This September, Bath Abbey is proud to be part of the world-famous Jane Austen Festival in Bath. As thousands of visitors celebrate one of England’s most beloved authors, the Abbey is opening its doors for a series of special events that bring Austen’s Regency world to life.
Whether you’re searching for things to do in Bath in September, looking for unique Jane Austen events in Bath, or simply wish to soak up the atmosphere of Regency Bath, our Austens at the Abbey programme has something for everyone – from concerts and talks to family fun days and special services.
👒 Regency Sung Eucharist – 14 September, 11.30am
Experience worship as Jane Austen herself might have known it. This Regency-themed church service is returning for the second year, with many visitors attending in full period costume. All are welcome – no tickets required.
👉 Find out more
🎶 Sense and Musicality – 15 September, 7pm
Sense & Musicality explores the love story of Jane Austen and music. Through the authentic sound of historic square piano with soprano voice, Penelope Appleyard and Jonathan Delbridge delight audiences with music connected to Austen’s life and works, including songs she sang herself, and bring to life moments from her letters and novels. This performance celebrates the release of brand-new song Ode to Pity – a rare musical setting of Austen’s poetry.
📖 A Curator’s Quest – 16 September, 11am & 7pm
Join Bath Abbey’s Curator, Dr Cathryn Spence, as she reveals the fascinating detective work behind Austens at the Abbey. From surprising discoveries to unexpected dead ends this lively talk explores the hidden ties between Bath Abbey and the Austen family.
👉 Book tickets
📚 Reading with Delight – 17 September, 7pm
Austen’s friends were ‘reading with delight Mrs. H. More’s recent publication’. Evangelical author Hannah More, far more popular than Jane Austen, helped reform her society’s moral values and promoted education for women and the poor and abolition of slavery. Why is Hannah More forgotten today, while Austen still delights readers around the world?
Brenda S. Cox will compare and contrast these authors, concluding with a book signing for Fashionable Goodness: Christianity in Jane Austen’s England.
🎨 Austen Family Fun Day – 20 September, 10am–4pm
Looking for family-friendly Jane Austen events in Bath? Join Bath Abbey and the Natural Theatre Company for this special Regency themed Family Fun Day.
Drop in and create a framed silhouette of your own profile or a self-portrait with plenty of stick on features to turn you into Elizabeth Bennet or Mr Darcy!
🎭 Meet the Naturals and have fun discovering some of the larger-than-life characters who may have bumped into Jane and her family in Bath.
Recommended for aged 4+
Included with Abbey admission, or free with a Bath Discovery Card. Find out more here.
👉 Arrive on the day or pre-book admission tickets to secure your space
🚶🏻♀️ Austens After Hours Tours – 4, 20 & 26 September, various times
Step into history with our costumed evening tours. As the Abbey falls quiet, a Regency guide will introduce you to the fascinating characters who once walked the streets of Bath. A unique chance to see the Abbey after hours.
🖼️ Austens at the Abbey Display– Until 27 September, during Abbey opening hours
Explore the fascinating connections between the Austen family and Bath Abbey in our special display, located in the Discovery Museum. Learn about the Abbey’s role in the life of the city during Jane Austen’s time and immerse yourself in its Regency past.
👉 Arrive on the day or pre-book admission tickets
✨ Austens at the Abbey is a highlight of this year’s Jane Austen Festival.
👉 Book your tickets today and step into the world of Jane Austen in Bath.
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