A family visit to the Jane Austen Centre in Bath

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If you’re visiting Bath then a visit to the Jane Austen Centre with the kids is a must! Whether you’re new to Jane Austen or already a fan, there’s something to enjoy for everyone, including history, costumes and a trail! 

Where is the Jane Austen Centre

The Jane Austen Centre is located right in the centre of Bath:

Address:
The Jane Austen Centre
40 Gay Street
Bath
BA1 2NT

Phone: +44 (0)1225 443000
Email: contactus@janeausten.co.uk
Website: www.janeausten.co.uk

It sits between Queen’s Square and The Circus, just a short walk from Bath Abbey and Bath Spa train station (around 15 minutes on foot). If you’re driving, the closest large car park is Charlotte Street (BA1 2NE), about a 5-minute walk away.

Do note that Bath operates a Clean Air Zone, so depending on your vehicle type you may need to pay a charge to drive into the city centre.

The building itself is a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian townhouse. While there are some ramps, there’s no lift, so not all areas are fully accessible with pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Prices (2025)

Adult – £17.00
Concession (Students & over 60 ‘s) – £15.50
Child (6 – 16 years) – £9.50
Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) – £39

Booking in advance online is recommended  and tickets can be valid for 18 months, so if plans shift you still get flexibility.

Opening times (2025)

The Jane Austen Centre is open all year round, with hours changing slightly across the seasons:

Spring (5 April – 31 June)
• Daily: 9:45am – 5:30pm

Summer (1 July – 21 September)
• Daily: 9:45am – 6:00pm

Autumn (22 September – 2 November)
• Daily: 10:00am – 5:30pm

Winter (3 November – 4 April)
• Sunday – Friday: 10:00am – 4:30pm
• Saturday: 10:00am – 5:30pm

The centre closes only on 25–26 December and 1 January and otherwise remains open year-round.

Why visit with kids?

When it comes to things to do in Bath, you can’t escape the Jane Austen of it all. Whether you’re with or without kids, you should definitely plan to visit the Jane Austen Centre the next time you’re in the city. It might not be the stand-out place when you think of attractions to visit with children, however, you’ll be surprised at how much there is to do here. Of course, there’s loads to learn about Jane Austen and her life in Bath but there’s also trails to follow, dressing up, interactive areas and costumes to look at. 

What to expect – a kid-friendly experience

Introduction & guided talk (15–20 mins)

We didn’t have tickets on the day we visited but got lucky and were able to book onto a slot with only around a 10 minute wait. Tickets can be bought in the gift shop when you arrive. 

After arrival, a guide in Regency dress welcomes you with a short presentation sharing Jane Austen’s life in Bath, her family background, and connections with her novels like Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. The guided talk is done completely in character so it’s pot luck as to who you might get.

We’d never done anything like before and Erin found it hilarious, as our guide from Northanger Abbey was a bit boy mad. It’s such a fun way to engage families and make learning about Jane Austen fun. This part of the visit if far from formal, even if the guides are dressed that way. 

Interactive museum & self-guided time

After the talk, you are free to explore the displays about Jane’s family, timeline and Regency Bath. You can learn more about the life and works of Jane Austen, both in book and film. There are some great costumes to see here, which are interesting whether you’ve seen the films or not. 

While looking at various pictures of what Jane Austen may have looked like, Erin decided she wanted to draw and copy some of them. Although she might not have been really interested in Jane herself, Erin found a way to enjoy the museum in her own way.

In this area, there’s loads for children to do including Regency style games, dressing up in bonnets, shawls, and top hats, and attempting to write with a quill at a beautiful desk. Erin really loved dressing up in Regency clothes and the guides are so great at helping, all while being in character. 

Film & waxwork

A short video, produced by Adrian Lukis (Mr. Wickham in the BBC adaptation), gives a playful portrayal of Jane’s connection to Bath. Nearby is the only forensic waxwork of Jane Austen in the world which is great fun for kids to spot and photograph.

Regency tea room

Although we didn’t have time to visit, there is a Regency Tea Room on the second floor. Here you can get various cakes or afternoon tea for both adults and children. This will add a considerable about to the cost of your visit, but it will be something really special and something you’ll definitely remember. 

• Afternoon tea with Mr. Darcy (£29.50 per adult)
• Jane’s Juvenilia Tea for children (£13.95)

It’s awarded by the Tea Guild and generally considered a more affordable alternative to Bath’s Pump Room. Booking ahead is recommended, especially with children so that timing works around your visit slots.

Gift shop

With your ticket you can get 10% off in the gift shop. There are lots of Jane Austen-themed souvenirs like games, teas, stationery and books. If your child has completed the trail, show your sheet and answer to the guides and they will get a little prize. 

Visiting tips for families

1. Pre-book tickets
   Book tickets online to guarantee entrance and give you the chance to plan your family day out. This way you can make the most of your trip to Bath, and plan your day better. 
2. Arrive early
   Try to catch the first guided introduction of the day to avoid queues and get earliest access to interactive areas.
3. Time management
   Plan approximately 60 minutes for exhibits and play, plus additional time if you wish to sit for tea.
4. Dressing up
   The costume area is extremely popular with both adults and children. Guides are really patient but be prepared for a short wait if it is busy. 
5. Go beyond the centre
   Extend your Austen-themed day with the free walking trail of Jane Austen’s Bath (passing locations tied to her novels), and nearby literary attractions like Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein or the Royal Crescent and No. 1 Royal Crescent museum. Keep an eye out for the Jane Austen festival too. 

Why it’s worth it

For families visiting Bath with children, the Jane Austen Centre is a compact, immersive, charming destination which mixed learning and fun. It’s especially ideal if your kids enjoy dressing up or visiting interactive museums. The blend of theatrical storytelling, exhibits, costume fun and thoughtful parenting-friendly touches (word puzzles, quizzes, tea options) means everyone can have an enjoyable experience.

In summary

Whether you’re a Jane Austen fan or simply exploring beautiful Bath with kids in tow, the Jane Austen Centre offers a character-filled, interactive stop that combines education, theatre, tradition and treats in a way that children, and parents, love.

What to do in Bath as a family