2025 marks 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen and Strictly Jane Austen Tours, known for its inspiring Regency adventures, is marking the occasion with two six-day celebrations in the heart of Bath, the city she called home.
Devotees of Jane Austen can be found across the world, and they are positively a-flutter with excitement about their heroine’s upcoming anniversary. With these ‘Janeites’ in mind, Bath’s most Austen-tatious travel company has curated an exceptional programme of events in Spring and Autumn 2025.
Literature enthusiasts from around the world are invited to take a deep dive into Jane Austen’s world in the luxurious surroundings of The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel. Guests can expect insightful talks from a variety of Jane Austen experts who will reveal fascinating stories of Austen’s life and writing. The talks will cover a range of topics from ‘Beauty and Cosmetics in the Time of Jane Austen’ by author Sarah Jane Dowling to ‘Gaming & Gambling and the Games Austen’s Characters Play’ with Dr Leigh Wetherall Dickson, Associate Professor at Northumbria University. Bestselling writer Gill Hornby will also speak about her celebrated novel ‘Godmersham Park’, while a number of other academics, historians and authors will provide their insights into Austen’s genius.
The programmes also feature guided tours to some of Bath’s most popular attractions, including the No.1 Royal Crescent Museum which celebrates the history of Bath in the 18th century. Other highlights include a visit to the village of Lacock, whose picturesque streets were seen in the BBC’s 1995 adaptation of ‘Pride & Prejudice’, as well as many other many popular films and TV shows. Visitors will also be treated to day trips to destinations at the heart of English literature, such as Jane Austen’s House in Hampshire, a cottage turned inspiring museum which marks the birthplace of her beloved novels, and Chawton House. Once the home of Jane Austen’s brother, Chawton is referred to as the ‘Great House’ in her novels and is now home to a unique collection of women’s writing.
The talks and excursions are enhanced by an array of convivial experiences which capture the celebratory spirit of the Georgian era. There will be a Regency dance workshop complete with traditional piped music; an embroidery class for those looking to embrace their creativity; an extravagant celebratory dinner hosted by The Gainsborough Bath Spa and an indulgent Jane Austen themed Afternoon Tea where guests can toast the 250th anniversary with a glass of fizz in the quintessential setting of the hotel’s Canvas Room.
And for those looking for a fully immersive experience, Strictly Jane Austen Tours can arrange for guests to enjoy all these experiences in full Regency costume which will be delivered to the hotel at the start of the programme. Guests who have their own costumes, are encouraged to bring them.
“These experiences are designed to delight, educate and inspire,” says Theresa McDermott, Chief Executive of Strictly Jane Austen Tours and its sister company ECT Travel. “We invite Jane Austen fans old and new to come and learn something unexpected, enjoy the playfulness of hiring a beautiful Regency costume and take time to enjoy the beautiful city of Bath where the Georgian streetscapes are real not film sets!”