10 additional events taking place in the Winchester to honour the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth have been announced. Partners across the city and wider district are hosting over 35 events throughout 2025 for Austen fans to celebrate Jane’s legacy and works.
No. 8 College Street, Austen’s final home in Winchester, opens to the public for the first time this summer. Winchester College has furthered its programme of events and is offering attendees the rare opportunity to learn traditional Regency embroidery during two exclusive workshops held inside the house where Jane spent her final weeks. Budding embroiderers create their own design inspired by Regency-era fashion in a setting steeped in history and literary heritage. The workshops take place on Monday 16th June and Monday 28th July 2025. Spaces are very limited, so pre-booking is required. Additionally, Winchester College’s Treasury Museum displays items associated with Jane Austen from May 2025 until the end of the year.
Winchester Cathedral has the privilege of being the final resting place where Austen is buried. Visitors to the Cathedral can pay their respects at Jane’s grave all year round. Visitors will be immersed in the life and works of one of England’s greatest authors through talks, an exhibition, special guided tours, and artistic tributes. Key highlights include the rare opportunity to view a poem penned by Jane Austen herself, displayed in the cathedral’s Kings & Scribes exhibition. There will also be a special anniversary service followed by the unveiling of a new Jane Austen statue in the Cathedral Close.
An educational and interactive family trail around Winchester Cathedral starts on Friday 23rd May and runs throughout the summer holidays until Tuesday 2nd September 2025. Journey around the Cathedral solving clues, meeting characters, and cracking challenges to make it to Jane’s party. No booking necessary and entry to the exhibition is included in the Cathedral admission price.
Hampshire Cultural Trust is celebrating the landmark anniversary with a series of exhibitions and events at its venues in the city: The Great Hall, The Arc, and City Museum. The author’s silk pelisse coat is one of a handful of items that survive today that belonged to Jane and can be directly traced back to her. The silk pelisse coat is on display at City Museum from Thursday 22nd May until Monday 16th June, before returning later in the year. The coat was donated to the Hampshire collections by one of Jane’s descendants and provides a special insight into the elusive appearance of the world-famous author.
Winchester’s iconic Great Hall is holding a Regency Ball on Saturday 16th August 2025. Complete with a dance caller and dance card memento, the ball is set to be a big hit among Bridgerton fans. The ladies and gentlemen in attendance can enjoy a Regency-inspired three-course buffet in the magnificent hall and learn period dances, as well as having their portrait pencilled by a silouhettist. Tickets are available now and pre-booking is advised.
Austen’s much-loved characters come to life in a dramatic murder mystery evening where guests are tasked with solving who killed one of Austen’s most-loved characters. ‘Murder Most Austentatious’ takes place at the historic Great Hall and promises a puzzling evening of curiosity, mystery, and murder. Two sessions are available to pre-book on Saturday 20th September 2025.
Further events at The Great Hall include a Regency Fashion Show on Saturday 26th July 2025. A variety of iconic fashion from the Regency era is modelled on the runway, complemented by demonstrations and exhibits displaying the fashion from Jane’s novels. VIP tickets are available, pre-booking is advised.
Historian, television presenter, and best-selling author, Dr. Lucy Worsley, is hosting an insightful evening into the personal life of Austen on Friday 5th September 2025 at The Great Hall. Dr. Lucy will sign copies of her biography ‘Jane Austen at Home’ which is being re-released for the special anniversary. Tickets are available now.
The grounds of Winchester College transform into an outdoor theatre for a performance of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ on Wednesday 23rd July 2025. Spectators are guaranteed to enjoy stunning period costume, an original score, and Austen’s timeless wit in a faithful telling of her most well-known work. The College’s tranquil Warden’s Garden is an idyllic setting for a magical evening of theatre with its Regency border and wild woodland. Tickets are on sale now.
To mark the 250th anniversary, Visit Winchester is inviting fans to discover the city as the author knew it through the launch of a new self-guided trail which highlights key locations, landmarks, and sites of interest for Jane Austen. These are all places the author would have visited during her time in the city and gives visitors an insight into the Georgian history of the city. Winchester Visitor Information Centre also stocks a variety of Jane Austen merchandise, gifts, and souvenirs.
To see a full list of Winchester’s attractions and businesses taking part in Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary celebrations, visit visitwinchester.co.uk/jane-austen-250 which also includes links to other activities across Hampshire.
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