within The Peak District is the iconic film location at Lyme Park Estate. As you approach the stately estate, it's easy to see why it was chosen as the filming location for Mr. Darcy's magnificent home in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. The imposing facade, set against the backdrop of sprawling parkland, exudes an air of grandeur and elegance. 

Stroll through the meticulously manicured gardens, take a leisurely walk around the reflective lake, and picture Elizabeth Bennet's first awe-struck glimpse of Pemberley. Inside the mansion, period furnishings and decor transport you back to Austen's era, making Lyme Park Estate a must-visit for any Jane Austen fan.

Other highlights in Derbyshire include Haddon Hall, a stunning medieval manor house used in several film adaptations, and the beautiful valley of Dovedale. You can also visit Chatsworth House, which was used as the film location for Pemberley in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. 

If you feel like channeling the grandeur of Mr. Darcy, consider staying at The Peacock at Rowsley, a historic country house hotel with elegant rooms and fine dining, or Fischer’s at Baslow Hall for a Michelin-starred experience. 

London, England

London, with its vibrant mix of history and modernity, plays a significant role in several of Austen's novels, including Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. The city's bustling streets, elegant squares, and iconic landmarks offer a vivid backdrop to the social maneuverings and romantic entanglements of her characters. 

Walk along the Thames, visit the British Museum, and explore the Georgian architecture that Jane Austen herself might have admired. Consider staying at Hazlitt’s Hotel, a charming boutique hotel that exudes 18th-century charm, or The Goring, a luxury English hotel with royal history. 

Brighton, England

The coastal town of Brighton, with its lively promenade and invigorating sea air, is mentioned in Pride and Prejudice and Mansfield Park. Known for its Regency-era splendor, Brighton was a popular seaside resort during Austen's time, offering a mix of leisure and scandal. Imagine Lydia Bennet's escapades as you stroll along the iconic pier, visit the opulent Royal Pavilion, and relax on the pebbled beach. Brighton's blend of historical allure and seaside charm makes it a perfect destination for those seeking both literary inspiration and a quintessentially British holiday.

Consider staying at The Grand Brighton, a historic seafront hotel with stunning ocean views, or Drakes Hotel, a stylish boutique hotel with contemporary rooms and exceptional service. 

For dinner, try The Salt Room, a restaurant known for its seafood dishes and seaside views, and The Little Fish Market, an intimate restaurant with a more refined seafood menu. 

Box Hill in the North Downs, England 

Box Hill, located in the serene North Downs of Surrey, is immortalized in Emma as the site of the infamous picnic where Emma insults Miss Bates and is reprimanded by Mr. Knightley (Badly done, Emma!).  

The sweeping views from the hilltop, overlooking lush green valleys and distant horizons, provide a stunning backdrop for contemplation and leisurely walks. Follow in the footsteps of Emma Woodhouse and her friends as you explore the trails and enjoy the natural beauty that inspired Austen's vivid descriptions. Box Hill's tranquil setting and panoramic vistas offer a perfect escape for those wishing to experience the serenity and scenic charm that characterize Austen's world.

While finding hotels in Box Hill can be a bit challenging as its a more rural area primarily known for its natural beauty, there are many nearby options. Consider staying at Denbies Vineyard Hotel, situated on the vineyard, as this hotel provides a picturesque stay close to Box Hill, or Running Horses, a charming historic inn located in nearby Mickleham. For dining outside your inn, consider making a reservation at Sorrel, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving up innovative dishes in a historic setting. 

Oxford, England

The historic city of Oxford, with its renowned university and medieval charm, is mentioned in Sense and Sensibility as love interest Edward Ferrars’ place of study. As you wander through the ancient colleges and along the serene banks of the River Thames, you can almost picture Edward's contemplative strolls and scholarly pursuits. Oxford's blend of intellectual legacy and picturesque beauty offers a perfect setting for those seeking both literary inspiration and an immersive cultural experience.

Consider staying at The Randolph Hotel, a historic hotel with elegant accommodations near many of Oxford’s famous landmarks, and dine at Gee’s Restaurant, a greenhouse restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes. 

Lyme Regis, England

This seaside town in Dorset is featured in Persuasion and is known for its beautiful coastline and historic charm. Key spots include The Cobb, the iconic harbor wall where Louisa Musgrove is injured in Persuasion, the charming Marine Parade along the seafront, and the Jurassic Coast, perfect for fossil hunting. Hit up Hix Oyster & Fish House for seafood with a view of the historic harbor. Visit the Lyme Regis Museum, which displays numerous artifacts relating to Jane Austen.  

Jane Austen’s novels transport us to a world of elegance, wit, and enduring romance set against the backdrop of Regency England’s most picturesque locations. These travel ideas provide a perfect blend of literary inspiration and cultural exploration. Each location not only celebrates the rich heritage of Austen’s world and work but also offers modern-day travelers unique experiences, from charming accommodations to rich dining options.

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