Basingstoke and Deane: Where Jane Austen’s story began

Beyond Basingstoke and Deane 

Jane left Basingstoke at 25 and visited new places such as Winchester, Bath and Reading. In Chawton, Jane's house still stands, as the Jane Austen Museum, where visitors can see inside the home that she spent the last eight years of her life. Basingstoke and Deane is an excellent location for a Jane Austen literary journey, located 15 minutes from Winchester by direct train, 30 minutes by car, 25 minutes by car from Jane Austens house in Alton and 1 hour 40 minutes from the centre of Bath. 

Where to stay

From luxury accommodation to sleeping under the stars, Basingstoke and Deane offers a wide range of accommodation to choose from including B&Bs, cottages and rural retreats to enjoy during your stay.

Oakley Hall Hotel mentioned above is a country house hotel in the heart of the Hampshire countryside and covers all of life’s little luxuries. Their collection of 50 bedrooms includes two four poster suites, six executive bedrooms and a three-bedroom garden cottage, all of which offer stunning views of the 315 acres of grounds.  Oakley Hall Hotel welcomes canine companions so you can enjoy your countyside stay with the whole family.

Did you know you can stay on the grounds of Highclere Castle? (The Carnarvon family home and best known as television’s Downton Abbey) The Grotto Lodge and London Lodge are one of the best locations for country walks. The Grotto Lodge has two double bedrooms, while the London Lodge houses one double bedroom. Both lodges provide stunning views across north Hampshire.

Audleys Wood, a Handpicked Hotel, was once a beloved country mansion, renowned for its exceptional warmth and hospitality. Originally constructed in the 1880s as the private residence of auctioneer Thomas Pain, this luxury hotel has a rich history, hosting famous guests.

Silchester Farm’s rural retreat is a real treat! The refurbished barns offer a home from home for up to 14 guests, providing a perfect base from which to explore the beautiful Hampshire scenery and local attractions with family and friends.

The Watership Down Inn nestles at the foot of the North Wessex Downs, overlooking the head waters of the Test Valley. The renowned Watership Down lies to the north of the B&B.

Getting here and accessability

Set in Hampshire countryside, Basingstoke benefits from a central location, just 50 minutes from London and 60 minutes from the south coast by car. Well positioned along the M3 with transport links to the M4 and M25 to access Bath, Reading, Newbury, Alton and Winchester. 

Follow the A34 off the M4 heading south and you'll pass Burghclere and down towards Whitchurch. You can join this road from the A303 and head north to enjoy these areas.

If you are travelling by train you'll find stations in Basingstoke town centre, Overton and Whitchurch.