Deep in the rolling hills of Surrey is Grange Park Opera, set in the grounds of West Horsley Place, a magical location with a crinkle crankle wall, a woodland glade, an ancient orchard with a 300 year-old mulberry tree and a Theatre in the Woods ringing with first-class opera. An evening at Grange Park Opera is more than music, song, picnics and champagne: you’ll be treading in the footsteps of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and even a BBC ghost or two. This is my guide to what to expect, from where to dine and what to wear to how to get there.
About Grange Park Opera
Grange Park Opera is located in the grounds of West Horsley Place, near Leatherhead in Surrey. It was founded in 1998 by Wasfi Kani and has staged dozens of operas, first from its original home in Hampshire and then, from 2017, from its purpose-built home at West Horsley Place. Operas are staged in the Theatre in the Woods, an auditorium seating around 700 people that is inspired by La Scala in Milan.
History of West Horsley Place
The Grade I listed manor house has a long history. It was inherited in 2014 by the broadcaster Bamber Gascoigne from his great-aunt Mary, Duchess of Roxburghe, who had died aged 99, and he opened his house and gardens to the opera company.
You may recognise West Horsley Place from the screen. It is Button House in the BBC series Ghosts, and it has also appeared in productions including The Crown, Enola Holmes and My Cousin Rachel.
The Stone Hall, where you can dine during Grange Park Opera, was once frequented by Henry VIII. The king once stopped in for a spot of lunch, and his host Henry Courtenay, Marquess of Exeter, is said to have had to dish up a 35-course meal for the king and his large retinue. Poor Courtenay would later lose his head to Henry’s hot temper, and in 1538 the house passed to the Crown.
Queen Elizabeth I stayed at West Horsley Place for a week in August 1559. A pop-up theatre is said to have been erected for the royal stay, and she watched courtiers running at the ring from a window.
What’s on at Grange Park Opera
Each summer season brings a mix of grand opera classics, star singers and special gala evenings, and the company also stages community events in the Theatre in the Woods, including a free primary school concert. Check the what’s on page for the current programme and tickets.
On arrival: champagne, canapés and tea
Arrive at least an hour early to soak up the atmosphere of the walled garden, and even longer if you want a pre-performance glass of bubbles. I recommend arriving about one and a half hours before the start of the performance.
Pre-ordered champagne and canapés are served in the Rose Garden, and you can also buy drinks on the spot at the bar. If it’s tea and cake you prefer, head for the Tea Tent on the Croquet Lawn.
Dining at Grange Park Opera
There are many dining options at Grange Park Opera, some of which are weather-dependent. Details and booking notice change, so check the dining page before you go.
The Duchess Restaurant
Enjoy a three-course dinner in the house, in rooms such as the Library, the Red Drawing Room or the Stone Hall. Restaurant tables need to be booked in advance.
Picnics
Bring your own picnic or order a Grange Park Opera picnic and pick a favourite spot in which to enjoy it. These include private pavilions in the walled garden and spaces in the marquees on the lawns. I have dined in both marquee areas and prefer the Croquet Lawn, which is more atmospheric and, I think, a prettier setting. You can also bring a picnic rug or chairs and pick a spot throughout the gardens.
If you’re bringing a picnic, be aware there is a short walk from the car park to most picnic areas, and porters can carry your hamper for a fee.
What to wear to Grange Park Opera
The standard dress code is black tie with long evening gowns, but do feel free to push the fashion boat and wear something a little more unusual. And do go for comfort if you can. I recommend flat and comfortable shoes so that you can enjoy a walk around the beautiful gardens. Yours truly once tripped up in her heels and has since learnt her lesson!
How to get to Grange Park Opera
Grange Park Opera is near Leatherhead in Surrey. Horsley station is one mile away (about a 25-minute walk). You can also drive to West Horsley Place, which is off the A246 between Guildford and Leatherhead.
Want to arrive in style? You can book a vintage car from Horsley station or from London, for example through UCC Hire.
Once you arrive, you will need to walk or drive to the car park area, where attendants will provide guidance.
Become a member
Grange Park Opera receives no public subsidies, so membership helps to keep the flame going in more ways than one. There are several levels of membership, and the perks include priority booking for future productions, tours with CEO Wasfi Kani and invitations to the stage after a performance. Check out the options on the membership page.
Grange Park Opera: frequently asked questions
Where is Grange Park Opera?
Grange Park Opera is at West Horsley Place, Epsom Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT24 6AN, in a Theatre in the Woods in the grounds of the house.
What is the dress code at Grange Park Opera?
The standard dress code is black tie with long evening gowns, though you are welcome to wear something a little more unusual. Comfortable flat shoes are a good idea for the gardens.
Can you bring a picnic to Grange Park Opera?
Yes. You can bring your own picnic or order one from Grange Park Opera, and eat in the pavilions, the marquees or anywhere in the gardens.
How early should you arrive at Grange Park Opera?
Arrive at least an hour before the performance, and ideally about one and a half hours early, to enjoy the walled garden and a glass of champagne.
How do you get to Grange Park Opera by train?
The nearest station is Horsley, about one mile or a 25-minute walk from West Horsley Place.
Address: Grange Park Opera, The Theatre in the Woods, West Horsley Place, Epsom Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT24 6AN. Visit the official website for tickets.
I was a guest of Grange Park Opera.
If you love music and opera, see my guides to Handel in London and my Steinway factory tour in Hamburg.