Bath is set to honor the 250th birthday of the legendary novelist Jane Austen with a captivating new character trail across the city. The trail features 26 beautifully illustrated Austen characters cleverly displayed in shop windows and at iconic sites that also appear in the hit TV show Bridgerton.
Open to both locals and visitors, the free trail invites participants to find and identify each character and the novel they belong to. Starting May 31 and running until September 22, the event is a collaborative effort between Bath BID and the Jane Austen Festival, offering a unique and interactive way to celebrate Austen’s enduring legacy.
Those who complete the trail can enter a competition to win exclusive prizes, including a personalized limited edition Jane Austen pendant donated by Wylde Jewellers. Additional prizes include two tickets to the Jane Austen Centre and a lunch for two at The Ivy Bath. Participants can submit their completed trail booklets either at the Jane Austen Centre or online.
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Georgia Delve, director of the Jane Austen Festival, expressed her excitement about the partnership: “It’s wonderful to offer a fun, free activity that allows people to walk in Jane Austen’s footsteps and discover her characters throughout Bath.”
Nicholas Wylde, founder of Wylde Jewellers, added, “We’re proud to sponsor the trail and collaborate with the festival and Bath BID to celebrate both Jane Austen’s works and the city of Bath’s rich cultural heritage.”
Booklets are available for collection from the Bath BID Office and participating businesses. Entries must be submitted by September 22, with winners announced in October.
This character trail is a perfect way to immerse yourself in Jane Austen’s world while exploring the historic charm of Bath.