Jane Austen's House Museum is a small independent museum in the village of Chawton near Alton in Hampshire. It is a writer's house museum occupying the 17th-century house in which novelist Jane Austen spent the last eight years of her life.
Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton, Hampshire, is the house where Jane Austen lived and wrote. It is the most treasured Austen site in the world.
Jane Austen’s House Museum is a Grade I listed building and one of the most important literary sites in the world, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. The Museum holds an important collection of objects associated with Jane Austen, including letters written by Jane and personal effects belonging to her and her family. Particular highlights include her jewellery, first editions of her books, furniture, textiles and the table at which she wrote her much loved novels.
Visitors to the Museum can freely explore Jane’s home and beautiful cottage garden whilst learning about her life through exhibitions and displays. Hands-on activities for all ages can be found alongside in-depth information panels and family objects, housed in the rooms that Jane would have known. Then, once visitors have had their fill of the enchanting atmosphere, the Museum shop with a large selection of souvenirs is well worth a browse. Schools and colleges are welcome too, with a dedicated Learning Officer ready to inspire and transport classes back to early 19th century Hampshire.
Jane Austen’s House Museum has Accredited Museum status under Arts Council England’s Accreditation Scheme and is a registered charity in receipt of no regular public funding.
Jane Austen's House Museum is a charity in receipt of no regular public funding. All admission fees go towards the running and maintenance of the Museum.
Advance booking is not required, just buy your tickets on the day
Accessibility
Jane Austen's House Museum is an historic property with low doorways and uneven surfaces underfoot.
The ground floor and outbuildings at the Museum are accessible and we have a fully accessible WC with baby changing facilities.
Unfortunately, the upstairs of the main house is not accessible.
Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the Museum.
Disabled parking is available, please ask in the shop for assistance or telephone 01420 83262 on arrival.
Dogs: assistance dogs are welcome throughout the Museum. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the Museum garden.
