Friday Festival Fayre - New for 2026...across multiple venues!

12noon - 17:00 (last entry 16:30) - Friday 11th & Saturday 12th September 

Go on a Regency shopping spree through the Bath Pavilion, AND, Guildhall Brunswick Room with stalls offering hats, fans, gloves, books, hair pieces, jewellery and lots more. Promenade wristband wearers will have free entry, but not priority entrance.

It is advisable to bring cash for swift and guaranteed purchases at the fayre. Capacity of both buildings is limited so you may have to queue for entrance, last entry will be at 16:30 for a 17:00 close.

Venue 1: Bath Pavilion, North Parade Rd, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4EU

Venue 2: Brunswick Room, Guildhall, High Street Bath BA1 5AW

Tickets: £5 on the door - cash preferred (includes all fayre venues)

Museum Late Opening at No 1 Royal Crescent

16:40 (last admission 19:00) - Friday 11th & Thursday 17th September - 

Wander the twilit museum and take in the story of the house from a fresh perspective. You will enjoy after-hours access to the museum’s self-led immersive tour, Jane Austen in Bath. Alcoholic and soft-drink refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the evening, and our on-site gift shop will be open for your perusal, packed with lots of Jane Austen themed gifts and merchandise.

Regency costume very welcome but not mandatory.

Venue: No.1 Royal Crescent, BA1 2LR

Tickets £16 Adult, £14.50 Concession from No.1 Royal Crescent

A Very Private Public Breakfast

Saturday 12th September - 9:00

Sunday 13th & Saturday 19th September - 10:00

(duration 1hr 30mins)

Sample the delights of an 18th Century public breakfast just as Jane Austen did in Sydney Gardens. Bread rolls, toasted fruit bread, cake, tea (Jane Austen blend) or coffee – all in the private dining room of a typical Regency Bath house. Breakfast is accompanied with a talk by Jane Tapley. As this event is taking place in a private home, we cannot accommodate special dietary requirements at this event.

Venue: Kinwarton, 3 Upper Camden Place, (part of) Camden Rd, BA1 5HX (20 mins walk)

Tickets £18

Grand Regency Costumed Promenade - sponsored by Postscript Books

Saturday 12th September - 11:00

Promenade starts moving at 11.00 (estimated duration 1 hour)

To take part buy your wristband, put on your costume and join thousands of people dressed in their Regency best, for this world-famous, spectacular official opening to the Festival. Stroll through this beautiful city for approximately 1 hour ending along Great Pulteney Street.

Regency costume mandatory for this event.

Meet: arrive by 10:45 at the Royal Crescent, Bath (gather & collect wristbands from 9:30)

A Whole Campful of Soldiers

Saturday 12th September -  12:30 - 16:00

Sunday 13th September -  10:00 - 15:00

Visit the encampment of His Majesty's 33rd Regiment of Foot at the Holburne Museum. Listen to their free drop-in talks presenting life at war, experience drill displays, music and chat all things redcoats with their knowledgeable re-enactors.

Saturday Talks
13:00 Women at War - talk
How war affected women in the time of Jane Austen.
14:00 ""A Medal for Every Man" - talk
What happened to the soldiers after Waterloo.

Sunday Talks
13:00 "Music and Songs of the Redcoats"
From Regimental tunes to campfire ballads, the music that carried the British Army cross Europe.
14:00 "The Duel" - What if Colonel Brandon had shot Willoughby?
A recreation of a Regency duel and the consequences.

Venue: Holburne Museum Grounds, Great Pulteney Street, BA2 4DB

All Free Events

Jane Austen table-top Escape Room

Saturday 12th September - Every 10 minutes between 13:00 & 15:50 

(duration - estimated 30 minutes to escape!)

Can you waltz from the Jane Austen escape room with a full dance card? That’s the challenge Julia Golding, writer of the Jane Austen Investigates series, throws down before all Janeites. This table-top game involves six challenges based on clues from Austen’s novels.

Ticket includes a reticule of goodies to help you navigate the ball and a book, The Abbey Mystery, #1 in Golding’s series. Suitable for all ages.

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

Tickets: £16 per person / Group rate for 4 people £55

Croquet Game

13:00 & 15:00 - Saturday 12th, Tuesday 15th, Sunday 20th September 

10:00 & 12noon - Friday 18th September 

(duration 1 hr 30mins)

Spend 1 hour experiencing the Regency sport of "Pall-Mall" with an outdoor croquet game at Bath Croquet Club. Equipment and introductory instructions provided, enjoy a relaxed game of croquet, followed by post-match refreshments in the Croquet Pavilion. (Refreshments included in the ticket price)

Venue: Bath Croquet Club, Great Pulteney Street, Recreation Ground, BA2 4DS (entrance via Great Pulteney Street)

Tickets £30

Jane Austen: Incurable Romantic - A brand new wandering show in the heart of Bath!

Saturday 12th September - 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00 

Sunday 13th & Saturday 19th September - 11:30, 12noon, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30

(duration 1 hour each)

The Natural Theatre Company is back for their 10th consecutive year at the Jane Austen Festival with their hilarious walkabout show, Jane Austen: Incurable Romantic!

Following the success of Austen Undone and Lost & Found, this brand new piece celebrates everything Jane Austen. It reveals recognisable plot-lines, familiar characters and just a little bit of Austen-based nonsense. Immerse yourself in wooing, weeping and wagers as we wander around historic Bath, and watch this joyful story come to life around you!

(Suitable for ages 10+)

Meet: Bath War Memorial, Royal Ave, Bath BA1 2PH

Tickets £19

Archery

Saturday 12th - 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

Rummaging through the Reticule

16:00 - Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th &  Saturday 19th September 

(duration 1 hr 30mins)

What did Jane and her characters keep in their reticules? All will be revealed when the contents of this C18th handbag are spilt in the privacy of a Regency drawing room. Jane Tapley's talk is followed by refreshments, a traditional cream tea - scones, jam and cream and, of course, tea.
As this event is taking place in a private home, we cannot accommodate any special dietary requirements at this event.

Venue: Kinwarton, 3 Upper Camden Place, (part of) Camden Rd, BA1 5HX (20 mins walk from central Bath)

Tickets £18

Emma at Bath Abbey

Saturday 12th September - Doors open 18:45
(Film Duration 19:30 - 21:34)

Celebrate the 2026 Jane Austen Festival with a special screening of Emma (2020) at Bath Abbey. Directed by Autumn de Wilde and starring Anya Taylor-Joy, this vibrant adaptation brings fresh wit and visual flair to Austen’s beloved novel.
Emma Woodhouse is clever, confident and entirely certain she knows what is best for those around her. But as her matchmaking schemes unfold, she is forced to confront her own misunderstandings about love, friendship and herself. With its striking Regency costumes, sharp humour and playful tone, Emma offers a modern take on one of Austen’s most enduring heroines, while remaining true to the spirit of the original story. Set beneath the Abbey’s vaulted ceilings, this atmospheric screening forms part of Bath’s annual celebration of Austen’s life and legacy in the city that inspired her.
Wireless headphones will be provided for all audience members.

Venue: Bath Abbey, Abbey Churchyard, BA1 1LY

Tickets £20 from Bath Box Office

Regency Sung Eucharist - Church Service

Sunday 13th September - 11:30

(duration 1 hr 10mins)

Join Bath Abbey for their service of Sung Eucharist that will be specially themed to encompass some Regency church elements and music.
Regency costume very welcome but not mandatory.

Please note this is a first-come-first-seated event, if the Abbey reaches capacity you may be turned away and asked to return for the Evensong Service instead.

Venue: Bath Abbey, Abbey Churchyard, BA1 1LY

Free Event - donations to Bath Abbey welcome

Regency Picnic

Sunday 13th September - 12:00noon 

(duration 3 hours)

Join other Austen lovers for an informal bring-your-own picnic in the beautiful surroundings of Sydney Gardens. Promenade along paths Jane Austen herself would have walked and discuss any scandalous antics of the previous evening's entertainment.
(Weather permitting event)

Venue: Sydney Gardens, Sydney Place, Bathwick, BA2 4DB

Free Event 

Gothic Tales from the Tower

Sunday 13th September - 15:00, 16:00, 17:00

Tuesday 15th September - 14:00, 15:00, 16:00

(duration 1 hour)

Channel your inner Catherine Morland and immerse yourself in all things gothic! Step away from polite society into its shadow and discover the hidden Tower. In the excavated underground Grotto, join immersive storyteller Arran Glass for interactive tales of gothic wit and scandal.

Original ghost stories, live music and mischievous anecdotes that may test the composure of even the most accomplished minds and sensibilities, in matters of etiquette and intrigue.
Then, head up to the Tower itself to enjoy the views and explore the museum.
Gothic tales duration 45 minutes, then take your time to explore the Tower and museum.

Please note: museum contains themes of enslavement and exploitation.

The Grotto and Beckford's Tower is 15 mins outside of Bath City Centre, either by bus, taxi or car. If you wish to walk this will be a true Lizzy Bennet expedition!

Venue: Beckford's Tower Museum, Lansdown Road, Bath, BA1 9BH

Tickets £20

Regency Choral Evensong - Church Service

Sunday 13th September - 15:30

(duration 45mins)

Join Bath Abbey for this beautiful service lasts for approximately 45 minutes and will combine the memorable cadences of Thomas Cranmer’s Book of Common Prayer with Regency era music.Please note this is a first-come-first-seated event, if the Abbey reaches capacity you may be turned away.

Venue: Bath Abbey, Abbey Churchyard, BA1 1LY

Free Event - donations to Bath Abbey welcome

Austen Delights

19:30 - Sunday 13th September & Tuesday 15th September

(duration 3hours)

Partake of a decadent selection of High Tea Treats, finished off with a traditional Regency pudding in the gorgeous surroundings of the Regency Tea Room.

Complete with bubbles and highly entertaining Austen interpretations, why not escape for a couple of hours to this haven of literary fiction.

Venue: Regency Tea Room, Jane Austen Centre, 40 Gay Street, BA1 2NT

Tickets £58

Breakfast with Beau Nash

9.15 - Monday 14th & Friday 18th September

(duration 2 hours)

Step back into Regency splendour for a truly elegant morning as part of the Jane Austen Festival. Join us in the historic Pump Room for Breakfast with Beau Nash—a refined affair inspired by the famed Master of Ceremonies himself. Doors will open from 9.15am, for you to begin your morning with a chilled glass of English Sparkling Wine or Bucks Fizz, alongside freshly brewed organic coffee or English Breakfast tea.

The sounds of our resident pianist will fill the room as you partake of freshly baked breads and delicate breakfast pastries. Then indulge in a sumptuous traditional English breakfast, including char-grilled Wiltshire bacon, local Bath sausages and free-range scrambled eggs. Soak up the atmosphere as the Pump Room comes to life in true Georgian style—just as Jane Austen might have experienced it.

Costumes are warmly encouraged (though not required), offering a delightful opportunity to see and be seen in your Regency best. A morning of music, elegance, and hearty fare - just the thing to begin your day in proper Austen fashion.

Venue: Pump Room, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ

Tickets £40 from the Pump Room

"Pride and Prejudice - A Murder Mystery by The Moonstone Theatre Company The Killing at Netherfield Park….."

12:30 - Monday 14th & Tuesday 15th September 

(duration 3 hours)

"Pride and Prejudice - A Murder Mystery by The Moonstone Theatre Company The Killing at Netherfield Park…..Charles Bingley was taking a stroll through his rented estate at Netherfield Park when he came across a man’s body in the grounds. It was obvious that he had been murdered.

The body was that of George Wickham but who wanted him dead and would the killer be caught?

An investigation ensues and the four people who appeared to have a reason for wanting him dead are asked to attend a luncheon party. Could it have been Lydia Bennet or Mrs Younge or perhaps Mr Bennet, Lydia’s father and then of course there was Fitzwilliam Darcy.

All the clues will be there to enable the guests to catch the culprit. but will they be correctly deduced? "

Venue: The Bird Hotel, 18-19 Pulteney Rd (South), Bathwick, BA2 4EZ

Tickets £53 including lunch. From Bath Theatre Royal

Pride & Prejudice in Words & Music Dinner Recital

Monday 14th September - 20:00 

(duration 3 hours)

Join us in the Pump Rooms for a three-course meal, accompanied by music and a re-telling of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, from violinist Leora Cohen, with pianist Paul Wingfield and narrator Susan Rutherford.

Gill Hornby's dynamic, abridged telling of Jane Austen’s witty and moving Pride and Prejudice is accompanied throughout by a piano and violin duet. The superb music is familiar and loved by many; composed by Carl Davis for the iconic 1995 BBC TV adaptation… returning by popular demand from 2025! 

Your ticket includes a starter, a main course with sharing sides, and a trio of desserts.

Meet: Pump Room Restaurant, Abbey Churchyard Entrance, Stall St, Bath BA1 1LZ

Tickets £125

Canal Cruise

Monday 14th, Wednesday 16th & Friday 18th September - 9:00 & 13:30

Morning cruises will have a duration of 4 hours 15 mins and afternoon cruises will be 4 hours 45 mins.

“If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad.”— Jane Austen
Embark on an enchanting canal cruise inspired by the timeless elegance of Jane Austen. We’ll meet at Bath train station and embark on a scenic train journey through the picturesque English countryside to the historic town of Bradford on Avon. Upon arrival, a gentle promenade of approximately 1.5 km along the riverbank, accompanied by a knowledgeable historical local guide, will lead us to the canal boat marina where the ‘Barbara McLellan’ awaits.

Relax and unwind as we set sail on a peaceful, unhurried cruise along the tranquil canal, passing through the stunning Avoncliff Aqueduct. Depending on your chosen departure, a delectable breakfast or afternoon tea will be served on board, offering the perfect accompaniment to this serene journey. Step into the world of Jane Austen and create memories to treasure.
Costumes are essential for this immersive experience. Spaces are limited, so secure your place today.

Meet: Outside taxi rank entrance of Bath Spa Train Station, Dorchester Street, BA1 1SU

Tickets £155 from Bath Theatrical Costume Hire

Ladies & Gentlemen on Parade

13:30 - Monday 14th, Wednesday 16th & Friday 18th September 

(duration 3hrs 30mins)

Exclusive to Jane Austen Festival: Regency Costumed Experience at Parade House! Enjoy a unique Regency Costumed event at one of Wiltshire’s finest Georgian buildings.

Dressed in your own Regency finery, you’ll be escorted by Mr Darcy on a short 18 min train journey through the beautiful scenic countryside to the magnificent Parade House in Trowbridge.

Your ticket includes travel, a House History Tour, a delicious Full Afternoon Cream Tea with a glass of Champagne in the grand Ballroom, Regency Parlour Games and Theatrical Entertainment.

Meet: Outside the taxi rank entrance of Bath Spa Train Station, Dorchester Street, BA1 1SU

Tickets £140 from Parade House, Trowbridge

Stargazing at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy with the Bath Astronomers

20:00 & 21:05 - Monday 14th, Wednesday 16th & Friday 18th September 

(duration 1 hour)

Join the Bath Astronomers in the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, where the Planet Uranus was discovered from by William Herschel on 13th March 1781. Half of the evening will be spent star-gazing (weather dependent!), the other half will be exploring the house where brother and sister musicians turned astronomers, William and Caroline Herschel, lived from 1777 to 1782.

Please note: in the event of poor weather the event will go ahead even if stargazing is not possible, as a tour and talk around the museum will be provided from Bath Astronomers.

Venue: Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King Street, BA1 2BL

Tickets £20

Regency Games Evening

18:00 & 20:00 - Tuesday 15th September & Thursday 17th September 

(duration 2 hours)

Jane Austen was known to be particularly adept at both cup & ball, and spillikins. Enjoy an evening or late-night session trying your skills (or luck) at these, as well as lottery tickets, whist, hazard and other Regency-era games, provided by John White of Select Society.
For 2025 fortunes will be gained or lost in the delicious venue of the Bath Distillery Gin Bar; here you will meet the talented mixologists who have created the cocktails of ‘Gin’ Austen, which are a fabulous way to explore the elegance and subtlety of their own gin.

Venue: The Bath Gin Bar, 2-3 Queen St, Bath BA1 1HE

Tickets £12

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. Please bring a pen for your thoughts and your curiosity. A creative and imaginative experience for ages 18+.

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

Tickets £55

Fashion Museum Bath in Storage - collection tour in Warminster

Tuesday 15th September - 11:00 & 14:00

(duration 1hr 30mins)

Join the Fashion Museum team at their collections store in Warminster for a 1-hour tour behind-the-scenes tour of their collection, with a focus on highlight pieces from the regency period.

Venue:  Dents, Furnax Lane, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 8PE

Free Event - please reserve your free ticket

Jane Austen Afternoon Tea at The Bath Priory

Tuesday 15th September - 12noon

(duration 3 hours)

Indulge in our exquisitely curated Georgian Afternoon Tea, featuring a refined selection of classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served warm with clotted cream and jam, and beautifully handcrafted cakes inspired by timeless flavours.

Served in the restaurant or on the sun‑drenched terrace, savour every moment as you look out across the Priory’s whimsical gardens, for a truly elegant and memorable afternoon steeped in heritage.

Venue: The Bath Priory, Weston Rd, Bath BA1 2XT (20mins walk from the Jane Austen Centre)

Tickets £55

Regency Rum Bluffers: Pride & Prejudice - singing workshop

Thursday 17th September - 17:30

(duration 1hr 30mins)

Regency Rum Bluffers are returning this year with another of their popular Singing with Jane Austen workshops, this year with a Pride and Prejudice theme.

Songs are either from Jane Austen’s music collection or the Regency period and will be taught by ear, so no previous musical skills are needed…….and of course there will be the usual quiz.

Venue: Ante Room, Old Theatre Royal, 12 Old Orchard St, Bath BA1 1JU

Tickets £25

Lovers’ Vows - Exclusively in Bath for one night only!

Thursday 17th September - 20:00

(duration 1 hour)

What would have happened if Sir Thomas Bertram never came back early to Mansfield Park? The Natural Theatre Company asked themselves that very question. You thought you’d never get to see it, but here it is at last; the (hopefully) full rehearsal of Elizabeth Inchbald’s Lovers Vows’ featured in Jane Austen’s iconic novel, acted out in all its chaotic glory. Will this play within a play be any good? Or will the play go wrong?

(Suitable for ages 12+)

Venue: Old Theatre Royal, 12 Old Orchard St, Bath BA1 1JU

Tickets £28

Taking Tea at No.1 Royal Crescent

Friday 18th & Saturday 19th September - 12:00, 13:45 & 14:45

(duration 2 hours)

Come and join us at No.1 Royal Crescent on 18th and 19th September 2026 for a fabulous afternoon tea hosted by our friends at the Choux Box Patisserie. This event has three sessions, each lasting 1 hour. Your ticket includes time to explore the museum after the tea party.

If you wish to visit our current exhibition, you can pay a reduced fee of £2.50 at our shop desk on the day of your visit. Menus will be added to the event page on our website in due course. Regency costume very welcome but not mandatory.

Venue: No. 1 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LR Street Entrance, BA1 1SA

Tickets £44.50 from No.1 Royal Crescent

Regency Masquerade Soiree - Greek & Roman gods & goddesses theme

Friday 18th September - 19:00

(duration 2 hours)

Don your Regency finery, then add a nod to your Greek or Roman god or goddess of choice! Join us by the torch-lit waters of the 2000-year-old Roman Baths for our Greek and Roman gods and goddesses masquerade soiree.

Circulate and enjoy conversation with your fellow Festival attendees (if you can recognise them!) alongside musical interludes and a welcome drink. There will be a cash/card bar by the Baths for additional drinks. Entrance doors will open at 19:00 and close promptly at 19:45, please note if you arrive after this you may not be admitted.

Regency costume is mandatory for this event. We look forward to seeing what you have added to your Regency costume to reflect our masquerade theme, however your costume must be appropriate to the late 18th or early 19th century. Absolutely no togas or tridents please!  

Different from our Masked Soirees of previous years, in 2026 we are inviting guests to attend in their Regency attire with accessories to create a “character outfit” for the evening.

Masquerades don’t feature in Austen’s novels, but they can be found in the works of Fanny Burney and Maria Edgeworth… although we certainly hope that our Jane Austen Festival guests behave with rather more decorum than some of the philandering characters who attend Masques in 19th century literature!

Venue: Roman Baths, Stall Street Entrance, BA1 1SA

Tickets £48

Step Into Austen: A Full-Day Pride & Prejudice Cinema Experience

Saturday 19th September - 10:00

(duration 8 hours)

Join us for a special full-series screening of the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice (1995). Enjoy all six episodes in a relaxed cinema setting - lights dimmed, crafts welcome.

Your ticket includes an afternoon tea-style lunch, drinks, a themed goodie bag, and more!
Regency or modern dress welcome.

A cosy, celebratory day for Pride and Prejudice lovers.

Venue: The Little Theatre Cinema, St Michael's Pl, Bath BA1 1SF

Tickets £74 

Regency Masquerade Soiree - Neptune Nautical theme

Saturday 19th September - 19:00

(duration 2 hours)

By the waters of the 2000-year-old Roman Baths, we invite you to attend our Neptune Nautical masquerade Regency Soiree. Don your Regency finery then add a Neptune or sea-themed masquerade element on top: water nymphs, merfolk, sea-serpents… we look forward to seeing how you reflect our Neptune nautical theme in your Regency masquerade outfit!

Circulate and enjoy conversation with your fellow Festival attendees (if you can recognise them!) alongside musical interludes and a welcome drink. There will be a cash/card bar by the Baths for additional drinks. Entrance doors will open at 19:00 and close promptly at 19:45, please note if you arrive after this you may not be admitted.

Regency costume is mandatory for this event. We look forward to seeing what you have added to your Regency costume to reflect our masquerade theme, however your costume must be appropriate to the late 18th or early 19th century. Absolutely no togas or tridents please!

Different from our Masked Soirees of previous years, in 2026 we are inviting guests to attend in their Regency attire with accessories to create a “character outfit” for the evening.

Masquerades don’t feature in Austen’s novels, but they can be found in the works of Fanny Burney and Maria Edgeworth… although we certainly hope that our Jane Austen Festival guests behave with rather more decorum than some of the philandering characters who attend Masques in 19th century literature!

Venue: Roman Baths, Stall Street Entrance, BA1 1SA

Tickets £48