About

Discover, explore and celebrate the life of Bath’s most famous resident at the Jane Austen Centre: an immersive regency experience in the heart of the historic city.

Exhibition

The Jane Austen Centre showcases the life and works of Jane Austen, the globally-recognised novelist renowned for her works such as Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice. Throughout the exhibition, a cast of character actors leads visitors on a journey through Austen’s incredible life, as well as the Regency period in which she lived.

What to expect

Visitors can expect immersive interactions with cast members, fascinating stories from the past, plenty of photo opportunities and the chance to dress up in regency costumes: all within a Grade II listed, classically decorated Georgian townhouse. The experience begins with a friendly welcome talk from a knowledgeable guide, after which you’ll be free to wander around the intriguing exhibition at your own pace.

For the first time in centuries, visitors can get up close to Jane Austen herself with the Centre’s lifelike waxwork portrayal!

Your visit to The Jane Austen Centre offers you a snapshot of life during Regency times and explores how living in this magnificent city affected Jane Austen and her writing.

Regency Tearoom

Once you've finished exploring the exhibition, head upstairs to The Regency Tea Room for a delicious afternoon tea.

Experience the Tea Room’s traditional English ‘Mr. Darcy's Afternoon Tea’, complete with exquisite cakes, divine finger sandwiches and delightful warm scones served with Dorset clotted cream and seasonal jam.

Guests are also welcome to visit the Tea Room without purchasing a ticket to the exhibition, making it a convenient option for a unique dining experience in the heart of Bath.

Read more in the “Experience more” section at the bottom of this page.

Jane Austen Festival

For 10 days in September each year, character actors and regency fans take to the stunning streets of Bath in a marvellous celebration of all things Austen.

The festival begins with the Grand Promenade: hundreds of regency costumed Austen-lovers strolling through the same streets Jane Austen herself would have wandered in the 19th century.

Throughout the festival, attendees can expect a range of immersive experiences, such as:

• Ballroom dances and dancing workshops
• Educational lectures and talks
• Comedy and theatrical walking tours

You can learn more on the Jane Austen Centre’s website, and within their festival flyer.

Accessibility

As the Jane Austen Centre is in a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse, they are unfortunately unable to install a lift. There is also a step to the front door and a second step to the entrance, however a ramp is available and staff will be more than happy to assist.

Toilets are located down a flight of stairs from the main exhibition space and are not accessible to wheelchair users.

The following accessibility facilities are in place:

• Free carer/companion tickets are available upon displaying proof of need
• Private accessible tours are available
• A portable hearing loop system is available in the introductory talk room
• All videos featured throughout the exhibition include English subtitles, and a transcript of our introductory talk is available in the Gift Shop

For full accessibility details, please visit the accessibility page on the Centre’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are dogs permitted at the Jane Austen Centre? No, dogs are not permitted at the Jane Auten Centre or Regency Tea Room (with the exception of service dogs).

What time is last entry to the Jane Austen Centre? The last entry into the Exhibition & the Regency Tea Room is one hour before closing time. Please see the listed opening times for details.

Does the Jane Austen Centre offer language guides? The Jane Austen Centre has a QR code positioned in our introductory talk room which, when scanned on a smart phone, allows you to follow the introductory talk in 23 different languages.

How long does a visit to the Jane Austen Centre take? The Jane Austen Centre recommends allowing a minimum of 1 hour to experience everything the Exhibition has to offer.

Does the Jane Austen Centre offer any discounts for students or Blue Light Card holders? Yes, the Jane Austen Centre offers a discounted ticket rate for both students and Blue Light Card holders. Anyone with a Blue Light Card can receive a 10% discount (these tickets cannot be purchased online, and the discount applies to the holder’s ticket only). Students with valid ID can enter on a concession ticket.

Does the Jane Austen Centre accept Bath Discovery Cards?  Yes, the Jane Austen Centre offers a 15% ticket discount to all Discovery Card holders. These tickets cannot be purchased online, however the offer can be redeemed in their Gift Shop. Simply show your Discovery Card upon arrival.

Can gift cards be purchased for the Jane Austen Centre? Yes, gift cards are purchasable for both the Jane Austen Centre, Exhibition & The Regency Tea Room. For more information please call the listed number or email giftshop@janeausten.co.uk

For more answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the Jane Austen Centre’s website.