In 2025, Bath will play host to an unforgettable celebration — the Jane Austen Festival 2025, marking the 250th anniversary of one of the world’s most beloved authors. Renowned for classic works such as Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen’s ties to Bath run deep. The city, which inspired some of her novels, will celebrate Austen’s life and work with a series of special events, performances and activities. As part of this milestone year, the Bath Jane Austen Festival 2025 promises to be a spectacular 10-day tribute to her enduring influence on literature, society, and popular culture.
Jane Austen and Bath
Although Jane Austen is closely associated with Bath, her time in the city wasn’t entirely filled with the romantic charm that readers might expect. Austen lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806 after her father’s retirement, a period that coincided with both social excitement and personal upheaval for the author. During her time here, she experienced the city’s lively social scene but also struggled with the financial difficulties her family faced after her father’s death.
Despite these challenges, Bath inspired much of her writing. The city’s elegant Georgian architecture, grand assembly rooms and bustling streets were featured prominently in two of her novels: Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. In Northanger Abbey, young Catherine Morland navigates the social scene of Bath, encountering both vanity and intrigue along the way. Persuasion reflects a more mature tone, with Bath serving as a place of reflection and emotional reconnection for its heroine, Anne Elliot.
In real life, Austen’s relationship with Bath may have been complex, but it was undeniably influential on her work. The Jane Austen Festival 2025 will explore this connection in detail, offering fans the chance to walk in her footsteps and experience the city that inspired her writing.
Highlights of the Jane Austen Festival Bath England
The Jane Austen Festival 2025 is set to be the most spectacular yet, with a range of events to honour the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth. This year’s festival will run from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 September 2025, transforming Bath into a hub of Regency-era celebration.
One of the most anticipated events is the Grand Regency Promenade, scheduled for Saturday 13 September. Hundreds of festival-goers dressed in full Regency costume will parade through the historic streets of Bath, creating an unforgettable scene reminiscent of the city’s Georgian heyday.
Jane Austen Festival 2025: Regency Balls and Themed Events
For those looking to indulge in some historical elegance, the Jane Austen Festival Bath will host three spectacular Regency-themed balls. On 31 May, a Persuasion-themed nautical ball will set sail, followed by a Sanditon-inspired seaside ball on 28 June—a first for the festival to host two summer balls. Finally, the celebrations will conclude with a special Yuletide Birthday Ball on 13 December at the iconic Pump Room Restaurant. These events offer the chance to experience a true Regency soirée, complete with music, dancing, and period attire. A full programme of events can be found here.
The Jane Austen Centre
No Austen celebration would be complete without a visit to the Jane Austen Centre in Bath. This interactive museum offers a deep dive into Austen’s life, her writing, and the impact that Bath had on her work. Visitors can dress up in Regency costumes, learn about Austen’s time in the city, and even enjoy afternoon tea in the Regency Tea Room — a charming experience featuring “Tea with Mr Darcy.” As part of the Jane Austen Festival 2025, the centre will offer special exhibitions and events, making it a must-see for any Austen enthusiast.
Exhibitions: Illustrating Austen at The Holburne Museum
The Holburne Museum will host an exciting exhibition titled Illustrating Austen, running from September 2025 to January 2026. This exhibition will showcase how artists have brought Austen’s beloved characters to life over the years. From early illustrations to modern depictions, the exhibit will explore how Austen’s characters have been interpreted and re-imagined for new generations of readers.
A 250th Anniversary Celebration to Remember
The Jane Austen Festival 2025 in Bath will be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of one of England’s greatest authors. With Regency balls, parades, performances, and immersive tours, the festival will offer something for every Austen fan. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee of her novels or simply curious about the Georgian era, this celebration is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of Jane Austen and experience the city that inspired her.
For more information on Jane Austen themes where to stay and eat in Bath, go to our article: Celebrate the 250th birthday of Jane Austen in Bath.
