Robin Waldman and his family tie in literature and lavender on a summer’s day out to Chawton and Selborne as they explore Austen’s local connections and breathe in the heady scents at Selborne Lavender.
Literature and lavender
Our outing this month takes in history and local farming in marvellous mid-Hampshire, in the Alton area. Our trip centres around the village of Chawton, home of Jane Austen and a seasonal spot nearby in Selborne, at the lavender fields. Chawton is a pretty village around twenty minutes from Winchester. Austen fans, especially those from the USA, delight in the village ambience with its lovely, thatched cottages and lush green countryside. Some of our favourite spots in the small village include the Jane Austen House Museum, a lovely tearoom opposite the museum, as well as a large playground with picnic spot, and Chawton house.
In Jane's footsteps
First off, we visited the famous writer's 17th-century house (informally known as Chawton Cottage) in which Jane Austen spent the last eight years of her life. The children were given a family trail activity to fill in as we moved from room to room, which they enjoyed, and we played some traditional garden games such as skittles in the green space surrounding the house where sweet-smelling flowers were growing in abundance. We ended our visit with the gift shop where they sold everything Jane Austen related from clothes and tea through to her famous novels, of course.
Living history
We enjoyed discovering and learning about Jane Austen and her family’s life, and the broader era they lived in through the impressive collection of family heirlooms the museum has on display. The historic setting truly brings to life the context in which Jane Austen, and the wider early female writer community, lived and worked. An inspiring and educational location for both adults and children.
Keep it in the family
A little further down the road is Chawton House, the home of Edward Austen, Jane’s brother. The ‘Great House’ (as Jane Austen called it in her letters) is surrounded by large grounds which include a chapel regularly used by the Austen family. Following in Jane’s footsteps, we explored the beautiful walled gardens and the parklands, where grazing sheep kept us company. Inside the Elizabethan manor, you will find a vast collection of early women’s writing, which is now open for the general public to explore.
Time for tea
Our tour of Jane Austen’s House and Chawton House’s grounds left us a bit peckish, so we stopped by the nearby café, Cassandra’s Cup, which also sells local produce, making it very popular to both locals and tourists exploring Jane Austen’s history in the village. The café has an indoor and outdoor area decorated with teacups and bunting and is a lovely spot to catch up with friends or family. We recommend the traditional afternoon tea with tasty scones.
Howzat for a spot
If you’d rather bring a picnic, then the perfect spot is a large field with playground opposite Jane Austen’s house museum. We were lucky enough on the day to catch a cricket match being played with the quintessentially English backdrop of countryside and grazing sheep. The field offers plenty of picnic tables as well as the nice soft grass to lay out your mat and enjoy.
Lavender blue
Just ten minutes’ drive away is beautiful farmland and countryside. The lavender fields in Selborne open every summer for visitors to enjoy their stunning purple rows of lavender; this spot is perfect for updating your family photo whilst taking in the sweet flowery smell. A bug hunt is also on offer for the kids who, for a small fee, are given a checklist of bugs and wildlife, and a microscope to get a closer look.
Top tips
The fields truly are a local landmark, and the owners have clearly amassed a great knowledge of lavender growing. Did you know the difference between lavender and lavandin? Lavandin has more pointed flower spikes, and is less well-known, but also produces high-quality oil. This harvesting and distillation knowledge can not only be appreciated in the fields, but also in the gift shop! From essential oils to hand and body products, and home fragrance, there’s something for everyone. We made sure to take some of the experience home with us, opting for some of their yummy lavender jam.
Wildlife spotting
During our stroll, we spotted plenty of wildlife including butterflies, ladybirds, bees, and a squeal of delight from the kids when they spotted a small vole making its way through the shrubbery. Surely bonus points for our wildlife hunt! As of this summer, Lavender Fields have opened a café which overlooks the fields, and gives even more reasons to enjoy a visit with a cool drink and wonderful views.
