Walking in Jane Austen’s Footsteps: A Guide to Austen’s Bath

Jane Austen, one of England’s most iconic authors, spent several years living in Bath, and the city features heavily in her books. For Austen enthusiasts, visiting Bath offers the opportunity to step into the world of her novels and experience the Georgian era charm that inspired her writing. We put together a Jane Austen walking tour that will take you through the key locations associated with Jane Austen in Bath, allowing you to create your own literary pilgrimage.

Jane Austen’s Residences in Bath

Jane Austen lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806. During this time, she stayed at three different addresses:

4 Sydney Place (1801-1804)

• Location: Near the Holburne Museum
• Notable: A plaque commemorates Austen’s residence here, and you may be able to book an overnight stay.
• Tip: The nearby Sydney Gardens were frequented by Austen and mentioned in her letters.

25 Gay Street (1805)

• Location: In the city center, on the same street as the current Jane Austen Centre
• Notable: This was Austen’s short-term residence before moving to her final home in Bath.
• Tip: Visit the Jane Austen Centre at 40 Gay Street for more context on her life in Bath (and a beautiful but dangerous gift shop!)

Green Park Buildings East (1804-1806)

• Location: Near Green Park
• Notable: This was Austen’s final Bath residence, although the original building no longer stands.
• Tip: While you can’t visit the exact building, walking around Green Park offers a sense of her last days in the city.

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Visit Locations in Bath Featured in Austen’s Novels

Austen set two of her novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, largely in Bath. Visit these locations to see the settings of some of your favorite scenes:

The Assembly Rooms

• Featured in: Northanger Abbey and Persuasion
• Purpose: The assembly rooms were a popular venue for balls and social gatherings in Austen’s time.
• Today: The Assembly Rooms house a fashion museum.
• Tip: This site may host period-themed events during your visit – check before you go!

The Pump Room

• Featured in: Northanger Abbey
• Purpose: This is where characters would “take the waters”.
• Today: The Pump Room is still open to visitors; you can taste the spa water. Reservations fill up quickly, so plan ahead.
• Tip: Try the famous Bath buns while you’re here.

Milsom Street

• Featured in: Northanger Abbey and Persuasion
• Purpose: Milsom Street was a fashionable shopping area in Austen’s time.
• Today: This street remains a bustling retail area with shops and cafes.
• Tip: Milsom Street is still great for shopping and people-watching, just as it was in Austen’s time

Gravel Walk

• Featured in: Persuasion
• Notable: This is where Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth reconcile.
• Today: Today, Gravel Walk is a lovely path connecting the Royal Crescent and Queen Square.
• Tip: This walk remains the perfect spot for a romantic stroll.

The Royal Crescent

• While not explicitly mentioned in her Bath novels, this iconic crescent epitomizes the Georgian architecture Austen would have known.
• Tip: Visit No. 1 Royal Crescent for a glimpse into a Georgian-era home. If you time your visit right, you’ll even get an immersive Jane Austen experience!

Pulteney Bridge

• Pulteney Bridge is another landmark that, while not directly mentioned, would have been familiar to Austen.
• Tip: This is a beautiful spot for photos, especially at sunset.

Other Austen-Related Sites

Bath Abbey

• While not prominently featured in her works, this historic church would have been part of Austen’s Bath experience.
• Tip: Climb the tower for panoramic views of Bath.

Prior Park Landscape Garden

• Although it postdates Austen’s time in Bath, this 18th-century garden offers stunning views of the city.
• Tip: Bring a picnic and imagine yourself as a character in an Austen novel.

Creating Your Jane Austen Tour

Click here to view this tour in Google maps.

1. Start at the Jane Austen Centre: Get an overview of Austen’s life in Bath and the city’s influence on her work.
2. Walk up Gay Street to the Assembly Rooms: Imagine the balls and social gatherings Austen’s characters would have attended.
3. Stroll down Milsom Street: Window shop and people-watch as Austen’s characters would have done.
4. Visit the Pump Room: Take tea or sample the spa water.
5. Walk along Gravel Walk to the Royal Crescent: Recreate Anne and Captain Wentworth’s romantic stroll.
6. Cross Pulteney Bridge: Enjoy the picturesque views. If you’re short on time, you can end your tour here. But, if you have the time, continue on and…
7. End at Sydney Gardens: Enjoy the gardens Austen frequented during her time at Sydney Place. Note: Our route takes you past 4 Sydney Place on your way into the gardens.

Best Times to Visit

• Timing matters if you want to catch Bath at its best! Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather for walking tours.
• Consider visiting during the annual Jane Austen Festival in September for special events and Regency-costumed visitors.

Photography Tips

• Early morning or late afternoon light is best for capturing Bath’s honey-colored stone buildings.
• The view from Alexandra Park offers a stunning panorama of the city.
• Respect private property and any “no photography” signs, especially inside historic buildings.

By visiting these locations, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the city that played a major role in Jane Austen’s life and works. As you explore, imagine the scenes from her novels unfolding around you – Catherine Morland’s wide-eyed excitement in Northanger Abbey or Anne Elliot’s quiet reflections in Persuasion. With each step, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of one of England’s most beloved authors, experiencing the Georgian elegance and social whirl that inspired her timeless novels.

Have you ever visited Bath? Are there any stops you would add to our walking tour?

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MaryAnne Kochenderfer

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MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.