Southern England is the place of Jane Austen—but that’s not all. I spent two weeks traveling through various locations associated with Jane Austen, Bridgerton, and Harry Potter, and now I’d like to share them with you. Come along with me as we journey through Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, West Sussex, and Surrey.

Steventon+Ash+Deane

Naturally, Jane Austen’s birthplace had to be included. Although the rectory itself no longer stands, a well in a quiet meadow marks its former location. Deane and Ashe are two delightful villages that are well worth a visit—at the very least, you should drive through them. Beautiful manor houses still line the roads. If you start by heading to the telephone box in Steventon—which has been converted into a Jane Austen museum—you will find both a small and a large walking map that will guide you to all these villages.

The Vyne

Highly recommended. It’s incredible that not only Jane Austen but also Henry VIII—along with his first two wives—walked through this house.

Basildon Park

…or, better known as, Netherfield Park. Incidentally, the Bridgerton series is regularly filmed there.

Windsor

Well, this place may have nothing to do with the author, but it is historically very interesting to visit one of the residences of the royals. A short walk to Eton College afterwards is a must, allowing you to immerse yourself even further in this elegant world.

Chawton

Although the admission fee is a bit steep, it grants you access for an entire year—a must for any Jane Austen fan. And don’t forget to head over to the barn, where you can dress up in Regency-style clothing and snap some fantastic photos. Afterward, pop across the way to Cassandra’s Cup for a classic British breakfast or lunch. To round off your visit, Chawton House—where Jane’s brother once lived—and the church, in whose grounds her mother and sister are buried, are also just a short distance away.

Portsmouth + Southampton

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Portsmouth, unless you’re keen on paying an overpriced entrance fee to see the Historic Docks. Southampton, on the other hand, offers free, self-guided Jane Austen walking tours of the Old Town—highly recommended, and perfectly paired with a delicious lunch at the Wellington Pub. To wrap things up, book lovers and shoppers alike should pay a visit to the massive shopping mall.

Winchester

Jane Austen is buried in the cathedral, and a walk to the house where she spent her final days—followed by a visit to a bookshop at 8 College Street—is sure to make any fan’s heart beat faster.

National Trust

It is highly recommended to get a National Trust membership card, which grants free entry to a great many historic houses and estates. The basic format is always the same: a tour of the house, plus opportunities for walks, coffee shops, and bookshops.

Here are a few recommendations: Mompesson House, Wilton House, Stourhead (which has a sad family history and is the place where Matthew Macfadyen—aka Mr. Darcy—proposed to his beloved Lizzie, played by Keira Knightley), and Great Chalfield Manor.

Lacock Village

This village is a must-see. It served as a filming location for Harry Potter and as Meryton in Pride & Prejudice.