Wander & Wassail
An Open Day
Explore the manor house in the depths of winter and join us in a traditional wassail in our ancient orchard.
Explore our magical manor house this winter. West Horsley Place is full of a thousand years of stories from its Saxon origins to visits from Ian Fleming. The manor is a cross section of architectural and decorative styles reflecting how it has developed over the centuries. Wander our unspoiled and authentic rooms, untouched since the 1930s and find some cheer by our roaring fire.
This January we will kickstart our wellbeing by holding a traditional wassail in our ancient orchard. This tradition has been practised since the early middle ages designed to bless the apple trees with a bountiful harvest for the coming year. You’ll head to the Orchard in the Walled Gardens to ward off bad spirits by making as much noise as possible, and welcome good ones by blessing the apple tree. Don’t forget to bring along an instrument or anything that will help make a noise to add to the festivities!
Things to see and do
Explore the Manor House on a free flow route with expert stewards available to tell you the history of the site.
Jane's Historical Kitchen will be serving delicious traditional mulled cider and mulled apply juice to warm you cockles. Find them in our Tudor Kitchen.
Ewell Morris Company will entertain you with a traditional display of morris dancing before leading our wassail procession to the orchard.
Wassail join us at 2pm as we process from the front of the manor house to the orchard. Our wassail will be filled with music, song, and laughter! Join us among the apple trees as we toast their health with spiced cider, hang toast in the branches as offerings, and make merry with folk tunes, dancing, and hearty cheer. This centuries-old custom blesses the orchard for a fruitful year ahead — a vibrant blend of nature, community, and timeless English tradition.
Sound Pictures Spark your winter wellbeing by having your essence interpreted into music and art! Professional musicians will improvise live, intuitive pieces—ranging from jazz to gentle, meditative melodies—while artists simultaneously paint or sketch visual impressions inspired by the sound. Each 10-minute session becomes a musical portrait: a resonance of spirit to spirit, offering calm, beauty, and emotional insight. Sound Pictures bring moments of healing, reflection— leaving participants uplifted and inspired.
The word “wassail” comes from the Old English toast “wes hál”, meaning “be healthy” or “be whole.”
Practical Information
Tickets must be booked in advance. Last entry is 3pm.
Hot drinks and snacks will be available to buy from Tiger Lily Bus Company.
Dogs are not allowed at this event.
For access information please visit our Access Page.
