20 of the best Jane Austen sites to visit in England

6. London

📍Various

Jane Austen frequently visited the capital to see her brother Henry and her publisher. It is often mentioned in her novels and letters.

What to see – 

• 10 Henrietta Street: This is where Henry Austen lived and where Jane stayed when she was in London. Located in Covent Garden (WC2E 8PS) the house is no longer a residential property but a green plaque marks its association with Austen. Jane revised Mansfield Park here.

• British Museum: As the museum was close to her brother’s house, Jane visited often and referenced the museum in various letters.

• Garrick Club (15 Garrick Street, WC2E 9AY) This private club can only be viewed from the outside but it contains both letters and manuscripts written by Jane Austen.

7. Godmersham Park, Kent

📍 Near Canterbury CT4 7DT 

Godmersham Park was the home of Jane’s brother Edward Austen Knight. Jane often visited and the grand home is believed to have inspired her novel Mansfield Park.

What to see – The house is not open to the public but you can take a tour of the Heritage Centre and its neighbour St. Lawrence the Martyr Church. The centre is only open on Monday and Thursday mornings. A small admission fee applies. 

8. Groombridge Place, Kent

📍Groombridge Hill, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9QG

This location is not in Jane’s novels but it was used as the location for Longbourn, the home of the Bennett family in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew McFadyen. 

What to see – The moated manor house dates back to the 17th century and boasts 200 acres of gardens. Visitors can’t enter the house but you can explore the Enchanted Woodland and formal gardens. Opening times vary according to the season so check in advance of your visit.

9. Basildon Park, Berkshire

📍 Lower Basildon, Reading RG8 9NR

Basildon Park was the filming location for Netherfield, Mr. Bingley’s home,  in the 2005 film Pride & Prejudice.

What to see – The National Trust owned Basildon Park is a 400 acre estate dominated by a honey-coloured 18th century Palladian house. You can explore the house, parkland, formal gardens, visitors centre or visit the playground or tearoom.

10. Claydon House, Buckinghamshire

📍Middle Claydon, Buckinghamshire MK18 2EY

Grand Claydon House featured in the 1996 film adaptation of Emma starring Gywneth Paltrow. 

What to see – This lavish 18th century country house was owned by the same family for 550 years. Currently owned by the National Trust, you can view art and furnishings on a tour of the house or explore the courtyard and South Lawn. 

11. Wilton House, Wiltshire

📍Wilton, Salisbury SP2 0BJ

Wilton House is owned by the Earl of Pembroke and doubled as the interiors of Pemberley in the 2005 film Pride & Prejudice.

What to see – Visitors can explore the fully furnished rooms of the 16th-century house and marvel at its extensive art collection. The 21-acre grounds offer a rose garden, playground, cafe and classic car collection. Note that the estate is closed on Fridays and Saturdays.