Austen Adventure 2026
Oct 4, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
Overview
Nerds Tour is excited to partner with Bath-based Strictly Jane Austen Tours to present the 2026 Austen Adventure in Bath and Winchester.
Explore the itinerary to see the details of every day and then, when you've decided, click on the Sign Up button below to register.
A $500 deposit per person will secure your spot on this unique Austen Adventure.
If you have any questions, please reach out to joan@nerdstour.com.
Day 1 · Sun, Oct 4 · Bath
Optional Add-On
Transfer from Heathrow to Bath
Depart
Oct 4 12:00PM
Heathrow Airport, London, United Kingdom
Arrange for an overnight flight (not included) to land in the morning on Sunday (or return to Heathrow from wherever you are). Then, begin your Jane Austen adventure the moment you arrive in England with our optional Airport-to-Bath Transfer Experience, designed especially for devoted Austen enthusiasts. Instead of navigating unfamiliar roads or arranging your own transport, allow us to greet you personally at the airport and escort you in comfort to the elegant Bath Abbey Hotel, your home for the first part of the tour. This seamless, stress-free transfer ensures you can settle into the world of Austen from the very start—no planning, no rushing, just immersion.
Along the way, youʼll enjoy a special stop at Basildon Park, an exquisite Georgian estate that played a memorable role in the 2005 film Pride & Prejudice . Fans will immediately recognize it as the lavish setting of Netherfield Park, Mr. Bingleyʼs home and the backdrop to several beloved scenes—including those charged early encounters between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. As you explore the stately rooms and sweeping grounds, itʼs easy to imagine the rustle of silk gowns, the soft strains of music drifting from a country dance, or the sudden appearance of a tall, enigmatic gentleman across a ballroom floor.
By the time you arrive in Bath—where Austen herself once walked—youʼll already be deeply connected to the world of her novels. Itʼs the perfect prologue to your literary adventure.
Check in to The ABBEY Hotel
Check In
Oct 4 4:00PM
Single Supplement: There is an additional charge of $700.00 for a single traveller (choose this option at registration)
Location
This hotel is located close to the centre of Bath just across the street from Parade Gardens and a short walk to Bath Abbey and the heart of Bath.
Facilities
The hotel has 60 rooms, which are located on 4 stories and are reachable by a lift. The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a baggage storage service and a safe. Wireless internet access in public areas allows guests to stay connected. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities.
Rooms
Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and central heating. A safe, a minibar and a desk are available. Additional features include a tea/coffee station. Further amenities include an ironing set and a trouser press. A direct dial telephone, a TV, a radio, an alarm clock and WiFi (no extra charge) are provided as well. Bathrooms are equipped with a shower and a bathtub. A hairdryer, bathrobes and a telephone are available for daily use. As a special feature, bathrooms are also stocked with cosmetic products and a selection of towels. Guests can also book wheelchair-friendly rooms with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. The tour offers Double, Twin, and Single (for an additional fee) rooms on this tour.
Welcome Dinner
Start Time
Oct 4 6:30PM
Location
Abbey Hotel Bath
Begin your Jane Austen journey with a delightful three-course fixed-menu welcome dinner at the Abbey Hotel in Bath. Meet fellow admirers, share your love of Austenʼs world, and enjoy beautifully prepared dishes in a relaxed setting that sets the tone for your literary tour from the very first evening.
After dinner, explore your surroundings as night falls on Bath. The hotel is located a few blocks from Bath Abbey square, which is lighted beautifully at night or stroll up to the Pullteney Bridge and be lulled by the foamy weir. Alternatively, go back to your room and rest up for all that is to come.
Day 2 · Mon, Oct 5 · Bath
Walking tour with Strictly Jane Austen expert guide
Oct 5 10:00AM
Location
Bath, UK
After breakfast in the hotel, your guide, expert Theresa Roche, will meet you in the Abbey Hotel lobby for a 2.5-hour promenade around central Bath. She will provide fascinating insight into Jane Austenʼs life and times, pointing out places connected with the author and her novels. The tour will take in Bathʼs central landmarks to help you get your bearings, while Theresa brings fashionable Georgian Bath to life through engaging stories, historical details, and anecdotes about the Regency era and the social etiquette of the day.
The walk will end at the Jane Austen Centre in Bath where you'll have tickets for a scheduled tour.
Jane Austen Centre
Oct 5 12:30PM
The Jane Austen Centre offers a snapshot of Jane Austen's life in Bath during Regency times and shows you how living in this magnificent city affected our author and her writing.
Let their character actors take you on an entertaining and educational journey through the iconic Centre. Have fun dressing up using our extensive collection of dresses, bonnets, coats, spencers and accessories. Taste some Regency food, have a go writing with a quill pen and ink and make sure you have your picture taken with the world famous Austen waxwork.
There is so much to see and do.
Note from Joan: Best Jane Austen gift shop!
Afternoon Tea at the Pump Room
Oct 5 2:00PM
The Georgian Pump Room has been the social heart of Bath for more than two centuries and boasts amongst its previous patrons Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.
This building was the social heart of Regency Bath and welcomed the fashionable set and illustrious patrons including Jane Austen & Charles Dickens. Sample the spa water from the historic fountain, unchanged from Jane Austenʼs day
Sit beneath gllttering chandeliers while listening to live music from the Pump room Trio or resident pianist. Indulge in Afternoon Tea inspired by the Regency eraʼs refined tea traditions - delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with clotted cream, and exquisite cakes—just as Austen herself might have enjoyed during Bathʼs fashionable gatherings.
Day 3 · Tue, Oct 6 · Lyme Regis
Bath to Lyme Regis
Depart from Abbey Hotel
Oct 6 9:30AM
On the scenic drive from Bath to Lyme Regis, youʼll enjoy a quintessentially English landscape unfolding beyond your window—rolling green hills, patchwork fields bordered by hedgerows, and charming villages of honey-coloured stone. As we leave Bath, the Georgian skyline gives way to peaceful countryside dotted with sheep, historic farmhouses, and winding rural lanes.
Crossing into Somerset, you may glimpse church spires rising above traditional market towns and meadows stretching toward wooded hills. The route passes near the edge of the Mendip Hills and later the Blackdown Hills, both designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering sweeping views of gentle peaks and wide skies.
As we continue toward Dorset, the scenery shifts subtly: thatched cottages begin to appear, villages cluster around medieval parish churches, and the landscape becomes more dramatic as we near the Jurassic Coast. Fields slope toward distant cliffs, and the air seems to brighten with a hint of sea breeze.
By the time we approach Lyme Regis, the countryside opens to reveal glimpses of the coast—rolling ridges, deep valleys, and the inviting sweep of Lyme Bay. Itʼs a journey that feels like traveling through chapters of Englandʼs rural past, setting the perfect tone for your Austen-inspired seaside excursion.
Walking tour Lyme Regis and Museum Visit
Oct 6 11:00AM
Join us for a captivating day trip to Lyme Regis, the enchanting Dorset seaside town forever linked with Jane Austen and her beloved Persuasion. Austen visited Lyme in the early 1800s and was so charmed by its dramatic coastline and genteel holiday life that she set some of the novelʼs most memorable scenes here—including the pivotal moment on the famous Cobb.
Your visit begins with a guided walking tour led by a local expert, who will bring Austenʼs Lyme to life through stories of Regency society, filming locations, and the townʼs rich maritime past. As you stroll the elegant promenade, imagine ladies in flowing muslin gowns and gentlemen in crisp coats taking in the sea air, parasols fluttering in the breeze, and carriages rolling softly along the gravel paths. in the sea you would see the strange swimming machine contraptions that allowed women to swim modestly.
Weʼll explore the iconic Cobb, where waves crash against the ancient stone wall and Austenʼs characters experienced both romance and consequence. From its curve, the views of the glittering bay and cliffs remain much as Austen once admired.
With time afterward to browse charming shops, enjoy fish and chips, or simply sit and absorb the scenery, this excursion lets you experience Lyme Regis as Austen did—picturesque, atmospheric, and alive with the spirit of Persuasion.
Optional Add-On
Optional evening session at Thermae Bath Spa
Oct 6 6:00PM
Location
Thermae Bath Spa, The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath Street, Bath, UK
Experience a revitalizing 2-hour session at Bathʼs natural thermal spa. Robe and towel are included—simply bring your swimwear and prepare to unwind. Bathe in Bathʼs naturally warm, mineral-rich waters and admire the twinkling lights of the city from the open-air rooftop pool. Explore the Wellness Suite, offering a range of state-of-the-art spa experiences including steam and infrared rooms, relaxation spaces, an invigorating ice chamber, and sensory showers.
Twilight Spa Package $100 – 2 hour spa session Plus a platter of snacks and glass of wine, beer, juice or water. If you're interested, choose this option when you register.
Last entry at 6:30 p.m. Spa closes at 9:00 p.m.
Day 4 · Wed, Oct 7 · Lacock
Bath to Lacock
Depart Abbey Hotel
Oct 7 9:00AM
Lacock, England
On the drive from Bath to the charming village of Lacock, youʼll travel through some of the most picturesque countryside in Wiltshire—gentle, pastoral, and wonderfully evocative of Englandʼs rural past. As we leave Bath, the elegant Georgian terraces gradually give way to rolling hills, open meadows, and fields bordered by traditional hedgerows. You are likely to get a glimpse of the West Countryʼs famous 1.8 mile Box tunnel, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1841 and still in use by the railway .
Along the route, youʼll pass through small villages and hamlets featuring stone cottages, cozy pubs, and medieval parish churches rising above clusters of trees. Sheep graze lazily in green pastures, historic farmsteads appear along winding country lanes, and wide views stretch across landscapes dotted with woodland and patchwork fields.
As we approach Lacock, the scenery becomes even more quintessentially English. You may notice the soft golden hue of Wiltshire stone, characteristic of the region, and the sense that time has slowed. The road leads through peaceful farmland and quiet settlements before arriving at Lacock itself—a perfectly preserved village often used in period films, thanks to its unspoiled beauty.
The entire journey feels like a gentle transition from urban elegance to timeless rural charm, setting the perfect mood for your visit to one of Englandʼs most atmospheric historic villages.
Visit to Lacock Village and Abbey
Start Time
Oct 7 10:00AM
With its cobbled streets, charming stone cottages, and absence of modern intrusions, Lacock feels like a living period set—so much so that it has featured in numerous film and television productions, including adaptations of Pride and Prejudice and the Harry Potter series. Lacock is in the outskirts of the Cotswolds and offers a delightful escape into Englandʼs timeless countryside charm.
At Lacock, your guide will take you on a 40 minute stroll through the village to discover traditional inns, independent shops, and beautiful views at every turn. You will have the opportunity to explore Lacock Abbey, whose atmospheric cloisters and historic rooms reveal centuries of stories, from medieval nuns to Victorian photography pioneer William Henry Fox Talbot.
Return to Bath in time for lunch and a free afternoon. Use the Hop-on-hop-off bus to see the City and the view from the top of Bathʼs outlying hills, or visit the Roman Baths, or Bathʼs fashionable shopping areas.
Free afternoon in Bath
Oct 7 1:30PM - 5:30PM
After your guided morning activities, Jane Austen fans have a delightful afternoon to explore Bath at leisure, using the hop-on hop-off bus to see the cityʼs highlights at your own pace. Step off at the Roman Baths to immerse yourself in the cityʼs ancient history, where the thermal waters and fascinating artifacts bring Roman Britain to life. Stroll across Pulteney Bridge and along the River Avon, soaking in the Georgian architecture and charming riverside views, or stop at Bath Abbey to admire its soaring Gothic arches and intricate stained glass.
For a quintessentially Regency experience, indulge in afternoon tea at one of Bathʼs elegant cafés, such as Sally Lunnʼs Historic Eating House, enjoying scones, finger sandwiches, and fine teas in a setting Austen herself would have recognized. Fashion and literature lovers can wander the independent shops of Milsom Street and SouthGate, from artisan boutiques to bookshops, or take a peaceful walk through Royal Victoria Park, with its gardens, ponds, and leafy avenues.
By 5:30 pm, make your way to No. 1 Royal Crescent (a stop on the hop-on hop-off bus) for the next experience, arriving refreshed from a perfectly balanced afternoon of culture, history, and Georgian charm.
Evening visit to No1 Royal Crescent
Start Time
Oct 7 5:30PM
Location
No. 1 Royal Crescent, Royal Crescent, Bath, UK
Enjoy a special evening visit to No.1 Royal Crescent, one of Bathʼs most recognisable Georgian landmarks and a setting that reflects the world Jane Austen knew so well. Explore this beautifully restored townhouse after hours, when the museum offers a quieter and more personal experience. Step through grand rooms furnished as they would have been in the late 18th century and discover how Bathʼs fashionable residents lived, entertained, and navigated the social expectations of the Regency era and how the staff lived downstairs. As the evening unfolds over Royal Crescent, this visit offers an engaging insight into the elegance and refinement of Georgian Bath — a perfect way to immerse yourself in Austenʼs world.
The tour ends with Canapes and a glass of Prosecco
Day 5 · Thu, Oct 8 · Jane Austen’s Hampshire
Check out of Abbey Hotel. Depart 08:30am. Load luggage onto coach.
On a day trip from Bath to Steventon and Chawton, youʼll enjoy a beautifully varied journey through the heart of southern England—scenery that feels wonderfully in harmony with Jane Austenʼs world.
As we leave Bath, the Georgian crescents and crescendos of the city fade into gentle Somerset hills. Youʼll see wide, open farmland, sheep-dotted pastures, and hedgerow-lined lanes winding through small villages with stone cottages and medieval church spires. The landscape gradually softens into the rolling downs of North Hampshire, a region of quiet beauty and understated charm.
Approaching Steventon, where Austen spent the first 25 years of her life, the scenery becomes more intimate —narrow country roads, clusters of woodland, and farm fields stretching toward the horizon. Itʼs easy to picture the young Austen walking these lanes, gathering inspiration from the pastoral life around her.
As the route continues toward Chawton, the countryside remains idyllic: thatched cottages, chalky lanes, and sweeping views across the Hampshire countryside. Youʼll pass through small market towns and rural hamlets before arriving at the village where Austen revised and wrote her most famous novels. The approach is particularly atmospheric, with leafy roads and traditional houses hinting at the literary treasures ahead.
The journey itself feels like a passage through Austenʼs England—peaceful, green, and filled with the quiet loveliness that shaped her stories.
Visit to Steventon and Chawton
08:30 a.m. — Check out of the Abbey Hotel and meet your coach driver and Jane Austen expert guide. After loading the coach, set off on a beautiful journey through the countryside to Hampshire. Along the way, you will pass Stonehenge—while we wonʼt have time to stop, youʼll enjoy a great view from the road.
Our first stop is the village of Steventon, where Jane Austen was born and spent the first 25 years of her life. Here, we visit St Nicholas Church, where her father served as rector, and later, one of her brothers did too.
After a short stop, we continue to the charming village of Chawton, passing through idyllic countryside dotted with thatched cottages, chalky lanes, and sweeping rural views. Jane spent many of her later years here, and the cottage where she lived and wrote her most famous novels has been transformed into a fascinating museum dedicated to her life and work.
The reason Jane came to Chawton was her brother Edward Knight, who inherited a large estate including Chawton House. We have arranged a sandwich buffet lunch at Chawton House before you embark on a tour of the impressive property and grounds.
In the late afternoon, we travel to Winchester, where you will check in to the Winchester Royal Hotel, ready torelax after a day steeped in Austenʼs world.
Check in to Winchester Royal Hotel
Check In
Oct 8 4:00 PM
Location
This hotel is set in the heart of the beautiful cathedral city, home of the Round Table and the great Kings of England. It is located just a short drive from the M3 and is an ideal setting for all types of business and social events. The city centre of Winchester is 1 minute's walk. The nearest shops, restaurants, bars and links to the public transport network are just 5 minutes on foot. Winchester railway station is 15 minutes' walk and the hotel is 20 km from Southampton Airport.
Facilities
75 non-smoking rooms, including 1 single room, are available to guests in a 3-storey main building and a 2-storey auxiliary building. The reception desk is open round the clock. Services such as a cloakroom, baggage storage service, safe and currency exchange service ensure a comfortable stay. Wireless internet access in public areas allows guests to stay connected. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities and a lift. Additional amenities include a TV room and a playroom. Further services and facilities include medical assistance, a transfer service, room service, an alarm call service and a laundry service. Bicycles can be kept in the bicycle storage area. Daily newspapers are available for purchase. A business centre with fax machine and projector is available.
Rooms
Central heating and a fan ensure that rooms maintain comfortable temperatures. All rooms are carpeted and minclude a double bed. A desk is provided. Guests will also find a tea/coffee station included among the standard features. An ironing set is provided for guests' convenience. A direct dial telephone, a TV, a radio and WiFi (no extra charge) are provided as well. A hairdryer and a telephone are available in the bathrooms, which are equipped with a shower and a bathtub. As a special feature, bathrooms are also stocked with cosmetic products and a selection of towels. Guests can also book wheelchair-friendly rooms with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. Family rooms are available for parents with children.
Group Dinner at Winchester Royal Hotel
Start Time
Oct 8 6:30PM
Enjoy a three-course pris fixe menu after spending the day exploring Jane Austen's life. We'll dine in the Walled Garden Restaurant at the hotel. You'll be asked for your meal choices a couple of weeks before the trip.
Day 6 · Fri, Oct 9 · Winchester
Tour of Winchester Cathedral and College Walk
Oct 9 11:00AM
On a guided tour of Winchester Cathedral and College Street with a Jane Austen expert, youʼll explore the city where Austen spent her final weeks and gain fascinating insight into her life and legacy.
Inside Winchester Cathedral, admire soaring Gothic architecture, serene chapels, and intricate stonework as your guide recounts Austenʼs last days. Youʼll visit her final resting place in the north aisle and hear the story of her burial, memorial, and the enduring reverence for her literary genius.
Then, stroll along College Street to visit the house where Austen lived during her final weeks, now open to visitors. Your expert will share stories of her time here, the Regency-era city life, and how the calm, historic surroundings contrasted with the bustling cathedral close. This intimate tour offers a moving blend of architecture, history, and literature, allowing you to experience the city and spaces that shaped the closing chapter of Jane Austenʼs remarkable life.
Free time in Winchester
Oct 9 1:00PM
After your guided tour of Winchester Cathedral and College Street, the afternoon is yours to soak up the history and charm of Englandʼs ancient capital of Wessex. Begin with a relaxing afternoon tea at The Ivy Winchester Brasserie or the serene Cathedral Refectory, savoring delicate sandwiches, scones, and pastries while enjoying the timeless surroundings. Then, return to the Cathedral, where your ticket allows access to the fascinating history exhibits, including details of Winchesterʼs long past as a royal city, its significance under King Alfred, and connections to King Albert.
Step further into history with a visit to the Great Hall, home of King Arthurʼs legendary Round Table, a symbol of Winchesterʼs storied past as the heart of Wessex. For sweeping views of the city, climb the Westgate Museum before exploring the charming shopping district, filled with independent bookshops, artisan boutiques, and quaint cafés along cobbled streets.
Take a moment to relax in the Cathedral Close, wander the leafy parks, or stroll along the tranquil canals, reflecting on the cityʼs centuries of heritage. As evening falls, enjoy dinner at The Wykeham Arms or The Ivy, then conclude your day with a twilight walk to St Gilesʼ Hill, capturing panoramic views over this historic and evocative city.
Day 7 · Sat, Oct 10 · Heathrow Airport
Optional Add-On
Return to Heathrow Airport
Depart
Oct 10 10:00AM
Winchester, United Kingdom
Start your journey home in comfort with an optional private transfer from Winchester Royal Hotel to Heathrow Airport. Travel in a spacious executive bus, relax without the hassle of public transport, and enjoy a seamless, stress-free ride—perfect for concluding your Jane Austen-inspired adventure in style. Choose this option when registering.