Bucks &amp; Oxon


<p>Crack out your regency garbs and best set of Wedgwood china –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/jane-austen-in-reading" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jane Austen</a>&nbsp;is turning 250 and Reading is going large. While the beloved English author most famously spent her time swanning around the likes of Hampshire and Bath, did you know, she in fact called Reading home for 18 months – even gathering inspiration for Mrs Goddard’s School in&nbsp;<em>Emma</em>&nbsp;from the Reading Ladies Boarding School where she and her older sister Cassandra attended.</p>



<p>It’s a lesser-known side to Jane’s story, and in 2025, we’re turning back the clock to discover the places she spent her time in the Thames-side town, as well as the location where a movie adaptation of her most famous novel was filmed. Here’s the lowdown of the celebrations you won’t want to miss in Reading.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jane-austen-s-school-room"><a href="https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/jane-austen-250" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jane Austen’s School Room</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Jane-Austen_SchoollRoom_Reading014.jpg" alt="Jane Austen's School Room reading" class="wp-image-76928" /></figure>



<p>Back to school you go! The biggie in the Jane Austen calendar this year is the rare opportunity to visit the school room Jane took up residence between the summer of 1785 and December 1786. It’s special to say the least. Until now, the school room nestled in the former Gateway to medieval Reading Abbey has only been open for very limited educational workshops for youngsters and not the wider public. Visits are part of an exclusive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/reading-abbey-quarter-tour">Abbey&nbsp;Quarter&nbsp;tour</a>&nbsp;which run most Saturdays from&nbsp;<strong>5 Apr to Sep 2025</strong>&nbsp;and cost just £10. Secure your spot&nbsp;<a href="https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/reading-abbey-quarter-tour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-death-comes-to-pemberley-the-mill-at-sonning"><a href="https://millatsonning.com/shows/death-comes-to-pemberley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Death Comes to Pemberley</a>, The Mill at Sonning</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/mill-sonning-james-.jpg" alt="Death Comes to Pemberley, The Mill at Sonning jane austen 250 events near me" class="wp-image-76615" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">James Bye and Jamie-Rose Duke. Credit: Michael Wharley</figcaption></figure>



<p>Why, hello Mr. Darcy! Don’t mind us furiously fanning ourselves. After Martin Fowler got spectacularly crushed by the Queen Vic,&nbsp;<em>Eastenders</em>&nbsp;saucepot James Bye will be stepping into his&nbsp;<em>Bridgerton</em>-esque get-up to star as Mr. Darcy in&nbsp;<em><a href="https://millatsonning.com/shows/death-comes-to-pemberley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Death Comes to Pemberley</a></em>, starring alongside Jamie-Rose Duke as Elizabeth Darcy. The murder mystery theatre production, set six years after Jane Austen’s&nbsp;<em>Pride and Prejudice</em>, will be showing at The Mill At Sonning from&nbsp;<strong>1 May to 28 June</strong>before hitting the road for a UK tour, including dates at Windsor Theatre Royal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Can James live up to the sweltering likes of Colin Firth, Matthew Macfadyen, and Matthew Rhys? We think yes.&nbsp;<a href="https://millatsonning.com/shows/death-comes-to-pemberley/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tickets</a>&nbsp;are available now and include a delicious two course dinner in the restaurant beforehand.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jane-austen-afternoon-tea-the-roseate"><a href="https://www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/jane-austen-in-reading/jane-austen-afternoon-tea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jane Austen Afternoon Tea</a>, The Roseate</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/roseate-afternoon-tea-1.png" alt="Jane Austen Afternoon Tea, The Roseate" class="wp-image-69373" /></figure>



<p>What does a major milestone call for? Why, tea of course. Pass us a scone – five-star hotel The Roseate are putting on a very special limited-edition tea for Jane’s big birthday bash, aka the Jane Austen Afternoon Tea. No better tribute really. Feast on a selection of curated treats inspired by the Regency era’s dining traditions and the ingredients of Austen’s time. While afternoon tea wasn’t quite a thing back in her day, evening tea and cakes was a special tradition in her household. Something we should all bring back to be honest.</p>



<p>Pastry chef Anil has reimagined this Austen experience, blending history with a modern twist. On the menu, expect a variety of elegant cakes, sarnies, and patisserie Jane herself would have tucked into. Think Victoria Sponge Cake, Mango Macaron, Plum Mousse with chocolate crumble, and Lemon Meringue Pie. It’s indulgent, it’s luxurious, and it’s a proper immersive experience that’s practically like jumping on a time machine. Pinkies up and keep your eyes peeled for when bookings open for April&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/jane-austen-in-reading/jane-austen-afternoon-tea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reading-museum"><a href="https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/jane-austen-250" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reading Museum</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Jane-Austen_SchoollRoom_Reading018.jpg" alt="reading museum jane austen events near me" class="wp-image-76931" /></figure>



<p>If you’ve ever wondered how to create the kind of natural ink the late greats such as Jane used to pen their novels, now’s your chance. Hop over to the Reading Museum from&nbsp;<strong>7 May</strong>&nbsp;where there will be a series of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/jane-austen-250" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">talks and workshops</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday afternoons (from 2.30pm)&nbsp;until&nbsp;<strong>18 Jun</strong>. The talks will cover an array of subjects such as a day in the life of a regency lady, Jane’s connection to the local area, natural ink making, and the Georgian dining experience. By the end, you’ll have so much knowledge Jane could be your Mastermind specialist subject. It’s just a tenner per session if you book all six which can be done&nbsp;<a href="https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/jane-austen-250" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. It’s set to sell out, so speed is of the essence.</p>



<p>If that’s not enough, there’s also an extra talk happening on&nbsp;<strong>Sat 10 May</strong>&nbsp;with the Director of Jane Austen’s House,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/jane-austen-from-writing-table-world" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lizzie Dunford</a>&nbsp;who will discuss the staggering literary legacy of the writer’s final home where she wrote all six of her novels. Tickets just £10.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basildon-park"><a href="https://www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/jane-austen-in-reading/basildon-park-pride-and-prejudice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Basildon Park</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/pride-pred-basildon-copy.jpg" alt="basildon park pride and prejudice " class="wp-image-76913" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Alex Bailey Universal Pictures 2005</figcaption></figure>



<p>Who could forget the scene where Elizabeth first dances with Mr Darcy at a ball? In fact, it was filmed at Berkshire’s very own National Trust hottie&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/basildon-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Basildon Park</a>&nbsp;which was transformed into the fictional Netherfield Hall for the 2005 film adaptation of&nbsp;<em>Pride and Prejudice</em>. The movie featured an A-list cast including Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Carey Mulligan and Rosamund Pike, with the grandeur of the Georgian mansion capturing the Darcy family home to a tee. Thankfully the place was saved from demolition in the 1950s and is now open to the public to enjoy the stunning scenery for themselves. Admission is £19 for adults and £9.50 for kids (Mr Darcy not included).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reading-abbey-gateway-tour"><a href="https://www.visit-reading.com/whats-on/jane-austen-in-reading/jane-austen-in-reading" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reading Abbey Gateway Tour</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/03/Reading-Abbey-Gateway_JaneAusten_s-schoolroom_Reading_credit-REDAjpg.jpg" alt="jane austen events Reading Abbey Gateway Tour" class="wp-image-76934" /></figure>



<p>Not only will you get the chance to step foot inside Jane Austen’s former school, but on the official&nbsp;<a href="https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/reading-abbey-quarter-tour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abbey Quarter Tour</a>, with a brainy guide in tow, you will waft your way around Reading’s Abbey Quarter, including the Hospitium where medieval pilgrims stayed and the impressive Reading Abbey Ruins. For 2025 only, the tour will also cover Reading’s links with Jane and give you exclusive access to the Abbey Gateway where Jane studied as a girl and gathered inspiration for her writing. Tours start at 11am and last 90 minutes. But if you fancy taking it to the next level, hop on a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/reading-abbey-gateway-rooftop-tour-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rooftop Tour</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<strong>31 May</strong>&nbsp;where you’ll get an aerial view of the Forbury Gardens and Abbey Ruins. Stunning.</p>



<p><strong><em>Check out where to keep the party celebrations alive in <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/jane-austen-250/">Hampshire</a>.</em></strong></p>


It’s Jane Austen’s 250th birthday! Here’s where to party near you

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