Life and Times of Jane Austen’s Emma

Our Chawton home how much we find

Already in it in our mind

And how convinced that when complete

It will all other Houses beat!

~ Jane Austen letter written to her brother Frank on 26 July 1809

“You must be the best judge of your own happiness.” ~ Emma, Jane Austen

This fun relaxed guided walk will take you back in time to discover why Jane Austen’s writing flourished whilst living at Chawton Cottage

2025 is a special year that celebrates the genius of Jane Austen and her literature. Lucy Worsley said that “It’s such a special feeling to be on the spot where she herself walked.”

Chawton is where Jane wrote and rewrote her novels and you can see where her neighbours lived and who inspired Jane's characters. You can also find out what Regency life was like and why Jane dedicated Emma to the rakish Prince Regency which librarian had a crush on her and how she went about getting Emma published!

The bestseller of 1815 Emma was Jane Austen’s last book published during her lifetime in December 1815, and some say it was her best. Discover the story of Emma and find out:

Is Emma loveable?

Is Frank Churchill a gentleman?

Can we be friends with Jane Fairfax?

Sprinkled with readings from Jane Austen's novels and letters by your tour guide Emma, an Austen Author and volunteer who has studied Jane Austen and published five books including Jane Austen's Prayers, the first time they have appeared in print.

The walk will start at 2:30pm and takes around 60 minutes. We will meet at Chawton Village Hall, a 5 minute walk from Cassandra’s Cup. If you arrive by car, park in the main car park outside the teashop and simply walk down.

If you want to come along on the day and pay by cash or card, please let me know with a quick message so I know to expect you. Numbers are hard to guess as July is a busy month, so if there is little interest the walk may be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.

Chawton village is flat so the walk is classed as easy, although there are uneven pavements and narrow pathways.

I can’t wait to see you and talk all about Jane Austen and her lovely novel Emma so please join me!

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Emma

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(Please note: Although this walk coincides with the Jane Austen Festival Emma held at the Jane Austen House Museum, this is an independent walk and not a Jane Austen House Museum walk)