Overton in Jane Austen's Time - guided walk
High Street, Overton, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG25 3HB
"The Overton Scotchman has been kind enough to rid me of some of my money, in exchange for six shifts and four pair of stockings.”
Jane Austen's letter, November 1798
Jane Austen was born in 1775 in Steventon, Hampshire, near Overton. This corner of Hampshire was Jane’s home for her first 25 years and where she wrote early versions of Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility and Northanger Abbey.
A 2.5 mile circular walking trail exploring Overton in Jane Austen’s Time.
Following country lanes, streets and pavements.
Located just 2.5 miles from Jane Austen’s home in Steventon, Overton was described as a ‘neat little town’ in Jane Austen’s time.
The New Inn in Overton was the Austen family’s post office and all Jane Austen’s letters from Steventon are postmarked Overton and addressed Steventon near Overton.
Jane’s brother, James Austen, became curate at Overton in 1790, living firstly in Overton Vicarage and then, after marrying in 1792, moving to Court House, which still stands, as it did in Jane Austen’s time on a hill next to the church.
As well as Jane’s curate brother, her father, George Austen, the rector of Steventon, occasionally also performed services at St Mary’s Church in Overton.
With its grocers, tailors, dressmaker, shoemakers, the local apothecary and of course, the ‘Overton Scotchman’, Overton was the closest place to the Austens’ home for the necessities of life.
The Overton in Jane Austen’s Time trail explores the ‘neat little town’ that Jane knew.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- Starting at 11.00am
Location & directions
High Street, Overton, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG25 3HB
- Directions:
- The trails all start at the information board in the centre of Overton. OS Grid Ref: SU 51500 49676 ///qualify.revives.goofy (what3words) Train: Overton is on the London Waterloo to Exeter line, see www.nationalrail.co.uk Car: Park at the car park on Overton Hill OS Grid Ref: SU 51749 49671 ///crusher.fabricate.huddle (what3words) Bus: 76 and 86, www.stagecoachbus.com
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Pre booking required
- Booking contact name:
- Hampshire History Trust
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hampshire-history-trust
- Booking opens:
- 08 Aug 2025 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 10 Sep 2025 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
The Overton in Jane Austen’s Time Trail, going through the village and along country lanes, may challenge wheelchair users: Two uphill sections 1. Court Drove - approximately 9% /1:10 gradient, 100m length 2. Dellands - approximately 6% /1:17 gradient, 350m length Narrow pavements There are narrow pavements along the High Street and no pavements along Silk Mill Lane and Dellands. Overhanging bushes May be found along Bridge Street, at the corner of Southington Lane with the B3400 and along Dellands. Potholes There are several potholes along the trail.
Additional information
- Max no of people per tour:
- 30
- Est. tour duration:
- 2 hour(s) 0 minute(s)
