Ideas for a motorhome trip from London to Bath
Jane Austen fans and lovers of English gardens can experience a wonderful trip through Hampshire by motorhome. The homeland of the successful novelist has lots to offer. Look forward to classic mansions, dreamy ruins, culinary highlights such as the 4:00 am tea and a wonderful landscape.
The society of the early 19th century perfectly described by Jane Austen still inspires many readers today. In this article, we take you to places in Hampshire where the novelist lived and wrote her novels.
Steventon – Birthplace and youth
Start your trip start in Steventon. Jane Austen was born here in 1775 in a small rectory. She grew up with six brothers and her sister Cassandra. It was in this house that she wrote her most famous novels, such as “Pride and Prejudice”, “Northanger Abbey” and “Sense and Sensibility”. Unfortunately, the parsonage itself is no longer preserved. It was already demolished in 1823. However, you can visit the church from the 12th century where Jane’s father preached.
Like the Bennett sisters in “Pride and Prejudice”, Austen regularly walked with her sister Cassandra from Steventon to Alton to shop. Her family loved trips to the monastery at Beaulieu Abbey and took boat trips on the Beaulieu River. They also enjoyed visiting the ruins of Netley Abbey and the surrounding countryside. Jane’s family regularly took part in social gatherings at the manor house „The Vyne“. The brick building dates back to the 16th century and has seen celebrations during the days of Henry VIII. Later Portsmouth was also frequently visited by the Austen family. Two brothers of the family were recruited from the Royal Navy were stationed there.
Bath – The social meeting place of the British society
From 1805 to 1806 the family moved to Gay Street in Bath. Besides London was Bath the social meeting place of the British aristocracy during the early 19th century. The Jane Austen Centre commemorates the author in Bath. Throughout the year, visitors of the Regency Tea Rooms get an idea of the social life of the time and can enjoy culinary delights such as cream tea with scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam. We recommend the „Tea with Mr Darcy“. Not far away are the Assembly Rooms situated. These were probably the most important ballrooms from Austen’s time.
Chawton
After living briefly in Bath and Southampton, the family settled in Chawton, near Winchester. Jane’s brother Francis provided them with a small country house on his estate. Jane lived here almost until her death in 1817 and revised her novels.
The small country house is now a museum. There is Jane’s desk, her bedroom, letters and much more to see. An accompanying library maintains various translations of her works and the corresponding secondary literature. After the visit you can review your experiences in one of the Tea Rooms.
Winchester
Shortly before her death Jane Austen moved to Winchester on College Street. where a small plaque commemorates the famous author. Her brother James had her buried in Winchester Cathedral. The cathedral itself is also worth seeing. One of the biggest cathedrals of England and an example of the Norman-Gothic style of the 11th century awaits you.
By motorhome through southern England
You like traveling by motorhome, Hampshire is a great place to be. There are simply run family-run businesses as well as large holiday parks. Prices range from £5 for a spot to £25 for a more comfortable parking space. Around Portsmouth there are a number of seaside and nearby spots, such as Shorefield Country Park, Wellington Country Park and Kingfisher Caravan Park. You can see which campsites are available on the official Hampshire website.
The fees for transferring to Great Britain are quite expensive. So it is worthwhile to rent a motorhome locally. Simply travel comfortably by plane, train or ship. This shortens the journey considerably and minimizes your fuel costs. Another cost factor is the ride on the ferry. Motorhomes cross over at the highest rate and could therefore tear a big hole in your holiday budget. In the rental stations you usually get the customary right-hand driven motorhomes. So you just have to get used to sitting on the right side. But driving on the left side is even easier.