To commemorate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, Bath’s Grade I listed Francis Hotel is hosting a unique celebration that coincides with the city’s annual Jane Austen Festival—the largest and longest-running event of its kind in the world.
Every year, more than 3,500 visitors flock to Bath for ten days of Regency-themed festivities, including costumed promenades, theatrical performances, dances, lectures, and immersive tours. This year, from September 12 to 21, the celebration promises a landmark programme that honors Austen’s enduring legacy.
Located on Queen Square, where Jane Austen once stayed in 1799, the Francis Hotel offers guests a rare opportunity to experience the Georgian charm that inspired Austen’s world. Just minutes from the Jane Austen Centre, the hotel serves as an ideal base for those eager to delve into the history and spirit of the Regency era.
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To enhance the Austen experience, the Francis Hotel has introduced the “Explore Bath” package—an exclusive two-night stay that includes tickets to the newly restored Georgian townhouse museum, No. 1 Royal Crescent, as well as the Jane Austen Centre. Guests can immerse themselves in the rich Regency history by day and return to the comfort of Bath’s most historic hotel in the evening.
Each morning, visitors can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at the Emberwood restaurant before exploring nearby locations that bring Austen’s stories to life, all within a convenient 10-minute walk.
Currently undergoing a multi-million-pound renovation by the renowned design firm 3D Reid, the Francis Hotel is embracing its heritage with a sophisticated blend of contemporary style and Georgian-inspired interiors—echoing the authentic world that Jane Austen depicted in her novels.
For Austen enthusiasts, this year’s festival at the Francis Hotel provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to step into the enchanting era that shaped one of England’s greatest literary icons.