In the footsteps of Jane Austen

In 2025, a year that sees the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, the National Garden Scheme has a number of gardens that open which Jane herself would have visited and enjoyed. So why not follow in the footsteps of one the most famous and loved English novelists in this very special year…

In Hampshire Chawton House – which opens on Tuesday 18 March – was owned by Jane’s brother Edward. The grounds and gardens continue to be in the process of restoration although a great deal has already been achieved. The Parkland is restored in the English landscape period of the 18th century, while the gardens have examples of 18th and 19th century Victorian/Edwardian design. Edward (Austen) Knight, Jane Austen’s brother, created the walled kitchen garden, shrubberies and parkland. Edward inherited Chawton House after being adopted by relations Thomas and Catherine Knight, who were childless. We know from Jane’s letters that she was involved with the new plans, but sadly she died before the completion of the walled garden. Throughout the estate, locally derived native trees and shrubs that were introduced to Britain prior to 1840 are being used as much as possible. The promotion of nature conservation and ecology to create a wide diversity of the land and wildlife habitats remains a constant principle.

Another of Austen’s brothers, Charles would have had access to Alverstoke Crescent Gardens, in Gosport, Hampshire a restored Regency garden that opens on Saturday 17th May. In 1828, a 21-year old architect Thomas Ellis Owen designed a grand Crescent for a new development by the Solent ‘Angleseyville’. Only the first half of the Crescent was built; but the Ornamental Garden a 1.36 acre strip fronting the whole planned sweep was laid out for the exclusive enjoyment of residents, who paid annual rent for a key. One of these was Captain Charles Austen Royal Navy, Jane’s young sailor brother. The garden boasted a raised walk, and a central reading room, flanked by twin bath-houses, for sea-water bathing. Sadly, by 1950 these buildings were demolished. The garden’s encircling iron railings had long gone for use in WW2, all was overgrown, rubbish-filled and dreary. Restoration began in 1989, inspired by the Hampshire Gardens Trust and there is now a strong partnership between Gosport Council and 350 Friends who have researched and restored this late Regency Garden, and lovingly maintain it.

In Kent Godmersham Park which opens on Sunday 23 March and Sunday 8 June, has an historical connection to Jane. In 1794, the house was inherited by Edward Austen, Jane’s brother who was a distant cousin of the previous owners the Knights and had been adopted by them in the early 1780s. Following the death of his adoptive mother Catherine in 1812, Austen changed his name to Knight. Jane Austen was a regular visitor between 1798 and 1813 and Mansfield Park is said to be based on Godmersham Park.

The 24 acres of restored wilderness and formal gardens are set around an 18th Century  with topiary, rose garden, herbaceous borders, walled kitchen garden and recently restored Italian and swimming pool gardens. There are superb daffodils in spring and roses in June.

Jane also frequently visited Goodnestone Park in Kent, which opens on Thursday 22 May and Friday 12 September as her brother married a daughter of the house.  She spent time in Goodnestone visiting her brother and other family connections who lived in the parish. From her surviving letters we can catch glimpses of life here between 1796 and 1817. She mention places familiar to villagers today. In September 1796 she was staying at Rowling and describes a convivial evening in Goodnestone – dinner and dancing and a walk home to Rowling under the shade of two umbrellas.

Goodnestone Park Gardens cover approximately 14 acres with views over parkland. From snowdrops and spring bulbs to the famous walled gardens there is some special year-round.

Join our Chief Executive, George Plumptre and discover the connection to Jane Austen at Goodnestone Park with our video here:

Jane lived the final years of her life in Winchester and for those interested in following her footsteps might enjoy the Winchester College Gardens which open for the National Garden Scheme Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June, it’s the perfect excuse to visit the town and gardens where one of our greatest writers lived and died.

Finally, for those who love the Austen inspired plots of Bridget Jones, visit Petersham House on Sunday 13 April which was one of the film locations for the latest Bridget Jones film Mad About the Boy. No spoilers but the iconic pool scene was filmed here so plenty of instagrammable opportunities!