Explore the landscape that nurtured Jane Austen’s love of the outdoors and nature in Chawton and share in a series of nature-themed events at Jane Austen’s House throughout 2020.
Explore the garden at the House and the changes it has been through since Jane Austen lived there with gardener, historian and author Carol Chernega on Saturday 15 February. Or why not book yourself onto the ‘Spring Flower Workshop’ on Sunday 3 May and create a bouquet to take home inspired by the gardens.
You can also walk in Jane Austen’s footsteps around the market town of Chawton and discover the village she lived in with various guided walks throughout the year.
Austen’s characters often shared her love of the outdoors and a first edition copy of Pride and Prejudice will take pride of place in the Reading Room at Jane Austen’s House, celebrating Elizabeth Bennett’s love of walking. A pair of Regency ladies’ walking boots and a pair of pattens, worn by nineteenth century ladies to keep their feet dry, will be displayed alongside the book.
The Historic Bakehouse will feature a new chalkboard for children to record the wildlife they spot in the garden, encouraging visitors to keep an eye out for everything from birds, bees and insects to the more elusive hedgehogs and bats.
And the vibrant Chawton Leaf wallpaper installed in the Dining Room in September 2019 continues to be a favourite – bringing the outside indoors.
More details and events can be found on the Museum’s website
