Chawton HouseQuality Assessed

Assessed by Visit England Logo
Visit England Logo Assessor comments
"A fascinating and historic building offering an engaging events programme."
Overview
Chawton House is set in a picturesque village surrounded by rolling countryside and offers a unique day out for anyone interested in Jane Austen. The grand historic house was once owned by Jane’s brother, and he gave her with a cottage on the estate. Along with a world-class library of early women’s writing, there are numerous family heirlooms to enjoy. In addition, you can tour the ancient house, with its the Great Hall, Servant’s Passage, Old Kitchen and Scullery, and admire the original William Morris wallpaper discovered behind the banisters of the Tapestry Gallery Staircase. The enchanting gardens, an RHS partner since 2025, include a walled garden, wilderness area, historic roses, a literary-inspired herb garden, and Lutyens-inspired terraces. Chawton's Old Kitchen Tea Room offers snacks and light meals – afternoon teas available if pre-booked. The house hosts an abundant schedule of events and workshops inside and out throughout the year. Jane Austen's house is a short walk away and can be easily combined with what Jane called "the great house" for a full day out.
Ratings & awards
award
VisitEngland Quality Assessed
Features

  • Children
  • Suitable for children of all ages

  • Facilities
  • Parking nearby
  • Cafe
Key accessibility features

  • Parking within 50 metres of entrance
    Parking is available within 50 metres of a customer entrance, either on-site or off-site, in a car park or on the street.
  • Designated accessible parking
    Designated accessible parking is available within 50 metres of the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance if applicable.
  • Step-free route with firm surface from car park to entrance
    There is a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.

  • Step-free entrance
    There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance. This may be via a ramp or lift.

  • Wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet
    There is at least one wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet on site.
  • Table service as standard or on request
    Table service is available as standard or on request.
  • Dietary requirements catered for
    A selection of food is offered for a range of dietary requirements.
Location
Chawton House, Chawton, ALTON, Hampshire, GU34 1SJ
About the area
Hampshire’s varied landscape of hills and heaths, downlands and forests, valleys and coast are without rival in southern England. Hike across the chalk downland of the north Hampshire ‘highlands’, meander along peaceful paths through unspoilt river valleys of the Test, Itchen, Avon and Meon, or explore the lonely salt marshes and the beautiful medieval forest and heathland of the New Forest.
Area image

Chawton House

Quality Assessed
Assessed by Visit England Logo
Visit England Logo Assessor comments
"A fascinating and historic building offering an engaging events programme."
Ratings & awards
award
Overview
Chawton House is set in a picturesque village surrounded by rolling countryside and offers a unique day out for anyone interested in Jane Austen. The grand historic house was once owned by Jane’s brother, and he gave her with a cottage on the estate. Along with a world-class library of early women’s writing, there are numerous family heirlooms to enjoy. In addition, you can tour the ancient house, with its the Great Hall, Servant’s Passage, Old Kitchen and Scullery, and admire the original William Morris wallpaper discovered behind the banisters of the Tapestry Gallery Staircase. The enchanting gardens, an RHS partner since 2025, include a walled garden, wilderness area, historic roses, a literary-inspired herb garden, and Lutyens-inspired terraces. Chawton's Old Kitchen Tea Room offers snacks and light meals – afternoon teas available if pre-booked. The house hosts an abundant schedule of events and workshops inside and out throughout the year. Jane Austen's house is a short walk away and can be easily combined with what Jane called "the great house" for a full day out.
Features
  • Children
  • Suitable for children of all ages
  • Facilities
  • Parking nearby
  • Cafe
Key accessibility features

  • Parking within 50 metres of entrance
    Parking is available within 50 metres of a customer entrance, either on-site or off-site, in a car park or on the street.
  • Designated accessible parking
    Designated accessible parking is available within 50 metres of the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance if applicable.
  • Step-free route with firm surface from car park to entrance
    There is a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.

  • Step-free entrance
    There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance. This may be via a ramp or lift.

  • Wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet
    There is at least one wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet on site.
  • Table service as standard or on request
    Table service is available as standard or on request.
  • Dietary requirements catered for
    A selection of food is offered for a range of dietary requirements.
Location
Chawton House, Chawton, ALTON, Hampshire, GU34 1SJ
About the area
Area image
Hampshire’s varied landscape of hills and heaths, downlands and forests, valleys and coast are without rival in southern England. Hike across the chalk downland of the north Hampshire ‘highlands’, meander along peaceful paths through unspoilt river valleys of the Test, Itchen, Avon and Meon, or explore the lonely salt marshes and the beautiful medieval forest and heathland of the New Forest.