Bath is one my favourite stops in the UK. Not only is it beautiful and full of history, it is also rich with “Englishness” that you don’t really get to see in the cosmopolitan melting-pot that is London. Given Bath’s beauty and tranquillity, it’s no wonder that the town was popular with many of the great English writers, including Jane Austen.

Jane used Bath as a setting for two of her novels, and Bath in return pays its tribute to Jane through the Jane Austen Centre. Situated a few doors away from where Jane actually lived, the Centre is a mock-up of her home.

This quirky little stop is must for Austen fans. Outside you are greeted by a man in costume; he certainly isn’t Darcy, but his manner is cheerful. He is more than willing to pose in any photographs you may be taking, even if you don’t want him to!

Inside, you can watch an introductory film chronicling Jane’s life in Bath and her writing, browse through fragile, yellowing manuscripts, personal articles (like Jane’s handwritten letters to her sister, Cassandra) and other memorabilia, sitting behind a protective sheet of glass. On the terrace there is a charming tearoom, where you can indulge in high tea. But the place that fascinated me the most was the gift shop. It holds some delightful treasures: Jane’s first booklet, published when she was 16; rare first editions that cost an arm and a leg; vintage postcards and posters; and of course the entire Austen collection.

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