Chawton House
Hampshire, England
Photo: Charles D P Miller from Basingstoke, United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Ukiws, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ray Moseley, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Chawton House Library Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Membership
- Historic Houses members go in free - what it costs per visit
- Nearest station
- Alton, 1.9 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
- Note
- Elizabethan manor once owned by Jane Austen's brother, now a library and study centre run by a charity.
Pinpoint
Chawton, Alton GU34 1SJ
Telephone 01420 541010
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Chawton House is an Elizabethan manor once owned by Jane Austen's brother, now run as a library and study centre by a charitable trust. Reviewers describe an interesting house with a real charm to it, well labelled and backed up by guided tours, with friendly volunteers coming up again and again as the thing that made the visit. The parkland alongside is good for a gentle walk, and there is a tea room with indoor and outdoor seating.
At a glance
Who to know
Jane Austen · the house belonged to her wealthy brother Edward Austen Knight; it is now a research centre for early women's writing
Worth the trip
The house and its book collection in a setting directly connected to Jane Austen's family - reviewers describe it as a genuine find, and some prefer it to the better-known Austen sites nearby.
Before you go
Reviewers note that seeing the library room may need to be asked for rather than being part of the standard route, and several time their visit for the snowdrop display in February.
What visitors say
Chawton House reviews · 4.7 / 5 across 302 Google reviews
Reviewers describe a relatively modest house with strong literary interest, particularly for those drawn to Jane Austen and early women writers, and the library collection is singled out, though one notes you have to ask to see that room and cannot handle the books. Volunteers and guides are described as friendly and helpful, and the setting draws praise, including the parkland walks, a snowdrop display in February and the church of St Nicholas in the grounds.
The tea room comes up repeatedly, with visitors mentioning freshly cooked food, atmospheric seating in the kitchen and outdoor space in good weather, and one noting that lunch did not require an entrance ticket. Families mention a children's trail, and one reviewer refers to an RHS member discount.
“Lovely setting and interesting history. Well labelled. Good guided tours. Nice tea room with indoor and outdoor space.”- Jef Crow, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Facilities
- “The tea room, especially in good weather, is excellent.” - John Tindall
Common questions about Chawton House
Where is Chawton House?
Chawton House is in Hampshire, England, at Chawton, Alton GU34 1SJ.
Do you need a ticket to visit Chawton House?
Yes - Chawton House is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Chawton House Library Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Chawton House?
Yes - Chawton House offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the stately home itself or within its grounds. See the Stately Homes You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Chawton House?
The house and its book collection in a setting directly connected to Jane Austen's family - reviewers describe it as a genuine find, and some prefer it to the better-known Austen sites nearby.
Is Chawton House a ruin or still intact?
Chawton House is largely intact - Elizabethan manor once owned by Jane Austen's brother, now a library and study centre run by a charity.
