Culture & Creative IndustriesNews

West Horsley Place reopens to visitors this spring with its biggest programme yet, enabling many more people to discover and enjoy the Grade 1 listed manor house and 380-acre historic estate.

 

From exploring watercolours to watching The Wind in the Willows, discovering ancient woodland to immersive storytelling, the programme has been expanded for 2023 following sell-out events and activities in 2022 and 2021.  As well as more tours and Open Days, there will be more arts & crafts activities, more nature, wildlife and outdoor learning opportunities, more performances – and many more events for families, including Easter Family Fun, with a host of activities available during the Easter holiday (11-14 April).

 

Other highlights include:

 

For families

The Tale of Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny 26 July, 3pm

The Wind in the Willows 22 August, 3pm

Two all-time childhood favourites brought to West Horsley Place this summer by leading touring company, Quantum Theatre.  Performed outdoors, both productions promise a magical afternoon of fun for all the family!

 

Conversations in the Corridors 1 June, 9.30am, 11.30am, 2pm

Inspired by the rich history of West Horsley Place, acclaimed children’s author Lucy Reynolds will lead a series of family workshops to help younger visitors develop creative writing skills by telling their own stories – that they can then take home and share with friends.

 

Bad Dad 2 August, 6pm

An adaptation of David Walliams’ bestselling children’s book by outdoor theatre experts, Heartbreak Productions, that follows the highs and lows of a father-son relationship.  Perfect summer family entertainment!

 

Outdoor theatre

As You Like It 19 May, 7pm

Robin Hood 8 September, 8pm

The Three Inch Fools return to West Horsley Place this summer with their hilarious production of Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy, As You Like It, and their calamitous take on legendary folktale, Robin Hood.  Musical instruments, many costume changes and much merriment!

 

Arts & Crafts

Pattern and Repetition 5 April

Drawing for Beginners 11 April

Exploring Watercolours 19 April, 21 June

A series of artist-led workshops inspired by the fascinating Manor House and historic West Horsley Place estate, suitable for all levels.

 

Nature

Estate Tours available weekly

A guided walk led by Estate Manager, Matt Link, exploring the beautiful West Horsley Place estate.

 

Storytelling

One Thousand and One Nights 20 April, 21 April

Immersive storytelling sessions led by Storyteller in Residence, Olivia Armstrong, and unique to West Horsley Place.  Suitable for 16+.

Olivia will also share stories at Open Days.

 

Tours & Open Days

Nooks & Crannies Tours available weekly

Filming Tours available weekly

Open Days twice monthly

There will be more opportunities to discover West Horsley Place through Tours and Open Days in 2023.

 

The Nooks & Crannies Tour – which sold-out in 2022 – returns, taking visitors to areas of the Grade I listed Manor House that are not otherwise open to the public.

 

Home to the hit BBC One TV Series Ghosts, on the weekly Filming Tour visitors can discover more about how West Horsley Place became Button House and also hear about other TV series and films it has featured in, including Enola Holmes, Vanity Fair, My Cousin Rachel, Mothering Sunday, Howard’s End and more.

 

And on Open Days, visitors can explore West Horsley Place at their own pace, visiting the main rooms in the Manor House, the Walled Gardens and wider grounds.

 

Ilona Harris, Director of West Horsley Place Trust, said:

 

“West Horsley Place is a place full of stories and histories to be revealed and discovered. What started as a family home, has taken on a new life as a place, the place for people to discover and enjoy arts, culture, heritage and nature. 2023 will see us launch our largest public programme to date of theatre, performance, spoken word, visual arts, wellbeing, children’s activities and hands on courses. At our heart remains that feeling of a family home, somewhere everyone is welcome, somewhere where everyone can add their story to those that have come before. Whether you buy a ticket to a show, take part in a course or simply visit for a coffee you will be supporting West Horsley Place, adding your story to ours and funding the preservation of this special place. We hope to see you soon!”

 

For the latest programme information, further information and to book tickets: westhorsleyplace.org

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Photo: The Stone Hall at West Horsley Place by David Harland