September 3-12, 2025 (10 days | 18 guests)

The Trip

Journey back in time with Carleton Professor of English Susan Jaret McKinstry, as you follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen throughout the beautiful area of England that inspired her novels. This custom-designed itinerary is not only for Jane Austen enthusiasts but for admirers of history and lovers of the English countryside alike.

We will begin our adventure into “Jane Austen’s World” in Chawton with a visit to Jane’s house, a Hampshire cottage that is now a museum, where the magic of the Bennet sisters and their adventures (sometimes scandalous) come alive. We will stroll through the gardens as if we were characters in Jane Austen’s novels; immerse ourselves in libraries with first-edition novels; and visit cathedrals, being sure to avoid Mr. William Collins. We then journey to Bath, where we settle in for five nights, “to see, be seen, and take the waters,” like the Elliots and the Musgroves. There we will explore the impressive Roman Baths, commonly visited for their healing qualities, with the possibility to spend time in the Thermae Bath Spa (optional). We will take a promenade and familiarize ourselves with the city’s beau monde. While in Bath we will take afternoon tea and learn of all the exploits and scandals of le bon ton. Spend a day experiencing the charms of Lyme Regis while hunting for ammonites along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Mary Anning searched for ammonites more than two centuries ago. There may be time to stroll along “The Walk,” but we must be mindful not to lose our footing on the steps because Captain Wentworth will not be there to catch us!

Not only will we explore gardens and abbeys, including a privately guided tour of the gardens at Iford Manor and Glastonbury Abbey, the burial place of King Arthur; but also we will visit Windsor Castle, Avebury’s unique Neolithic henge (part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with the largest prehistoric stone circle in Europe, and Salisbury Cathedral, where we will view an original 1215 Magna Carta.

Traveling round-trip from London, our small group will be accompanied by a dedicated local tour manager/guide for what is sure to be a wonderful time of learning and camaraderie. This Carleton-exclusive tour is limited to 18 guests, so I encourage you to reserve your space soon.

Faculty Leaders

Susan Jaret McKinstry

Susan Jaret McKinstry, Helen F. Lewis Professor of English, teaches courses on Jane Austen, 19th-century British literature, narrative theory, literary theory, visual studies, journalism, and creative writing. Susan’s research focuses on a transformative group of Victorian artists and writers, the Pre-Raphaelites. Happily connecting research and experience, she directed Carleton’s off-campus studies programs in London and Ireland as well as the ACM program in London and Florence, taught Visual Studies as a Fulbright Scholar in Moscow, and participated in writer’s retreats in Galway and London. She led Carleton Alumni Adventures trips to England, Scotland, Ireland, and Norway, and her first poetry book, with many poems written during one of those Alumni trips, will be published in October 2024. Susan is thrilled to embark on this adventure as we explore the beautiful landscapes and historic cities of England where Austen lived and set her memorable novels.

Prices Per Person (8 nights, double occupancy)

15-18 participants $6,595
12-14 participants $7,195
Single Supplement (limited availability) $1,095
Single room supplement will be charged when requested or required.
With fewer than 12 participants, a small group surcharge may be applied.

Itinerary

Wednesday, September 3, 2025: Depart home

Thursday, September 4: Arrive London, ENGLAND | Transfer to Windsor | Windsor Castle | Welcome reception

Friday, September 5: Chawton: Chawton House Library, Jane Austen’s House | Winchester | Welcome dinner

Saturday, September 6: Winchester: Winchester Cathedral |Iford Manor | Bath

Sunday, September 7: Bath: Walking tour, No. 1 Royal Crescent, The Jane Austen Centre

Monday, September 8: Bath: The Roman Baths, Afternoon Tea, PM at leisure OR Optional Thermae Bath Spa visit

Tuesday, September 9: Lyme Regis Fossil Beach | Glastonbury Abbey | Bath

Wednesday, September 10: Lacock Abbey | Avebury | Bath

Thursday, September 11: Wilton: Wilton House | Salisbury: Farewell lunch, Salisbury Cathedral | London

Friday, September 12: Fly home


Additional Information

To reserve your space using an online form, click here.
For reservations or for more information, download the detailed brochure, call 800-811-7244 or email Carleton College Alumni Adventures.

Download the detailed brochure.