Reviews & Testimonials
Since Hidden Britain Tours was founded many people have enjoyed our Jane Austen Tour, immersing themselves in the beautiful countryside and historic locations that helped to forge one of Britains most popular literary figures. Our tour is a feature of many travel blogs and articles, and we have received reviews and testimonials from clients all over the world. Here is just a small sample.
Travel Blogs
Hidden Britain Tours offer the Jane Austen Dancing Years Tour. Visit her birthplace, the "cradle of her genius", the church where her father was rector and trace the people she mentions in her letters in beautiful Hampshire villages and churches. See the country houses where she danced and fell in and out of love.
Travel in a people carrier with Phil Howe, who tells the stories and gossip of the late 1700’s that clearly informed her as a young girl, woman and author. An essential tour for anyone wanting to know more about Jane Austen’s formative years. On the tour you'll have lunch in a country inn, and then visit the Jane Austen’s House Museum at Chawton where she spent her last years. A must for any Janeite!
Jane's novels, such as Pride and Prejudice and Emma , depict the sweeping dramas of people from different social classes. Jane was also one of the few female writers to break into the elite league of 19th-century literary figures. Pilgrimages to trace her footsteps are offered by Hidden Britain Tours.
Phil Howe is a gem - a Renaissance man with extensive knowledge of not just Jane Austen's life and works, but of her personality, her relationships, and the land on which she walked and grew up with her family and friends. His tour is personal, even simple at times, but informed by deep kniowledge and appreciation, and plenty of witticism and laughs. When we arrived at Steventon, Jane's childhood home, he knew the church warden and we were afforded a truly unique opportunity - to ring the church bells in honor of Queen Elizabeth's passing the day before, during the official hour in which church bells rang across the United Kingdom. We had a wonderful tour with a person we now call a friend. If you want to get to know and understand Jane, take a tour with Phil.
Articles
An informative guided three hour tour that will enhance your understanding of one of the worlds most famous authors, Jane Austen. You will visit the site of her birthplace at Steventon, known as the cradle of her genius and explore Hampshire’s narrow lanes and visit the villages and ancient churches to trace the people she mentions in her letters. You will see the country houses where she danced and fell in love while expert guide and author Phil Howe explains the countryside and the social and cultural landscape as it was in the late 1700’s..
Google Reviews
Phil Howe is a gem - a Renaissance man with extensive knowledge of not just Jane Austen's life and works, but of her personality, her relationships, and the land on which she walked and grew up with her family and friends. His tour is personal, even simple at times, but informed by deep kniowledge and appreciation, and plenty of witticism and laughs. When we arrived at Steventon, Jane's childhood home, he knew the church warden and we were afforded a truly unique opportunity - to ring the church bells in honor of Queen Elizabeth's passing the day before, during the official hour in which church bells rang across the United Kingdom. We had a wonderful tour with a person we now call a friend. If you want to get to know and understand Jane, take a tour with Phil.
John Kyle
Tripadvisor Reviews
I cannot rave enough about this tour! Phil was so energetic and knowledgeable that even the 2 members of our family who are not huge Jane Austen fans had an absolutely wonderful time. As for my 16 year old Jane Austen fanatic, she declared it her favorite vacation activity that she's ever done (and we've traveled extensively). If you want to learn little known facts about Jane Austen, see quaint villages that are part of her history, and have wonderful conversation while doing it, this tour is for you!
Keli O - Nashville. TN
I went on this tour with Phil in 2022 and I highly recommend it. He was extremely informed on Jane Austen and more than happy to answer all my questions. He brought me to all of the fascinating Jane Austen sites and explained about them in detail, allowing ample time in each spot. This is an absolute MUST for Jane Austen fans!
Kathy M - Sugar Land. TX
This was my second time taking this personal tour of Jane Austen's birthplace - the first was 10 years ago - and I recommend taking it a second time (as well as a first). We did the full-day tour; new locations were added, and additional research by Phil made it even more updated and in-depth. The tour ended at Jane Austen's cottage in Chawton, with a trip to the larger Chawton House nearby.
Always personable, knowledgeable, and friendly, Phil's insights into Regency (and earlier) Hampshire county were as educational as they were entertaining. You don't have to be a Jane Austen expert to enjoy the history and gossip surrounding the life she lived in this lovely area of England.
Joan W - Mountain View. CA
Yelp Reviews
Hidden Britain Tours was one of the highlights of our recent time in London, Bath and Hampshire. Phil gave us an excellent tour of Jane Austen's old haunts and the beautiful Hampshire countryside. You don't have to be a Janeite to have a great time on this tour.
David G - San Marcos, US
I took the Jane Austen tour this past Fall and have rarely enjoyed a day so much. Phil was incredibly knowledgeable on all things Austen and took me to sites I never would have found myself. Plus the ability to "talk Jane" all day was half the fun. I walked away feeling I had gained a friend as well as a tour guide. I highly recommend Phil's tour if you want the full Jane in Hampshire experience.
Amanda W - Manhattan. US
