Walking in Jane Austen’s footsteps in England

When we think of 18th century British writer Jane Austen, we think of her novels and the many movies and television series made out of them, like “Pride and Prejudice.”

We can experience that world for ourselves by visiting the area where she lived. Hop on a flight to London and, after enjoying its big-city vibe, take a short train trip southwest and go back in time to the countryside spots still much as they were in Austen’s time.

My husband and I began our journey in Alton, England. Austen walked regularly to Alton, so we saw many of the places she frequented. Then we took a taxi to Chawton, where Jane lived the last years of her life (1809-1817). Explore her beautiful cottage garden outside; inside are her favorite writing desk, her letters and drawings and paintings of her family.

We ate traditional British food across the street at Cassandra’s. This quaint café is decorated with elegant bone china teacups hanging from the ceiling.

Then, we walked to Chawton House, Austen’s brother’s 275-acre estate. She often visited this mansion, with its grand halls full of centuries’ worth of family heirlooms. We meandered outside through acres of landscaped beauty, including the Walled Garden, a large formal garden with fruits, vegetables, roses, trees, vines, shrubs and flowers, all in a geometrical and pruned design; the Wilderness, a densely wooded area; and green fields where white sheep placidly graze. Near this area sits the church where Austen’s mother and sister were buried.

Inside the estate we explored the Chawton House Library, now a study center of 17th, 18th, and 19th century women writers, philosophers and artists. It conserves a collection of books from those years. Taking another break, we enjoyed tea and scones in the mansion’s original kitchen. Customers can also sit outside in the shady courtyard.

We took a short double-decker bus ride to the famous Winchester Cathedral to see where Austen was buried. Then, we ate at River Cottage Kitchen, part of the slow-food movement, where much of the food comes from the restaurant’s organic farm.

This trip will thrill fans of Jane Austen and inspire those who don’t know her work to seek it out.

COURTESY OF REBECCA EVANS The Walled Garden at Chawton House, the estate of author Jane Austen’s brother, in Alton, England. She visited the estate often.