Jane Austen Private Tour from Southampton

  • Duration:

    7 Hours

  • Location:

    Hampshire

  • Price:

    From £145pp

Step into the world of Jane Austen on this private full-day tour from Southampton, exploring the villages, landscapes, and historic places that shaped one of England’s most beloved authors.

Perfect for cruise passengers and literature lovers alike, this Southampton shore excursion offers a relaxed and insightful journey through Hampshire, visiting key locations closely connected to Jane Austen’s life, family, and inspiration.

What Places Will We Get to See?

On this private Jane Austen tour from Southampton, you’ll visit:

Paint Me a Picture

Your day begins when you meet your professional driver-guide at the Southampton Cruise Terminal or at your Southampton hotel. Settle into the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy a scenic drive of around 40 minutes through the Hampshire countryside to the picturesque village of Chawton.

Chawton – Where Jane Austen Wrote Her Novels

Your first stop is Chawton, home to Jane Austen’s House, the cottage where she lived for most of her adult life and wrote six of her beloved novels, including Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. You’ll have time to explore the house and gardens, gaining a wonderful insight into her daily life, writing, and inspirations.

Steventon – Jane Austen’s Birthplace

From Chawton, enjoy a gentle 30-minute drive through rolling countryside to Steventon, the village where Jane Austen was born and raised. Although the rectory where her family lived was demolished in 1824, the site is marked by a lime tree believed to have been planted by her brother, James Austen.

You’ll also explore the peaceful village and visit St Nicholas’ Church, where Jane Austen’s father served as rector — a place deeply connected to her early life and family.

Winchester – Jane Austen’s Final Resting Place

Your final stop is the historic city of Winchester, where Jane Austen spent her last days. You’ll pause for lunch at a local pub or café, before enjoying a guided walking tour of this elegant cathedral city.

The tour concludes at Winchester Cathedral, where you can pay your respects at Jane Austen’s final resting place and admire one of England’s most impressive medieval cathedrals.

Return to Southampton

After a thoughtful and unhurried day, you’ll be driven back to Southampton and dropped off at the cruise terminal or your hotel, in plenty of time for your onward plans.

On your private driving tour from Southampton, you’ll be looked after by a knowledgeable professional driver-guide and travel in one of our comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, accommodating up to seven guests. This ensures a relaxed, personal touring experience throughout the day.


Tour Details

  • Operates seven days a week, subject to availability

  • Private tour for your group only

  • Maximum of 7 guests per vehicle

Pricing (Per Person)

We offer tiered pricing, providing excellent value for couples, families, and small groups:

  • £449 – 1 person

  • £295 per person – 2 people

  • £219 per person – 3 people

  • £199 per person – 4 people

  • £175 per person – 5 people

  • £159 per person – 6 people

  • £145 per person – 7 people


Pick-Up Location

The tour departs from either your Southampton hotel or the Southampton Cruise Terminal, with pickup arranged at a time that suits your cruise or accommodation schedule.

What’s Included

Everything is arranged to make your day smooth, comfortable, and stress-free:

  • Professional local driver-guide with expert knowledge

  • Private tour for your group only

  • Transportation in a modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

  • Hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Southampton

  • Entrance fees to Jane Austen’s House Museum and Winchester Cathedral


What’s Not Included

  • Food or refreshments (time is built in for lunch or café stops of your choice)

  • Gratuities (entirely at your discretion)

Your professional driver-guide can collect you from your Southampton hotel, or if you are arriving by cruise ship, they will meet you directly at the Southampton Cruise Terminal for a smooth and stress-free start to your tour.

How much does the private driving tour cost?

We offer tiered pricing, providing excellent value for couples, families, and small groups. All prices are per person:

  • £449 – 1 person

  • £295 per person – 2 people

  • £219 per person – 3 people

  • £199 per person – 4 people

  • £175 per person – 5 people

  • £159 per person – 6 people

  • £145 per person – 7 people

This is a private tour, meaning the vehicle and guide are exclusively for your group.


When can I take this tour?

This tour operates every day of the week, subject to availability.


Are entrance tickets included?

Yes. Entrance tickets to Jane Austen’s House Museum and Winchester Cathedral are included in the tour price.


What is the minimum and maximum group size?

  • Minimum: 1 person

  • Maximum: 7 people

For larger groups, please contact us to discuss availability and customised pricing.


Can I be picked up from London?

No — this tour does not operate from London. However, we can collect you from Basingstoke railway station, which is approximately a 40-minute direct train journey from London Waterloo Station.


What are the payment arrangements?

Full payment is required at the time of booking.


What is your cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy is as follows:

  • Within 48 hours of the tour – 100% of the tour cost charged

  • 48 hours or more before the tour – 5% cancellation fee


Cruise Passenger Guarantee

We understand that returning to your ship on time is your top priority — and it’s ours too.

  • All of our Southampton shore excursions are carefully planned around your cruise arrival and departure times
  • We have never had a guest miss their ship
  • Your professional local driver-guide actively manages timing throughout the day to ensure a relaxed and punctual return to port
  • In the extremely unlikely event that you miss your cruise departure due to a delay on one of our tours, we will arrange and pay for your accommodation, meals, and transportation to the next port of call

This guarantee allows you to enjoy your private tour from Southampton with complete peace of mind, knowing your cruise schedule is always our highest priority.