Take a trip to the charming chocolate box village of Chawton and it’s easy to see why Jane Austen was so inspired by the glorious South Downs surroundings. It was here she made her final home and wrote some of her best-loved novels. If you’re a fan of her work or romantically inclined like myself, then the enchanting red brick cottage, now the Jane Austen’s House Museum, is well worth a visit.

You’ll see the tiny writing table from which Jane is said to have penned a great many of her final novels including Mansfield Park, Emma and Persuasion. The cottage is also home to that infamous ‘creaking door’…

On your way out do make sure you venture into the recently renovated gift shop. Being of a practical nature I couldn’t resist the lovely lady notes, and was almost tempted by a postcard of the very dashing Mr Darcy.

Conclude your visit with afternoon tea at Cassandra’s Cup. The delicious locally baked cakes come in very generous portions. The perfect end to a very British day out.