THE work of Jane Austen has hit the headlines this week with UK actress Keira Knightley's trip to the Oscars award ceremony.

One of the best starting points to find out more about the author has to be the Jane Austen Centre in Bath. The city of Bath and its position as the fashionable place to be plays a prominent role in the novels of one of the country's most enduringly popular authors.

It is fitting that the centre, which celebrates the author's life, should be found in the city. The centre houses a permanent exhibition, which tells the story of Austen's Bath experience and the effect the city had on her and her writing.

In a Georgian town house in the heart of the city, visitors can find out about how Austen lived and wrote and the impact of her novels, which include not only the wit and romance of Pride and Prejudice but also the equally popular Sense and Sensibility and the satire of Northanger Abbey.

The centre aims to be not only informative but also exciting and illuminating, with knowledgeable staff and books and leaflets available. It makes the perfect starting point to an exploration of Jane Austen's Bath, both for fans of her work and complete novices.

There is plenty to see and do, including a walking tour of the city. Visitors also have the chance to turn back the clock to the 19th century and get their hair, makeup and costumes done before having their picture taken, or to enjoy afternoon tea in true Austen style in the tearoom.