Lovely historic house with connections to Jane Austin. A good number of rooms open to the public lots of paintings and period furniture with comprehensive information on the history from room to room .a number of staircases leading to the different floors. and rooms. Nice cafe selling coffee tea's cake and light lunches. Inside and outside seating Large gardens around the house with walks free parking with disabled parking by the house. Other parking on the road outside the entrance. Gravel Road to the house about 300 yards toilets available at the house.

A beautiful Elizabethan house full of history. A must visit for its Jane Austen connections but also for the building itself, its decor (which includes William Morris), paintings, library, exhibitions and extensive grounds. They celebrate proto-feminist women writers and highlight other successful women of the 17th-19th centuries. We bought annual tickets as we missed seeing the gardens, church and tearoom and would love to return.

Exceptional women writers did exist in the period from the seventeenth to the early nineteenth centuries, beyond Jane Austen, as the exhibition 'Treasures of Chawton House' shows. They've simply been largely ignored by the later literary establishment. This is a wonderful, heartwarming exhibition. In any case, Chawton House is a must to visit...as well as for the 'treasures', for the gardens, for the cafe, for the beautiful buildings, and the situation, all so well restored.

We visited Chawton House today and had a really wonderful day. We arrived at lunch time so went straight to the tearoom. My partner said it was the best ploughman's he had ever had. The gardens were beautiful in the spring sunshine. Lots of daffodils, snowdrops and cyclamen. We were greeted at the house entrance by Carol, who gave us lots of interesting information about the Knight family and their connection to Jane Austen. There is plenty of information in every room & the library was lovely. We will definitely go back again, as we still have things to see.

I had the pleasure of visiting Chawton House in Alton, Hampshire, today, and it was an unforgettable experience. This stunning historic house, once owned by Jane Austen's brother, Edward Knight, has been beautifully renovated and is steeped in history. The house is intimately connected with Jane Austen, who often visited, and it's a treasure trove for any literature lover. Furthermore, they "foster research and understanding of early women writers, restoring them to their rightful place in the history of English literature and enabling them to speak directly to - and inspire - future generations". A delight! The gardens are absolutely lovely--well-kept, serene, and perfect for a stroll or a picnic. As a visitor, I highly encourage everyone to pay the ticket fee, even if you're just visiting the gardens. Maintaining such a magnificent place is no small feat, and every contribution helps preserve this piece of history. One of the highlights for me was the tearoom, which is set in the old kitchen. The blend of history and hospitality creates a unique and immersive experience. The food was delicious, reasonably priced, and the kitchen staff were simply lovely. The cleanliness of the toilets was also a pleasant surprise, and there are plenty of them. The house itself is simply beautiful, and the renovations have been done with great care, preserving its historical charm. What sets Chawton House apart from many other stately homes is the invitation to truly explore. There aren't endless signs prohibiting photography or touching items; instead, you're encouraged to immerse yourself in the history. The Great House, fondly referred to by Jane Austen, still exudes a warm, homely atmosphere despite no longer being a residence. There are also many secret doors and passageways to discover, adding to the charm and mystery of the place. The staff at Chawton House today were exceptional. They were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly attentive to visitors' needs. As an autistic person, I felt safe, cared for, and thoroughly enjoyed my visit. A special mention goes to the volunteer staff Fiona, Denise, and Mike, who were exceptionally kind and made my visit even more enjoyable. Lastly, don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby church and graveyard, where Jane Austen's mother and sister are buried--a poignant and reflective stop. I'm thrilled to have an annual ticket and can't wait to return soon. Chawton House is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in history, literature, or simply a love for beautiful, well-preserved heritage sites. Update: I visited again, and once more, Chawton House did not disappoint. This time, I had the pleasure of meeting two more amazing and knowledgeable volunteers, Pat and Jeremy. Their insights added even more depth to my experience. I will definitely be returning again!

My husband and I visited in the morning prior to afternoon reservation at the Jane Austen house down the street. Maggie greeted us and took time to explain the history of the house and people that lived there. She also pointed out some of the interesting items in the home. It was wonderful to gain context of Jane Austen's life and family and we highly recommend a visit. After touring the house, we walked the gardens, wooded area, church and gravesites. Overall, a lovely, non-touristy site with very friendly and informative volunteers and staff. Tip: The savory scone and croissant sandwich are best in UK (home made, don't miss it!).