Archery

Saturday 12th September 14:00 

Saturday 19th September 10:00 

(duration 1hr 30mins) 

Adventurous spirits, grasp your bow and arrow - prepare for a marvellous experience!
On arrival, you'll be welcomed by your host, a GB Archery qualified instructor, as you take in Kelston Roundhill's breath-taking views. They'll guide you through the woodland walk towards the archery range - where all the magic happens. Here, you will be shown everything you need to know about your bow and arrow, the rules on the range and safety demonstration. Once all bases are covered, it's time to show off your newly learned skills with plenty of Archery games!

Regency clothing is very welcome (but not mandatory) for this event, but please be aware you will be required to wear an arm guard over one sleeve.  
Accessibility This event is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven ground. Participants will need to navigate a grassy track and get themselves over two stiles to get to the archery site.

Venue: Brocks Outdoor Advertures, Kelston, Bath BA1 9AF (bus, taxi or car required to get to this venue)

Tickets £40

Fencing workshop - Guildhall

Sunday 13th September - 14:30 & 16:00

(duration 1hr 15mins) 

Join a Fencing taster workshop with Bath Sword Club and enjoy a taste of the sport rumoured to be Mr Darcy’s favourite. Learn offensive & defensive stances, putting them into choreographed non-contact sequences to experience your own ‘dual’.

Regency costume very welcome, but please be aware that protective safety equipment will be worn including a full head mask and glove. Flat shoes advised.

Venue:  Brunswick Room, Guildhall, High St, Bath BA1 5AW

Tickets £25

Fencing Workshop - City of Bath Scouts

Monday 14th September - 10:00 

Friday 18th September - 15:30 

(duration 1hr 15mins) 

Join a Fencing taster workshop with Bath Sword Club and enjoy a taste of the sport rumoured to be Mr Darcy’s favourite. Learn offensive & defensive stances, putting them into choreographed non-contact sequences to experience your own ‘duel’.

Regency costume very welcome, but please be aware that protective safety equipment will be worn including a full head mask and glove. Flat shoes advised.

Venue: City of Bath Scouts, 7 Grove St, Bathwick, BA2 6PJ

Tickets £25

Fencing - Improvers Workshop

Wednesday 16th September - 10:00

(duration 1hr 15mins) 

This fencing workshop is for those with previous fencing experience. If you have attended a Jane Austen Festival Fencing workshop before then this is the one for you! Join Bath Sword Club and enjoy improving your skills in this Regency sport, rumoured to be Mr Darcy’s favourite. Learn offensive & defensive stances, putting them into choreographed non-contact sequences to experience your own ‘dual’.

Regency costume very welcome, but please be aware that protective safety equipment will be worn including a full head mask and glove. Flat shoes advised.

Venue: City of Bath Scouts, 7 Grove St, Bathwick, BA2 6PJ

Tickets £25

Oh Sew Quiet!

Friday 11th September - 10:30 

(duration 1 hour) 

New for 2026… Oh Sew Quiet!  
Quiet sewing drop-in session, bring your own hand-sewing project along.

While all are welcome at our Sew Chatty events, we know chitchat and sparkling conversation are not always the order of the day. If you need to sit down quietly and crack on with a sewing project (perhaps as a deadline draws near!), this is the sewing session for you. Bring along your hand-sewing project to work on, and enjoy sewing in companionable silence.

Graciously hosted in the hushed environs of Bath Central Library. Please be respectful of the quiet nature of this session.

Venue: Central Library, 19-23 The Podium, Bath BA1 5AN

Free Event

Make Sew Bold: Customise a Reticule - workshop

Saturday 12th September 13:30 

(duration 2hrs 30mins) 

What could be more Jane Austen than customising a Regency reticule in a beautiful workshop setting in central Bath?
Choose from our selection of gorgeous, handmade reticules and make yours unique, using our quality, sustainably-sourced fabrics and vintage haberdashery bar.
Go to town and make your reticule complement your favourite Regency outfit or even the Jane Austen theme of the day!

All equipment and materials are provided and your tutors will share ideas, tips and decorating techniques. No previous sewing experience is needed; we cater for all abilities from beginner to expert. You’ll leave with a beautiful, handmade souvenir of your time in Bath!

Venue:  8 Edgar Buildings, Bath BA1 2EE

Tickets £49 from Make Creative Studio

Pride & Prejudice First Lines - Embroidery Workshop

Sunday 13th September - 11:00

(duration 2 hours) 

Join a beginner friendly embroidery workshop inspired by Pride & Prejudice. Stitch a delicate pastel design of an open book blooming with flowers, framed by the novel’s iconic opening line.

You’ll learn several stitches in a relaxed, welcoming setting and begin a beautiful handmade piece to continue at home.

All materials are provided - just come along, stitch, and enjoy a little literary charm.

Venue: St James Wine Vaults, 10 St James's St, Bath BA1 2TW

Tickets £65 from Abigail Rose Creative

Dorset Buttons: An elegant button for a more civilized age - workshop

Sunday 13th & Friday 18th September - 14:00

(duration 1hr 15mins) 

Dorset buttons have been a staple for Hollywood costumers’ and were used in Little Women, Wicked, and Harry Potter! These hand-made buttons allowed women to earn a stable income at home and a good buttoner could make 3x the salary of a soldier!

In this hands-on workshop, we will explore the history of thread buttons originating from Dorset, England and you will learn this 400 year old craft as you make a set of your very own buttons that can be used on an outfit.

All supplies will be provided to make a complete set of 4 buttons. Additional kits will be available for those who wish to adorn additional ensembles.

Suitable for ages 14+

Sunday 13th Venue: Georgian Room, Guildhall, High St, Bath BA1 5AW

Friday 18th Venue: Lonsdale Room, BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square, BA1 2HN

Tickets £35

Bonnet and Turban workshop

Tuesday 15th September - 10:00

(duration 3 hours) 

Complete your Regency outfit with one of my popular part-made bonnets or turbans. Choose your trimmings from a wide selection provided. All materials and refreshments are included in the ticket price. You are welcome to bring your own sewing items and trimmings but these are provided.

Please contact Sylvia at regencyworkshops@gmail.com for fabric options including silk, satin & cottons, or further information about the workshops. This workshop is aimed at novice/intermediate level adults.

Regency costume very welcome but not mandatory.

Venue: The Artpad, 62 Pulteney St, Bath, BA2 4DN

Tickets £95 from regencyworkshops@gmail.com

Waistcoats at Warp speed - demonstration

Wednesday 16th September - 10:00

(duration 1hr 30mins) 

Cut, Fit, and Cloth. These were the tenets Beau Brummell pioneered as he upended men’s fashion during the Regency Era. Following a Laughing Moon Waistcoat pattern, Mark will demonstrate each step with ample examples on what to watch out for and what works. You will learn about seam allowance, clipping curves, how to read a pattern, and the appropriate fabric to use. When finished, you will be instilled with the confidence to make your own waistcoat that is cut for your body and fits your shape. If you ever felt unsure about sewing Men’s clothing, this is the class for you! Suitable for 18+.

Venue: Lonsdale Room, BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square, BA1 2HN

Tickets £35

Sew Chatty - hosted at The Bath Priory

Wednesday 16th September - 14:00

(duration 1hr 30mins) 

Bring along your sewing, last-minute hemming, embroidery, or latest bonnet in need of trimming to the Drawing Room (or gardens) of the Bath Priory for a session of sewing, chatting and sharing sewing advice (or sewing woes!) with other like-minded Austen friends.
The Bath Priory will be offering afternoon tea, pantry dining or drinks served in the restaurant and gardens for participants to purchase during the session. Remember, promenade wristband holders can claim a 10% discount off Pantry dining, or a complimentary glass of fizz with afternoon tea.

Venue: The Bath Priory, Weston Rd, Bath BA1 2XT

Free Event

Oh Sew Quiet!

Friday 18th September - 10:30 

(duration 1 hour)

New for 2026… Oh Sew Quiet!  
Quiet sewing drop-in session, bring your own hand-sewing project along.

While all are welcome at our Sew Chatty events, we know chitchat and sparkling conversation are not always the order of the day. If you need to sit down quietly and crack on with a sewing project (perhaps as a deadline draws near!), this is the sewing session for you. Bring along your hand-sewing project to work on, and enjoy sewing in companionable silence.

Graciously hosted in the hushed environs of Bath Central Library. Please be respectful of the quiet nature of this session.

Venue: Central Library, 19-23 The Podium, Bath BA1 5AN

Free Event

Bling It On: Fobs, Cravats & Snuff Rings - workshop

Friday 18th September - 15:45 

(duration 1hr 15 mins)

When planning your outfit, the accessories are just as important as the fabric. One of the most important accessories for a gentleman was the fob, which he would carry with him at all times. His fob was unique and as essential as a modern day smart phone.
Join this one hour workshop where you will make your very own fob to use during the festival. Select from an array of ribbons, clasps, stones, and chain to craft a fob as unique as you are. Fobs do not come with a watch and participants are encouraged to bring one to attach to their finished fob. Ages 18+

Venue: St James Wine Vaults, 10 St James's St, Bath BA1 2TW

Tickets £40

Regency Needle Case - Embroidery Workshop

Friday 18th September - 14:00

(duration 2 hours)

Create your own embroidered needle case inspired by historical Regency designs. In this beginner friendly workshop, you’ll stitch delicate motifs and learn several simple embroidery techniques before sewing your piece using beautiful Jane Austen inspired fabrics.

You’ll begin a practical and elegant accessory to continue at home, perfect for your sewing kit. All materials are provided - just come along, stitch, sew, and enjoy a little Regency charm.

Venue: St James Wine Vaults, 10 St James's St, Bath BA1 2TW

Tickets £70 from Abigail Rose Creative

Make Sew Bold: Customise a Mask - workshop

Saturday 19th September - 10:00 

(duration 2hrs 30mins)

Join us and customise a gorgeous Regency mask fit for a masquerade ball – or simply to keep as a fabulous memento of your time in Bath.

Choose from our selection of undecorated masks and then go to town making it your own, using our quality, sustainably-sourced materials and vintage haberdashery bar!

All equipment and materials are provided, while your tutors will share ideas, tips and decorating techniques. No previous experience is needed - we cater for all abilities and will make sure your creative talents are unleashed! You’ll leave with a beautiful, unique souvenir of your time in Bath!

Venue: The Artpad, 62 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4BP

Tickets £49 from Make Creative Studio

Make Sew Bold: Bookmark Embroidery- workshop

Sunday 20th September - 9:30

(duration 2 hours)

Join us to design and make a beautiful bookmark worthy of your favourite Jane Austen novel! This is the perfect sociable and relaxing activity to close the festival!

Suitable for beginners, although all are welcome, you’ll learn some simple embroidery stitches and have full access to our vintage haberdashery bar to make your bookmark as unique and decorative as you wish!

All equipment and materials are provided, plus delicious mid-morning refreshments. Your tutors will also share ideas, tips and techniques. We’ll make sure your creative talents are unleashed! You’ll leave with a beautiful, unique souvenir of your time in Bath!

Venue: The Artpad, 62 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4BP

Tickets £35 from Make Creative Studio

Birthday Dance Celebration – Regency dance workshop

Monday 14th September - 14:30

(duration 1hr 30mins)

Join the Jane Austen Dancers for our 30th Birthday (1996-2026) and celebrate the joy of Regency Dancing! Enjoy a superb selection of our very favourite Jane Austen era dances, handpicked by our Callers. All abilities welcome, and birthday cake (shop bought) will be provided! 

Please wear flat, non-slip shoes, light clothing and bring a drink (essential). No partner necessary. Period costume (no trains) welcome. You will need a good understanding of English to understand the dance calling.

Please note that allergies cannot be catered for at this event, but the ingredients/packaging will be available.

Venue: Ballroom, The Forum, 1A Forum Buildings, Bath BA1 1UG

Tickets £18

Double Celebration - Intermediates Regency dance workshop

Tuesday 15th September - 10:00

(duration 1hr 30mins)

Celebrate 30 years of two iconic TV Emma productions with the 30 years-old Jane Austen Dancers Regency dance group, covering a selection of the dances from the 1996 adaptations.

These English Country Dances were taken from a wider historical timeframe, so may pre-date the Regency/Jane Austen era, but all are still popular today! This is a fast-paced session not suited to beginners or those new to Regency dancing, due to the complexity of many of the dances.

Please wear flat, non-slip shoes, light clothing and bring a drink (essential). No partner necessary. Period costume (no trains) welcome.

You will need a good understanding of English to understand the dance calling."

Venue: Elwin Room, BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square, BA1 2HN

Tickets £19

A lively Scotch air - Regency dance workshop

Wednesday 16th September - 14:30 

(duration 1hr 30mins)

"Do you not feel a great inclination...to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?"

Join the Jane Austen Dancers as we explore the Scottish influence on Regency dancing. This dance workshop is aimed at experienced dancers who are familiar with energetic reels/heys.
Please wear flat, non-slip shoes, light clothing and bring a drink (essential). No partner necessary. Period costume (no trains) welcome. You will need a good understanding of English to understand the dance calling.

Venue: City of Bath Scouts, 7 Grove St, Bathwick, BA2 6PJ

Tickets £18

As Danced by Jane Austen - Regency dance workshop

Friday 18th September - 10:00 

(duration 1hr 30mins)

Join the Jane Austen Dancers and try your hand at some of the popular dances from throughout Jane Austen’s lifetime. From the cotillions of her youth to the irresistible waltz. This is aimed at all levels of ability. Please wear flat, non-slip shoes, light clothing and bring a drink (essential). No partner necessary. Period costume (no trains) welcome. Teaching is in English.

Venue: City of Bath Scouts, 7 Grove St, Bathwick, BA2 6PJ

Tickets £18

Bookbinding for Jane Austen - workshop

Monday 13th September - 10:30 & 14:00

Friday 18th September - 10:00

(duration 2hrs 30mins)

Bookbinding for Jane Austen - rediscover the joys of making with your hands and engage with the ultimate portable technology: the book. But not just any book. The covers will be made using wallpaper faithfully reproduced from Jane Austen's house, Chawton.
In this workshop, Kate will guide you step-by-step in the traditional craft of bookbinding. You will come away with a hardback book that you have made from scratch and all the basic bookbinding skills that will enable you to continue and elaborate at home.
This session is suitable for all (8+ children to be supervised). All materials and tools will be provided. Some of those tools are sharp!

Venue: Lonsdale Room, BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square, BA1 2HN

Tickets £60

Scent and Falliability

Tuesday 15th September - 10:00

(duration 2 hours)

Enter the elegant, witty world of Jane Austen in this immersive perfume challenge. In small groups, you’ll embody an iconic Austen character, using curated scent palettes, historical inspiration and literary prompts to design a fragrance that captures their essence— will your creation capture wit, romance, or quiet resilience?

Each team will present their finished creation, bringing their character to life through scent in a lively, collaborative finale. You will take home a sample of your bespoke ‘character’ fragrance. 

A creative and imaginative experience for ages 18+.

Please bring a pen for your thoughts and your curiosity.

Venue: Lonsdale Room, BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square, BA1 2HN

Tickets £55

Strawberry Pottle Basket Weaving Workshop

Tuesday 15th September - 13:00

(duration 3hrs 30mins)

Weave your very own Pottle, ideal for carrying fruit or sweet treats! Inspired by a UK heritage basket called a Pottle, used for picking and selling strawberries in the Regency era, renowned Devon basketmaker Sarah Le Breton has designed an adorable willow version for you to create.

Sarah will introduce you to the wonderful world of willow weaving and guide you step by step in the making of your very own Pottle, complete with brightly coloured ribbon trim.

Suitable for beginner weavers, aged 18+, all materials and tools provided.

Venue: Lonsdale Room, BRLSI, 16-18 Queen Square, BA1 2HN

Tickets £120

‘To Sit in the Shade’: An Austen Painting workshop

9:00 - Wednesday 16th & Thursday 17th September

(duration 1hr 30mins)

Take a turn around the lower garden (before general opening), before gathering to paint. Explore watercolour techniques to create a beautiful floral border then fill with your favourite Jane Austen quote. Finish with a hot drink and bake from the Tea Cabin (included in the ticket price).

Regency costume welcome but not mandatory.

Enter Prior Park through the lower entrance on Church Lane. 20-25 minutes walk from Bath Spa railway station"

Venue: National Trust Prior Park Landscape Garden

Tickets £20 from the National Trust