Alton’s tourism will soon blossom thanks to a Regency-style garden in memory of world-renowned author Jane Austen. 

The beautiful garden, created outside the Assembly Rooms on the High Street, was paid for in part by East Hampshire District Council’s Rural Grants scheme, part of the Grow Up! Programme.  

Alton Town Council ran the project, designing a Regency-inspired planting scheme. Including flowers mentioned in Austen’s books and charity rose varieties that are named after her and her home in Chawton. 

Two innovative ‘carriage benches’, designed to recall the wheels of a horse-drawn carriage, have also been installed to provide a dry and comfortable space for friends to meet and relax.

Cllr Robert Mocatta commented: “You can really imagine Jane Austen enjoying the flowers and plants and it’s situated on a High Street in Alton which she would have visited many times. It’s sure to bring in Austen fans from around the world.”