Your summer evening
Henry VIII came to lunch; Elizabeth I stayed for a week. Walk on the very flagstones they trod. Ours is the only summer opera season combining this deep history with a real opera house and elegant 18th century gardens.
A short walk through the ancient orchard, passing a 300-year-old mulberry tree, takes you to the five-tier opera house.
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Dress code
Many guests wear black tie and long dresses which makes for a stylish and exceptional event.
Please dress smartly and nicely. No shorts (men and women).
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Where we are
KT24 6AN. Only 23 miles from London by the Surrey Hills; Horsley Station is just a mile away.
CAR Off the A246, between Leatherhead & Guildford; 10 mins from the intersection of the A3 & M25. At the Opera House, there is ample parking space and no booking is required.
TRAIN Horsley Station is a mile away with frequent trains from Waterloo, Vauxhall, Clapham Junction (45 mins). Woking station is 8 miles away (London 25 mins; 8 trains/hour).
TAXI Taxi’s can take you to and from Horsley station and should be booked in advance. Magnum Cars are a local firm.
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Arrive in style
Guests arrive from 2 hours before the performance to wander in the walled gardens, champagne glass in hand. A convivial atmosphere reigns: the city seems far away.
There are 47 vintage cars on offer drive you to and from London or Horsley Station. Imagine arriving in a pre-war Rolls Royce . . .
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Before the opera
Pre-ordered champagne & canapés are served in the Rose Garden. Tea & cake are served in the Tea Tent on the Croquet Lawn.
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The Opera House
Nestled in the woods, a five-tier opera house modelled on La Scala, Milan, awaits. Take your seat to enjoy luxury casts in epic opera.
It is painted a rich red, with velvet seats taken from the Royal Opera House in 1997. The acoustic of the theatre has been much admired. There are pictures here.
There are 12 steps to the Stalls Circle, 26 steps to the Grand Tier, and 40 steps to the Balcony.
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The Long Interval: Dine with the Duchess
The long interval (100 mins) is all-important. A three-course meal is served in the historic house: in the Marquess’ Library (thousands of books), the Red Drawing Room, the Morning Room or in the magnificent Stone Hall. (You may recognise these interiors from BBC Ghosts).
The restaurant must be booked at least ten days in advance. If you already have a reservation, please email your menu choices and any allergies to dine@grangeparkopera.co.uk.
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The Long Interval: Picnics
Order a hamper (2025 Picnic menu) or bring your own.
You can book a private Indian pavilion or picnic at tables and chairs in a one of the larger marquee.
Or just fling down your rug anywhere in the bucolic gardens. Arrive early to find a favourite corner. There are dozens of choices.
If you bring your own caterer, you must notify the Box Office; you will need to book a pair of pavilions next to one another.
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Where to stay
Make the most of your trip by staying locally.
Barnett Hill, Wonersh – A chic boutique hotel in the heart of the Surrey Hills (9.3 miles)
Beaverbrook, Leatherhead – A stunning 470-acre estate, steeped in history (7.5 miles)
Brooklands Hotel, Weybridge – A luxury, art-deco inspired hotel and spa (10.5 miles)
Tor Hatch, Shere – Boutique rooms with stunning views over the Surrey Hills (5.9 miles)
The Talbot, Ripley – One of the most storied and historic coaching inns (4.7 miles)
Woodlands Park Hotel, Cobham – A country house, built in 1885, and, since 1981, a hotel (8.0 miles)
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Frequently asked questions
After the opera, where do the taxis wait?
Taxis must arrive 10 minutes before the end of the performance. They will not be able to enter the grounds once the performance has ended, because of the departing cars. They should wait in the car park field in front of West Horsley Place.
How do I book dining and picnics?
Please make sure you are logged in before booking dining and picnics.
Restaurant meals can be booked online up to seven days in advance and menu choices must be made at least seven days in advance.
Picnics are booked online at least seven days in advance.
I haven’t received my e-ticket
Please check your junk mail and promotions folder. If it is not there, please notify info@grangeparkopera.co.uk and your tickets will be ready for collection at the box office tent by the entrance gate.
What are the timings for the operas?
Please note that these are provisional timings only.
Can I bring my dog?
Regrettably, dogs are not permitted on-site.
Accessibility
Please visit the accessibility page for more information.