Literary Lovers Rejoice!

Groups with a fondness for Jane Austen can now explore the literary legend's life and follow in her footsteps on the southern coast of England in the county of Hampshire.

Learn what adventures await on this authentic experience!

For the first time—thanks to England's Literary Greats project, Visit Hampshire and Winchester Cathedral—groups can take part in a Jane Austen-themed tour of Winchester Cathedral along with an afternoon tea in the Cathedral Refectory.

The tour offers groups an opportunity to immerse themselves in the literary roots of one of England's greatest writers and a chance to literally follow in Jane's footsteps, offering unique insights into her life and her connections to Winchester Cathedral, which came to be her last resting place. Groups could also walk through the cathedral's historic "Inner Close" to the house on College Street, where Jane spent her final days with her sister, Cassandra.

"We feel most privileged to be able to share the story of Jane Austen and how her life came to be so intertwined with our Cathedral," said Catherine Hodgson, Marketing Manager for Winchester Cathedral.

"Today, tourists come from all over the world to stand at her grave here, and they can also see her brass plaque and memorial window—three memorials to a remarkable woman whose novels so brilliantly capture the quiet drama of human relationships."

Andrew Bateman, Tourism Manager for Visit Hampshire, is excited to welcome international visitors.

"There is something very special about inviting people to step into a landscape that has inspired one of Britain's best-loved authors and are very much looking forward to celebrating her life, and the wonderful literary contributions that she made to our country."

Be sure to also visit Jane Austen's House Museum and nearby Chawton House to round out the experience.

Learn more at Visit Hampshire.

Written by Sarah Suydam, Staff Writer for Groups Today.

Photo courtesy of Visit Hampshire.