Skip to content
back to The Vyne

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, a performance, 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. Until 8 October in the gardens, find three stunning book benches from much-loved public art trail 'Sitting with Jane'.

Until 2 November: Austen events in the house

A pile of early-edition Jane Austen novels with pale white covers.
These early-edition novels once belonged to Jane's friend Thomas Chute. | © National Trust Images/Karen Legg

Regency Revisited: Celebrating 250 years of Jane Austen

Daily until 2 November, house open 11am-3pm: Discover Jane Austen’s links to The Vyne, her views on the Chute family and her friendship with clergyman Thomas Chute who admired her novels. Get up close to first editions of her books and feast your eyes on beautiful Regency costume.

1 of 2

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 8 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. 'Sitting with Jane' was 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.

1 of 3

Christmas at The Vyne 

Open daily from 22 Nov 2025 - 5 Jan 2026 inclusive (Closed 24 & 25 Dec) immerse yourself in the magic and wonder of best-loved fairy tales. Aglow with dazzling trees and magical scenes, in the house discover The Snow Queen’s icy realm, Red Riding Hood’s cunning wolf, and Beauty and the Beast’s elegant tea set. A riotously fun free family trail offers games and activities indoors and out. House open 11am-3pm, gardens 10am-4pm. New for 2025, bookings are now open for Christmas Lunch in the Brewhouse tea-room available weekdays 24 Nov -17 Dec at 12pm.

A rose sits inside a bell jar in front of twinkly lights

New for 2025: Christmas Lunch in the Brewhouse 

Available to book for weekdays Mon 24 Nov – Wed 17 Dec 12pm-2pm. 2 courses, hot drink and mince pie £25 per person. 3 courses, hot drink and mince pie £30 per person. Click through to see menu and book. Normal admission applies.

Christmas dinner

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust

By sharing your email address you’re agreeing to receive marketing emails from the National Trust and confirm you’re 18 years old or over. Please see our for more information on how we look after your personal data.