Hosting Henry VIII
Living History Festival
An amazing family day out full of jousting, falconry, music and Tudor food.
Step right back in time in a dramatic weekend of history and family fun.
West Horsley Place will recreate King Henry VIII's visit in an authentic festival based on real research.
We explore all the incredible pastimes of the Tudor court including the spectacles of jousting and falconry.
Come and party like it's 1533. This is a multi‑sensory history experience that is not to be missed.
Gallery
Things to see and do
Step into history – Explore the Manor House’s Stone Hall with tapestries, herbs, music, and costumed hosts recreating a real and well-researched visit.
Immerse yourself in the story of the King's visit - Meet your hosts, West Horsley Place owners Henry and Gertrude Courtenay and their honoured guests like Thomas Cromwell. But take care! Many of them have secrets they wish to keep from the King!
Taste Tudor flavours – Sample dishes from the original 1533 menu.
Watch Henry VIII’s joust – See knights compete in authentic armour.
Experience Tudor falconry – Live hawking and falconry displays with birds, hounds, and expert falconers.
Watch Tudor Theatre - Melford Hys Companie, a talented troupe of Tudor re-enactors will heartily entertain you with music, dancing, plays, and even Tudor games like trapball.
Dance like it’s 1533 – Put your best step forward an join free Tudor dance lessons with live Tudor music.
Kids’ zone – There is plenty for children to enjoy. Get hand-on with interactive activities that bring history to life including mini-jousting, sword fighting classes, shield making, archery and Jester School.
Practical information
Dogs are allowed at this event but not inside the Manor House or walled gardens.
Access
The tarmacked carpark will be reserved for disabled parking and families with buggies. All other visitors will be directed to parking on grass when they arrive.
There will be accessible viewing areas at the falconry and jousting arenas reserved for disabled visitors. Please request a map of where these are when you arrive.
We have a golf buggy style vehicle which can be requested to transport disabled visitors across the site at this event (not suitable for wheelchair users who are unable to transfer between seats).
For access information please visit our Access Page.
LIVING HISTORY PASS
With our 2026 Living History Pass, you’ll get entry to all four of our living history festivals for only £40 per adult and £20 per child. Come to one, come to them all — the choice is yours. At just £10 per festival, it’s incredible value! Plus it gives you the flexibility to choose which day of the weekend you would like to come - or come to both days.
Events included are: Regency Revels, Hosting Henry VIII, Saxon Saga and Crewe's Christmas.
Buy a Living History Pass on our store.
