A 2.5 mile circular guided walking trail exploring Overton in Jane Austen’s Time. Following country lanes, streets, and pavements.

“The Overton Scotchman has been kind enough to rid me some of my money, in exchange for six shifts and four pairs 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.

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 Austen’s home for the necessities of life.

The Overton in Jane Austen’s Time train explores the ‘neat little town’ that Jane knew.

Timings & Tours 

Saturday 13th September: 11am - 1pm

Location & directions 

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.national rail.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, see www.stagecoachbus.com

Accessibility Details

The Overton in Jane Austen’s Time Trail, going through the village and along country lanes, may challenge wheelchair users. There are two uphill sections. 1) Court Drove - approximately 9% / 1:10 gradient, 100m length. 2) Dellands - approximately 6% / 1:17 gradient, 350m length. 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. There are also several potholes.

Booking information 

Pre-booking requirement: Pre-booking required

Booking opens: 8th August 2025 12am

Booking closes: 10th September 2025 12am