Walking with Jane: My Literary Journey Through Southampton and Winchester

This summer in July, I had the unforgettable experience of joining a literary tour and Jane Austen conference in Southampton and then Winchester to celebrate 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen. As a lifelong admirer of her novels, I knew this would be special, but I hadn’t expected just how moving and inspiring it would be to walk in her footsteps. We began in Southampton, a city where Austen lived from 1806 to 1809. Although her original home no longer stands, wandering through the Georgian streets, imagining her taking similar walks along the Western Esplanade, brought her world vividly to life. We visited spots where she would have danced, socialised, and perhaps even observed the kinds of characters who would later appear in her novels. There’s something quite powerful about being in a place where literary history once quietly unfolded. From there, we travelled to Winchester, where Austen spent her final months. Walking down College Street to the house where she passed away felt deeply poignant. But nothing compared to standing inside Winchester Cathedral, facing her resting place. It’s a moment I’ll never forget—surrounded by soaring stone, I was struck by the quiet strength of her legacy. Her grave is simple, but the love and respect from generations of readers give it weight. Throughout the tour, we were treated to readings, lively performances, talks by Austen scholars. Sharing these moments with fellow readers and conference participants from around the world reminded me how timeless and unifying her stories really are. Celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary in the cities that shaped her life was more than a literary getaway. It was a journey into the heart of her world, and a reminder of the wit, wisdom, and quiet rebellion that continue to make her voice resonate today.#thingstodo #museums #travel #citydaytours