Following the success of this year’s 250th anniversary celebrations, The Gainsborough Bath Spa, continues its partnership with Strictly Jane Austen Tours, a division of Bath-based travel specialists, ECT Travel to bring the Regency era to life this festive season. This December, two immersive one-day events will capture the spirit and conviviality of Christmas, Austen-style. These celebrations set the stage for the return of the hugely successful Jane Austen Celebration Weeks, launched this year, and now to be a biannual experience taking place in Spring and Autumn 2026.
With Netflix’s Bridgerton Season 4 set to debut in 2026, Regency fever shows no signs of slowing. The return of the hit series is expected to reignite global fascination with the era’s elegance, romance and social intrigue, making The Gainsborough Bath Spa’s continued celebration of Austen’s world all the more timely.
Image: The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Festive Days 2025
Taking place on Thursday 4 & Friday 5 December 2025, the hotel will offer two enchanting days of dance, discussion and Yuletide cheer, set within its elegant Somerset and Chapel Rooms. Guests are invited to step into the grace and charm of Austen’s world with a day of festive celebration where Regency refinement meets the spirit of Christmas.
The programme includes a Regency dance workshop led by Jane Austen expert Theresa Roche, who will introduce Georgian country dancing, ballroom etiquette and the expressive language of the fan. A captivating talk, An Austen Family Christmas, by Austen scholar and author, Dr Gabrielle Malcolm will offer a glimpse into how Jane and her family marked the season in Bath and Hampshire with cherished traditions and lively gatherings. Guests will also enjoy a Regency-inspired Afternoon Tea with a glass of fizz, served in the hotel’s elegant surroundings.
The 2025 Festive programmes will run on 4 and 5 December 2025. Prices from £90 per person. For the full programme and to book, visit strictlyjaneausten.com/festivejaneausten25.
Celebration Weeks 2026
For literature enthusiasts looking ahead to 2026, The Gainsborough Bath Spa and Strictly Jane Austen Tours will host two immersive Jane Austen Celebration weeks in Spring (27 April – 2 May) and Autumn (26 – 31 October). Spanning six days, these thoughtfully curated programmes offer guests a graceful step back in time through expert-led talks, guided tours, creative workshops and Regency-inspired entertainment.
Highlights include lectures from leading Austen scholars - among them Professor John Mullan, Professor Jennie Batchelor and Dr Leigh Wetherall Dickson, alongside an embroidery workshop with historian and needlewoman Alison Larkin, a Regency dance workshop with piped music and guided visits to iconic locations including No.1 Royal Crescent, Chawton House, Lacock and the Jane Austen House Museum.
Deeply rooted in the city’s rich cultural heritage, The Gainsborough Bath Spa combines historic charm with award-winning hospitality and is the perfect setting for a celebration of Jane Austen’s enduring connection to the city.
The Celebrating Jane Austen 2026 programmes will run from 27 April - 2 May and 26 - 31 October. Prices from £2,275 per person. For the full programme and to book, visit strictlyjaneausten.com/jane_austen_celebration2026.
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