As Bath prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with its most impressive Jane Austen festival to date, the Grade I listed Francis Hotel invites guests to step back in time with a celebration of its own Georgian roots.

Held annually in Bath, the Jane Austen Festival is the largest and longest-running Austen celebration in the world, attracting over 3,500 visitors each year across ten days of Regency-themed events including costumed promenades, theatrical performances, dances, talks and immersive tours. In order to mark the occasion, visitors will experience a landmark programme running from 12th – 21st September.

Situated on Queen Square, where Austen once stayed in 1799, the Francis Hotel offers an immersive experience for admirers of the famed author. The hotel is also just a few minutes walk from the Jane Austen Centre, offering the perfect base for festival-goers seeking history and an unforgettable setting for their Austen-inspired stay.

To further enhance the experience, the Francis Hotel has launched the “Explore Bath” package, perfect for Jane Austen enthusiasts. This two-night stay includes tickets to both the recently restored Georgian townhouse museum No.1 Royal Crescent and The Jane Austen Centre. After a day of exploring the city’s rich Regency history, guests are invited to relax and unwind at Bath’s most historic hotel – one of the first Georgian buildings to be built in the city. Each morning, guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast in the recently launched Emberwood restaurant before discovering the nearby locations that bring the period to life, all less than a 10-minute walk away.

The Francis Hotel is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound renovation, which is being led by acclaimed design practice 3D Reid. The hotel’s transformation will celebrate the hotel’s rich heritage, blending contemporary style with Georgian-inspired interiors, reflecting the world that Jane Austen once wrote about.

For Jane Austen fans, this year’s festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with the Francis Hotel promising a stay that is as enchanting as the stories in her beloved novels.