In the summer of 1533, Henry and Gertrude Courtenay opened the gates of West Horsley Place to King Henry VIII himself, welcoming him for four days of feasting, hunting and lavish entertainment. This weekend, we're recreating that same welcome — and this time, you're the guest of honour.
Here's everything you need to know before you arrive, so you can spend the day exploring and make the most of your visit.
West Horsley Place is off the A246 between Guildford and Leatherhead, with our main gates marked by two West Horsley Place signs. Parking is free, but please note the main tarmacked car park is reserved for disabled visitors and families with buggies. All other vehicles will be directed to our overflow parking areas.
Once you're on site, our map and running order show you where everything's happening and when, from the first joust of the day to the last dance lesson. Signs on site will display the map and timetable, whilst a digital copy can be downloaded below.
West Horsley Place is accessible to all our visitors. On the day, you'll find accessible viewing areas at the falconry and jousting arenas, accessible parking in our main car park, quiet zones in the Manor House, seating in the Manor House, picnic area, and falconry and jousting arenas, and accessible toilets in the barn. An electric vehicle is also available on request to help you move around the site. If you have specific access requirements, please get in touch before your visit, and we'll be happy to help — for further accessibility information, head to our accessibility page.
Travel back to the summer of 1533 as West Horsley Place welcomes King Henry VIII and his new queen, Anne Boleyn, for a weekend of Tudor splendour. Enjoy thrilling jousts, living history, falconry, music, dancing, hands-on activities, craft stalls and delicious food while discovering the remarkable story of the King's visit to West Horsley Place.
Your ticket includes access to:
Living history encampments
Three spectacular jousts
Tudor plays and performances
Falconry displays
Tudor dance workshops
Jester shows and workshops
Have-A-Go Archery
Knight School
Mini Joust
Craft stalls
Family activities including shield painting and face painting
Access to the historic house and gardens — where you can meet Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Thomas Cromwell and the Courtenays.
Some activities may have limited capacity.
Most activities are included and available throughout the day — just turn up and join in. The one exception is our Tudor Dance Workshops: they're free, but spaces are limited, so please book your place at the Welcome Area as soon as you arrive.
Absolutely! Hosting Henry VIII is designed for all ages, with plenty of family-friendly entertainment and hands-on activities throughout the day.
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome in the grounds. Only assistance dogs are permitted inside the house and walled gardens. Please clean up after your dog.
Free parking is available on site, with accessible parking close to the entrance for Blue Badge holders. Most of the event takes place outdoors on grass and gravel paths, with some uneven surfaces typical of a historic estate. Accessible toilets are available, and an electric vehicle can be arranged on request for lifts to/from the car park, Welcome Area, or around the site. For seating, you'll find picnic benches in the food & drink area, hay bales at the jousting and falconry arenas (with designated wheelchair spaces), and further seating inside the Manor House, which also has a Quiet Room and is entirely ground floor. Please contact us before your visit if you have specific access requirements.
The event goes ahead in most weather conditions, so please dress for the forecast and wear sturdy footwear for walking on grass. In hot weather, bring a hat and sun cream, and refill water bottles at the point outside the barn. Many visitors enjoy dressing in Tudor-inspired costume, though this is entirely optional.
Yes — bring a picnic to enjoy in designated areas, or choose from a range of food vendors serving hot meals, snacks, cakes, ice cream and drinks throughout the day. Most traders accept card, though it's worth carrying some cash too. Please note alcohol bought off-site can't be brought in.
West Horsley Place operates a no-smoking policy across the estate.
Yes — photography for personal use is encouraged. Please be considerate during performances and when photographing our reenactors.
Toilets, including accessible facilities and baby changing, are available on site, along with a first aid station in the main event field.
Gates open at 10.00am, and we'd recommend arriving early if you want to catch the first joust or a popular workshop. You don't need to stay all day, but we'd suggest allowing 4–5 hours to enjoy the full programme, which runs until the King and Queen depart at 4.30pm. If you need to step out and return later, just let our Welcome Team know before you leave.
Don't miss the spectacular Grand Jousts, falconry displays, meeting Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell, Tudor dancing, Knight School and Mini Joust, and exploring the historic house and gardens. Keep an eye out too for our three live story scenes, which bring the true events of 1533 to life: 10.30am – The King Returns from the Hunt, 12.45pm – A Royal Inspection, and 4.30pm – The King & Queen Take their Leave.
Yes. The same programme of activities, performances and displays takes place on both Saturday and Sunday.
You'll receive an email with the programme timings ahead of arrival, and the schedule will also be displayed at key locations around the site. Our Welcome Team and volunteer stewards are always happy to help you find activities.
Participants must meet the minimum height requirement set by our archery provider, and children must be supervised by an adult. Our team will advise on the day — children under the height requirement can still have a go at soft archery.
If you need help on the day, then just ask one of our team - look out for people wearing orange Hosting Henry t-shirts around the site, or head to the Welcome Point at the entrance.
You can also reach us:
Phone: 01483 282032
Email: info@westhorsleyplace.org
Ready for the next chapter? Join us this Autumn for a festival of fire, feasting and fierce Saxon combat – as the nights draw in, West Horsley Place transforms for an evening of warriors, craftsfolk and storytelling.
