Her aunt dies and, in her will, leaves Jane a trip[1] to an Austen theme park in the English countryside, where customers and actors role-play as characters in the Regency era.

[5] Austenland tells the story of 32-year-old Jane Hayes, an average New York woman who secretly has an unhealthy obsession with Mr. Darcy from the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

The proprietress, Mrs. Wattlesbrook, is eager to preserve these rules at Pembrook Park and makes it clear that Jane–who didn't pay for the trip herself–is not their usual type of customer.

Jane grows bored and resorts to using her contraband cell phone, asking her friend for information on Martin Jasper and Henry Jenkins (Mr. Nobley).

Mr. Nobley tells Jane that Miss Heartwright and Captain East had previously been engaged, but her family disapproved and they were forced apart, though she still loves him.

In the departing carriage ride the next morning, Miss Heartwright explains that Mr. Nobley was behind saving Jane after her cell phone was discovered.

"[8] Ruth Myles of the Edmonton Journal wrote that Hale "creates a charming world that provides an entertaining diversion from the hustle and bustle of modern life" in Austenland.

[11] A Publishers Weekly review stated: "Though the narrative is endlessly charming, Jane is convincing neither as a sarcastic single girl nor as a romantic idealist, and the supporting cast is underdeveloped.

[13] The cast includes Keri Russell as Jane Hayes, JJ Feild as Mr. Nobley, Jennifer Coolidge as Miss Charming, and Bret McKenzie as Martin.

[17] The Hollywood Reporter praised the film's balance between Coolidge's comedy and Russell's sincerity, and noted that the plot "fall[s] into a bona-fide Jane Austen mold.

"[18] A few differences exist between the novel and the film; in the latter, Jane pays for the trip herself and can only afford the "copper" package, thus emphasizing the theme of social class frequently found in Austen's writing.