The Jane Austen Centre in Bath
Step into Jane Austen’s world in Bath’s Georgian townhouse, where Regency elegance, interactive exhibits, and a charming tea room bring her timeless stories to life.
The Jane Austen Centre in Bath offers an immersive experience into the life and times of the beloved author Jane Austen, set in a beautifully preserved Georgian townhouse. Visitors explore Regency-era fashion, society, and Austen’s connection to Bath through engaging exhibitions, costumed actors, and interactive displays. The Centre also features a renowned Regency Tea Room and a charming gift shop, making it a cultural highlight for literature enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
A brief summary to The Jane Austen Centre
- 40 Gay St, Bath, BA1 2NT, GB
- +441225443000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 9:45 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Pre-book your tickets online, especially during peak seasons and weekends, to avoid disappointment.
- Allow 1 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the exhibition, costume dress-up, and the Regency Tea Room.
- Take advantage of the 10% discount on purchases in the gift shop and the tea room with your exhibition ticket.
- Note that the basement restrooms are down stairs and may not be accessible for all visitors.
- Visit during the Jane Austen Festival in September for special events celebrating her life and works.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
From London Paddington, take a direct train to Bath Spa station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Bath Spa, the Jane Austen Centre is a 15-minute walk through central Bath. Trains run frequently throughout the day, with standard fares around £30-£50 one way.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Bath Spa station and various points in Bath city center. The number 20 bus stops near Queen Square, a 5-minute walk from the Centre. Buses run every 10-20 minutes, with single fares around £2-£3.
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Car
Driving to Bath is possible, but city center parking is limited and often expensive. Charlotte Street car park is the closest multi-storey facility, about a 5-minute walk from the Centre. Expect parking fees of approximately £2.50 per hour. Traffic congestion is common during peak times.
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Walking
If staying in central Bath, the Jane Austen Centre is easily accessible on foot via flat, paved streets. Walking times vary from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your location, suitable for all mobility levels.
The Jane Austen Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Jane Austen Centre
A Window into Regency Bath and Jane Austen's Life
Nestled in the heart of Bath at 40 Gay Street, the Jane Austen Centre is housed in a classic Georgian townhouse that reflects the elegance of the Regency period. This attraction offers visitors a vivid snapshot of what life was like during Jane Austen’s time, focusing on the social customs, fashion, and daily experiences that influenced her timeless novels. The Centre highlights Austen’s personal connections to Bath and how the city shaped her writing, particularly in works such as "Northanger Abbey" and "Persuasion."Engaging Exhibitions and Interactive Experiences
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by knowledgeable staff and treated to an introductory talk by a costumed character, often portraying figures from Austen’s world. After this engaging introduction, visitors can explore the permanent exhibition at their own pace. The displays include Regency costumes to try on, period accessories, and opportunities to write with quill and ink, immersing guests in the era’s culture. The presence of actors throughout the exhibition enriches the experience by answering questions and sharing anecdotes about Austen’s life and works.Regency Tea Room and Gift Shop Delights
Upstairs, the Regency Tea Room provides a refined setting to enjoy traditional afternoon tea, complete with home-made cakes and light lunches. Awarded the Tea Guild’s 'Award of Excellence,' this tea room offers an authentic taste of Regency hospitality. Adjacent to the exhibition is a gift shop stocked with Austen-themed treasures, perfect for souvenirs or gifts. Visitors receive a 10% discount on purchases in the shop and the tea room when they show their exhibition ticket.Location and Accessibility
The Centre is ideally situated between Bath’s architectural landmarks such as Queen Square and The Circus, within walking distance of Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. While the main exhibition is wheelchair accessible, the basement restrooms are down a flight of stairs and may not be accessible to all. The Jane Austen Centre is open daily, with seasonal variations in hours, generally from 9:45am to 5:30pm, extending to 6pm during peak summer months.Celebrations and Special Events
The Centre actively celebrates Jane Austen’s legacy with events such as the annual Jane Austen Festival, the largest of its kind worldwide, featuring ten days of themed activities and gatherings. Throughout the year, the Centre hosts educational visits and offers group bookings, making it a vibrant cultural hub for Austen fans and scholars alike.Visitor Experience and Tips
Visitors typically spend about one to two hours exploring the Centre, with no time limit on their visit. The interactive nature of the exhibitions, combined with the chance to dress in Regency costume and enjoy period treats, makes it especially appealing to families and literature enthusiasts. Pre-booking tickets is recommended during busy periods to ensure entry and enhance the overall experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Part of the mediaeval wall of the City of Bath
0.2 km
Explore a rare surviving fragment of Bath’s medieval city walls, a stone sentinel guarding centuries of history at 13 Trim Street.
The Royal Crescent
0.4 km
Georgian perfection in stone: 150 metres of architectural harmony overlooking Bath's parkland landscape.
The Pump Room Restaurant
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Experience exquisite British and European cuisine in a historic setting at The Pump Room Restaurant, a must-visit gem in Bath.
Green Park Station
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Historic railway station turned vibrant market hub offering fresh local produce, unique crafts, lively eateries, and cultural events in Bath.
The EASTGATE
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Explore The EASTGATE, a captivating historical landmark in Bath, showcasing stunning Georgian architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Archway
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Discover Bath’s elegant Victorian Archway, a historic stone bridge carrying spa waters across York Street in the city’s UNESCO heritage heart.
In and Beyond Bath
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Experience the rich history and stunning architecture of Bath with personalized tours from In and Beyond Bath, your expert local travel guide.
Parte de la muralla medieval de la ciudad de Bath
0.5 km
Explore a rare surviving fragment of Bath’s medieval city wall, a gateway to the city’s rich Roman and medieval heritage.
Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum
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Experience the rich history and delectable flavors at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum in Bath, where tradition meets taste.
Royal Cres
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Experience Bath’s Royal Crescent, a stunning Georgian crescent with iconic Ionic columns, historic charm, and sweeping parkland views.
Chapel Arts Centre
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Discover the lively spirit of Bath at Chapel Arts Centre, where live music meets a cozy café atmosphere for an unforgettable experience.
Monks Mill
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Discover Monks Mill, a rare medieval watermill ruin nestled in Bath’s picturesque Parade Gardens, echoing centuries of monastic industry and wool trade heritage.
Royal Victoria Park Bath
0.6 km
Explore the lush landscapes and historical charm of Royal Victoria Park, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Bath.
Henrietta Park
0.6 km
Discover the tranquility of Henrietta Park in Bath, a serene escape filled with beautiful gardens and lush greenery perfect for relaxation.
Marlborough Buildings
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Georgian elegance in a Grade II listed terrace, where Bath's architectural ambition meets refined 18th-century townhouse design.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein
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Step into the gothic world of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein in this immersive museum experience in the heart of historic Bath.
Milsom St
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Elegant Georgian street in Bath famed for upscale shopping, vibrant dining, and lively courtyards at Milsom Place.
Beauford Square
0.1 km
A tranquil Georgian square in Bath blending historic charm with architectural resilience and social history.
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution
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A historic Georgian venue in Bath inspiring minds with science, literature, and art for over 200 years.
The Raven
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A cozy multi-floor Bath pub famed for unique pies, local ales, and a warm, friendly atmosphere steeped in British tradition.
Georgian Garden
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Step into Bath’s Georgian Garden, a serene, historically restored 18th-century town garden nestled between iconic Georgian landmarks.
Antiques in Bath
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Explore Bath’s largest antiques centre with over fifty expert dealers offering fine art, jewellery, vintage collectibles, and timeless treasures.
Bartlett Street Antiques Centre
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Discover over fifty dealers’ treasures in Bath’s largest antiques centre, where history and craftsmanship meet in a vibrant, historic setting.
The Circus - Bath
0.2 km
Discover The Circus, Bath’s iconic Georgian circle blending classical architecture, druidic symbolism, and Masonic mystery in a stunning urban masterpiece.
Bath Independent Shops
0.2 km
Discover Bath’s vibrant independent shops at Fountain Buildings, where craftsmanship meets Georgian charm in a unique shopping enclave.
Theatre Royal, Bath
0.2 km
Discover Bath’s historic Theatre Royal, a stunning Georgian theatre blending rich heritage with vibrant contemporary performances.
National Trust - Bath Assembly Rooms
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Step into the elegant world of Georgian Bath at the Assembly Rooms, a historic hub of dance, music, and society since 1771.
Fashion Museum Bath
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Discover centuries of style and culture at Bath’s Fashion Museum, soon reopening in a stunning new city-centre home.
Victoria Falls Adventure Golf
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An enchanting 18-hole adventure golf course in Bath, blending scenic gardens and playful challenges for all ages.
The Museum of East Asian Art
0.3 km
Explore 7,000 years of East and Southeast Asian art in Bath’s unique Georgian townhouse museum.
Essential places to dine
Clayton's Kitchen
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Modern British fine dining in a Georgian townhouse, where seasonal ingredients and refined technique create memorable meals.
Comptoir+Cuisine
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A cozy French bistro in Bath serving refined tapas-style dishes with quirky charm and attentive service.
The Salamander - A Great British Pub.
0.1 km
Intimate Georgian pub serving locally sourced British classics and Bath Ales in Bath's historic city centre.
La Terra
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Contemporary Italian fine dining rooted in family tradition, impeccable sourcing, and warm hospitality in Bath's city centre.
Ole Tapas
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Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant Mediterranean flavors in the heart of Bath’s historic city centre.
Boho Marché
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Experience vibrant Moroccan-Mediterranean fusion cuisine in Bath’s eclectic Boho Marché, where bold flavors meet whimsical décor.
The Ivy Bath Brasserie & Garden
0.1 km
Sophisticated British dining with seasonal flair, elegant interiors, and a charming garden in the heart of historic Bath.
Pintxo de Bath
0.2 km
Authentic Basque tapas and sherry bar in Bath’s theatre district with a sunny garden and vibrant Spanish flavors.
Corkage Bath
0.2 km
Award-winning wine bar and restaurant serving creative Mediterranean small plates in a charming Bath city-centre setting.
Côte Bath
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Stylish French brasserie in Bath’s historic Milsom Place, serving seasonal modern classics with vegan and gluten-free options in a charming courtyard setting.
Raphael Restaurant
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A relaxed, wine-focused restaurant in a Georgian townhouse, serving modern British dishes with seasonal, local ingredients in the heart of Bath.
Woods Restaurant
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Family-run modern British bistro with French technique and locally sourced ingredients, opposite Bath's Assembly Rooms.
Amarone Restaurant
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Experience authentic Italian cuisine and elegant ambiance in the heart of historic Bath at Amarone Restaurant.
Henry's Restaurant Bath
0.3 km
Intimate Georgian fine dining celebrating seasonal British cuisine with worldly influences and zero-waste principles.
Bonghy Bo
0.3 km
Experience Bath’s vibrant Asian fusion scene with Bonghy Bo’s eclectic menu and intimate, stylish setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Grace & Mabel Ltd
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Discover timeless British and European fashion with a sustainable focus at Grace & Mabel, Bath’s family-run boutique gem.
Vinegar Hill
0.1 km
Discover quirky gifts and unique homewares in the heart of Bath’s historic Milsom Street at Vinegar Hill.
House of Fraser
0.1 km
Historic department store blending heritage and modern retail in the heart of Bath’s shopping district.
Fat Giraffe Gifts
0.1 km
Discover unique, handcrafted wooden gifts with a sustainable heart at Bath’s welcoming Fat Giraffe Gifts on Milsom Street.
Milsom Place
0.2 km
Discover Bath’s elegant Georgian shopping and dining oasis nestled within tranquil courtyards on fashionable Milsom Street.
BIBICO
0.2 km
Discover timeless, ethically made women’s fashion at BIBICO, Bath’s pioneering boutique for sustainable and artisan-crafted clothing.
Boho
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Discover Boho, a stylish ladies' clothing boutique on Broad Street, Bath, blending bohemian flair with attentive service in a historic setting.
Always Sunday
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A vibrant Bath boutique blending vintage charm, artisan homewares, and creative community spirit in a colorful, maximalist setting.
Jigsaw
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Elegant ladies’ fashion and accessories boutique offering refined style and attentive service in the heart of Bath’s historic Old Bond Street.
Firefly Vintage Bath
0.3 km
Discover unique vintage gems and timeless style at Firefly Vintage Bath, a cozy boutique for curated vintage clothing in the heart of Bath.
Vintage Abs Bath
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Discover authentic vintage clothing and accessories in Bath’s charming Upper Borough Walls at Vintage Abs, a haven for fashion lovers.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Discover playful Scandinavian design and affordable creative gifts at Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Bath’s vibrant Union Street.
Anthropologie
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Discover Anthropologie Bath: vibrant women's fashion and unique home décor in a stylish boutique at the heart of historic New Bond Street.
The Yellow Shop
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Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique accessories in Bath’s creative Walcot Street at The Yellow Shop.
The Silver Shop Of Bath
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Discover Bath’s longest-established silver jewellery shop, offering unique gifts and expert craftsmanship in a charming historic setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hall & Woodhouse Bath
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Historic multi-floor pub and restaurant in Bath offering classic ales, diverse menu, and rooftop city views.
Circo - Cellar Bar
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Discover Bath’s elegant cellar bar with a circular centerpiece, Michelin-starred cocktails, and a vibrant late-night atmosphere.
Bath Stag & Hen
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Tailored stag and hen party planning in Bath’s historic George Street, blending vibrant nightlife with expert local service for unforgettable celebrations.
Slug & Lettuce - Bath
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Lively cocktail bar and British restaurant in Bath with stylish interiors, a secluded garden, and celebrated bottomless brunch experiences.
The Botanist Bath
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A botanical haven in Bath blending historic charm, seasonal menus, award-winning cocktails, and live music across three vibrant floors.
The Bath Distillery Gin Bar
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Discover Bath’s historic gin revival in a vibrant Georgian bar with exclusive small-batch gins and expertly crafted cocktails.
Revolution Bath
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Lively cocktail bar in Bath’s city centre offering creative drinks, American-inspired eats, and vibrant nightlife until the early hours.
Fidel Rum Bar
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Discover Bath’s cozy rum sanctuary with expert cocktails, a global rum collection, and a warm, inviting atmosphere at Fidel Rum Bar.
The Old Green Tree
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A cozy and historic Bath pub with quality ales, warm wood interiors, and a welcoming, timeless atmosphere.
Belushi's Bath
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A lively sports bar and live music venue in Bath offering great food, cocktails, and an energetic atmosphere near the city’s historic heart.
Mandalyns Bath
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Bath’s oldest gay bar, Mandalyns offers vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife with drag shows, karaoke, and a welcoming atmosphere in historic Fountain Buildings.
Vino Vino
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Sophisticated yet relaxed wine and cocktail bar in Bath with artisan sharing plates and a vibrant al fresco terrace.
Coeur De Lion
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Discover Bath’s smallest pub, Coeur De Lion, where cozy charm meets local ales and simple, tasty fare in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Grapes
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A historic Bath pub blending traditional charm with lively music, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere in the city’s heart.
The Dark Horse
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Discover Bath’s moody, intimate cocktail bar with inventive drinks, warm service, and a hidden underground charm.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
