England, Part One: In the Footsteps of Jane Austen (250 Years of Legacy)

Traveling through England during the celebration of 250 years of Jane Austen felt incredibly special and meaningful. This part of our journey was dedicated to honoring her life, her stories, and the places that shaped her world. Visiting these sites was more than literary tourism—it felt like stepping into the pages of her novels.

We began by visiting Winchester, where Jane Austen is buried. Standing at her grave was a quiet and moving moment, one that reminded us of how enduring her voice has become over centuries. From there, we visited Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, a highlight for any Austen admirer. Seeing where she lived, wrote, and revised many of her beloved novels made her work feel intimate and deeply personal. The village of Chawton itself is charming and peaceful, perfectly reflecting the countryside settings found throughout her stories.

Our journey also took us to Bath, a city closely tied to Austen’s life and featured prominently in her novels. Walking through Bath’s elegant streets and historic crescents, it was easy to imagine the social scenes and promenades that inspired Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. The city felt alive with literary history and celebration during this milestone year.

The absolute highlight of this Jane Austen–focused journey, however, was Chatsworth House, often associated with Pride and Prejudice and famously believed to have inspired Mr. Darcy’s estate, Pemberley. Visiting during the Christmas season made the experience even more magical. The Christmas décor inside the house was breathtaking, with each room thoughtfully decorated and full of festive detail. The Christmas market at Chatsworth was a hidden treasure and easily our favorite of the entire trip—cozy, charming, and beautifully done.

This homage to Jane Austen, especially during her 250th anniversary, felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Every stop added depth and meaning to her stories, and the memories from this part of the trip will stay with us forever.