In honour of the 250th anniversary of the iconic writer Jane Austen, we are delighted to announce an exclusive celebration spanning six days in both Spring and Autumn 2025. Join us for a unique experience, presented in collaboration with Strictly Jane Austen, a division of Bath-based travel specialists ECT Travel. Indulge in the charm and elegance of Austen’s era with immersive events, guided tours, and themed activities in the historic city she loved.
Strictly Jane Austen has curated a programme that includes series of talks from esteemed professors and writers which will reveal the most fascinating insights into Jane Austen's genius and her life and times; guided tours of Regency Bath, and visits to the places where Jane lived and wrote. High tea, a celebratory dinner and many glasses of fizz will be served!
Spring Celebrations: 7 - 12 April 2025
Autumn Celebration: 13 – 18 October 2025
John Mullen, Lord Northcliffe Professor of Modern English Literature at University College London.
Professor Jennie Batchelor, Head of Department at York St. John University.
Dr Leigh Wetherall Dickson, Associate Professor at Northumbria University ‘Gaming & Gambling and the Games Austen’s Characters Play.’
Best-selling writer Gill Hornby about her celebrated novel ‘Godmersham Park’.
Sarah Jane Dowling on 'Beauty and Cosmetics in the Time of Jane Austen' author of ‘Fashion in the Time of Jane Austen’ and ‘Pastimes and Pleasures in the Time of Jane Austen’.
Architectural Historian Dr Moira Rudolf.
Zoe Wheddon author of ‘Jane Austen, Daddy's Girl: The Life and Influence of The Revd George Austen'.
VISITS & JAUNTS
A private visit at No.1 Royal Crescent Museum.
A curated walking tour of historical Bath.
A day visit to the Jane Austen House Museum, Whitchurch Silk Mill and Chawton House - The family home of the Austen family.
Visit the charming village of Lacock a fully preserved English village owned wholly by the National Trust and the location for many TV period dramas as well as Harry Potter.
JOVIAL & ILLUMINATING EXPERIENCES
A welcome reception on day one will be hosted in the opulent surroundings of the Gainsborough Hotel.
An elegant afternoon high tea will be enjoyed in the relaxed surrounding of the Canvas Room.
A Regency dance workshop with music from the Jane Austen period.
Embroidery workshop with expert needlewoman and historian Alison Larkin - all materials provided.
A curated walk through the glorious countryside surrounding Bath.
On the final evening there will be a hosted celebratory Jane Austen dinner featuring a veritable feast of dishes from the period.
Art Director for the Celebrations, Dr. Gabrielle Malcolm, will be in attendance.
