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Jane Austen events at The Vyne in 2025

A bench in the shape of a book and specially decorated by an artist.
Enjoy Austen-inspired tours, talks, an exhibition and three Sitting with Jane book benches. | © National Trust / Virginia Langer

As 2025 marks 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen, uncover Jane’s links to the family at The Vyne with exhibition Regency Revisited and biweekly tours of the house.

On 7 September, don't miss 'In conversation with...', an indulgent cream tea followed by an exclusive talk with Austen experts Lizzie Dunford, Director for Jane Austen’s House, Chawton and Joy Pibworth, longstanding member of the Jane Austen Society.

On 25 September, following a cream tea, enjoy an interactive and irreverent presentation called 'Layers of Jane' regarding Regency 'underpinnings'. Talk tickets £20.

In the gardens, find three stunning book benches from much-loved public art trail 'Sitting with Jane'.

Upcoming Austen events:

The words 'In conversation with' are surrounded by a floral pattern.
Don't miss this discussion about Britain’s best-loved Regency author. | © National Trust / Karen Legg

Cream tea & talk: In conversation with...

Sunday 7 September | Gates open 2.15pm | Cream tea 2.30-3.15pm | Talk 3.30-4.30pm. Enjoy a cream tea in the tea-room before joining Lizzie Dunford, Director for Jane Austen’s House, Chawton and Joy Pibworth, longstanding member of the Jane Austen Society as they discuss Britain’s best-loved Regency author in the house at The Vyne. Tickets £20.

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In The Vyne's gardens until October

'Sitting with Jane' bespoke book benches

A bench in the shape of a book and specially decorated by an artist.
Sitting with Jane at The Vyne | © National Trust / Virginia Langer

Find these three benches in The Vyne's gardens

To mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, The Vyne has partnered with Destination Basingstoke to bring back several of the popular ‘Sitting with Jane’ book benches. These beautifully designed benches are now on display in the gardens until October, offering a unique blend of art, literature and heritage. Thank you to the private owners who have kindly loaned these benches for others to enjoy. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 ‘𝗦𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲’? A public art trail celebrating Jane Austen, featuring artist-designed benches shaped like open books. Each bench reflects a personal interpretation of her life and works.

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