Austen-inspired community craft project at The Vyne
Now on display, look out for a Regency community art installation in the Old Kitchen at The Vyne. Marking the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, local residents helped create the display by painstakingly crafting crochet objects inspired by Austen.
Members of the public were invited to crochet or knit Austen and Regency-inspired items. We received some truly beautiful contributions, now proudly displayed in our Old Kitchen. We’re sure you’ll agree that they bring a much-needed splash of colour and charm to the space.
During your visit, be sure to keep an eye out for various crocheted items thoughtfully placed around the house — a delightful tribute to Austen’s enduring legacy and the creativity of her admirers.
Things to do in The Vyne house
The Sandys and Chute families made The Vyne their home for over 500 years. They accumulated beautiful and important objects and made significant changes to the house during their lives, which you will see as you explore the opulent state rooms and humble servants’ quarters. Marking 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen, you can enjoy a selection of events including exhibition 'Regency Revisited' and on select dates 'Jane Austen House Tours', and Austen-inspired talks. Read on for ticket prices and more information.
Regency Revisited - Celebrating Jane Austen 250
Discover Jane Austen’s links to The Vyne, her views on the Chute family and what Regency life, and love, was like for those living here at the time. During your visit you can get up close to first editions of Austen's books, feast your eyes on beautiful Regency costume worn by members of the family, and learn more about Austen, her family connections to The Vyne, and what Regency life and love was like for those living here.
Jane Austen House Tours
Wednesdays & Saturdays until 2 November, 2.30-3.30pm: Enjoy a 1-hour tour of the house and uncover an honest account of the family’s interactions with the celebrated Regency author. No pre-booking first come first serve. Purchase your tickets on arrival at Visitor Reception. Suggested donation £5 per person. Normal admission applies.
Jane Austen events at The Vyne in 2025
As 2025 marks 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen, The Vyne is celebrating this milestone with a variety of Austen-inspired events. Uncover Jane’s links to the family at The Vyne with exhibition Regency Revisited and biweekly tours of the house. Until 2 November, take a stroll to the neighbouring village of Sherborne St John. On select dates, don't miss outdoor theatre and cinema. Read on to note key dates for the diary.
Outdoor cinema: Bridget Jones’s Diary (15)
Friday 1 August | Gates open 6pm | Film 7.30-9.07pm. For a chick flick movie under the stars don’t miss Bridget Jones’s Diary on The Vyne’s north lawn. Pack yourself a blanket for when the sun goes down and unless you have a Premium ticket bring a camping chair. Hot drinks and snacks will be on sale. Tickets: Standard (bring your own camping chair) £15.50+£1.87 booking fee. Premium (includes luxury deckchair in prime location) £22.50+£2.71 booking fee. Add ons: Sharing Snack Bag for 2 £12.95 Blanket £12.95. Book online here.
Outdoor theatre: Pride & Prejudice
Sat 30 Aug | Gates open 6pm, Performance 7-9.20pm (inc 20 minute interval): Reticules at the ready, the dynamic Illyria Theatre are back with this fun take on one of Austen’s most renowned novels. Bring your own seating/rug, suitable clothing and a picnic. Venue is wheelchair accessible. Tickets: Adult £20 + £1.68 booking fee, Child (3-16 yrs) £12 + £1.01 booking fee, Under 3’s go free. Registered carer, free (one per paid booking). Book online here.
Regency Ramble at The Vyne trail map
Explore a landscape familiar to Jane Austen. Enjoy this invigorating, garment billowing country walk from The Vyne to the village of Sherborne St John and back. Discover centuries-old landmarks, uncover hidden history and learn more about Regency life here from Jane's social pier and lady of the house Eliza Chute.