Explore the birthplace of Jane Austen on foot or bicycle.

Jane Austen, one of the world’s most famous authors was born in 1775 in Steventon, less than three miles from Overton.  This corner of Hampshire was home to Jane Austen for the first twenty-five years of her life and where she wrote early versions of Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility and Northanger Abbey.  

Like her famous heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Austen enjoyed walking the paths and lanes around her home visiting friends and family.

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of her birth, the Overton Jane Austen Trails have been created to provide walking and cycle trails through the footpaths and bridleways of Overton, Steventon and the surrounding countryside, following in the footsteps of Jane Austen, and seeing the places, people and countryside she knew so well.

The Jane Austen Overton Trails include: 

A 9 mile circular way marked walk from Overton to Steventon exploring the countryside Jane Austen knew so well, and taking in the houses where she visited, danced and dined (link to the Overton to Steventon trail leaflet).  

A 12 mile circular cycle trail from Overton to Steventon.

A 2.5 mile circular trail exploring Overton in Jane Austen's Time including the home of her brother, James Austen

Click here to find out more about the Overton Jane Austen Trails and see all routes.

Trail leaflets are available to pick up from shops and cafes in Overton.