44 Must-See Literary Landmarks in the United Kingdom

29. Overton, Jane Austen’s Childhood Stomping Grounds in Hampshire

While the village of Overton might not immediately spring to mind as a Jane Austen landmark, this charming Hampshire destination holds an important place in the formative years of one of England’s greatest novelists. As a child, Austen lived nearby in Steventon, and Overton, with its picturesque countryside and quaint architecture, played a significant role in shaping her early observations of society, relationships, and the English gentry—elements that would later define her timeless novels. Recently, Overton has embraced its Austenian heritage by unveiling walking and cycling trails that trace the landscapes she once knew so well. Visitors can explore scenic routes that wind through the very fields and country lanes that may have influenced her pastoral settings in Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Along the way, information boards provide context on Austen’s connections to the area, offering deeper insights into the real-life inspirations behind her fictional worlds. A visit to Overton is not just about literary history—it’s about experiencing the world through Austen’s eyes. Whether wandering past the rolling green hills or pausing at historic sites that remain unchanged since her time, visitors can step into the quiet elegance of a bygone era, where wit, romance, and social commentary first took root in a young writer’s imagination.