A Jane Austen Summer at Heckfield Place

June 4, 2025 by Hidden Doorways Team


In celebration of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, Heckfield Place presents a summer filled with country pursuits and an abundance of ways to connect with the literary history of one of England’s most beloved authors.

Nestled in the heart of Jane Austen Country, Heckfield offers the unique opportunity to rediscover the beautiful landscapes and settings that inspired her timeless works. Visit her former home in nearby Chawton on a tour with their resident Jane Austen expert and dive deeper with their aptly timed assembly talks including ‘An Evening of Sense and Sensibility’ with Dame Emma Thompson. The actress and writer will introduce a special screening of Sense and Sensibility — which she screen-wrote, produced and acted in — along with share readings of diary entries from her time filming the adaptation of one of Austen’s most cherished works.

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the English countryside with summer pastimes like picnics, boating, wild swimming and more. This summer in particular, Heckfield is celebrating the milestone year with a program of wonderful events to include:

‘What Matters in Jane Austen?’ with John Mullan – Open to All
Thursday, July 3rd at 7PM – £25 per person

‘Unveiling Jane Austen’s Inner Circle’ with Zoe Wheddon and Julia Wheeler – Open to All
Wednesday, July 23rd at 7PM – £25 per person

12 HOURS: The Story of Jane Austen’s Short Engagement – Open to All
Thursday, August 14th at 7PM – £37.50 per person
‘Funny, pithy, lucid, witty and very moving. Very Jane.’ – Dame Emma Thompson

An Evening of Sense and Sensibility with Dame Emma Thompson – Residents and Friends Only
Sunday, August 31st at 6:30PM – £50 per person

Fore more information: heckfieldplace.com/the-great-british-summertime

Contact:
Heckfield Place 
Tel:              +44 (0) 118 932 6868
Email:         enquiries@heckfieldplace.com
Website:    https://heckfieldplace.com


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