A spectacular weekend festival full of Tudor merry-making. Enjoy jousting, falconry, music and food!
In 1533 Henry & Gertrude Courtenay welcomed King Henry VIII for a visit to West Horsley Place. Almost 500 years later we are recreating this momentous stay as a unique multi-sensory experience.
You can taste the King's feast, listen to Tudor music, watch falconry displays, cheer for your favourite jousting knight and much more.
It will be an epic day out to remember.
Important Information
Dates: Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September
Times: 10am - 5pm
Venue: Gardens and the ground floor of the Manor House
Price: EARLY BIRD TICKETS available until the end of April: Adults £22, Children £8
Please note that on 1 May prices will rise to £25 for adults and £10 for children
Things to see & do:
- Immerse Yourself in the Story of the King's Visit
Inside the Manor House you will be plunged into the world of Lord & Lady Exeter. Enter the real location of the 1533 visit, the Stone Hall, where colourful tapestries, sweet-smelling herbs and live music await you. Meet your hosts Henry and Gertrude Courtenay and their honoured guests Thomas Cromwell and the king himself.
- Try real Tudor Food
Costumed history experts will allow you to meet the servants that worked here and tempt you to try authentic food from the surviving 1533 menu.
- Watch Henry VIII's Joust
Our host Henry Courtenay was one of the court's most skilled jousters. For one weekend only, witness the spectacle of the king's best knights as they compete for his favour. Learn about the armour they wore and how they jousted in authentic period detail.
- Witness Tudor Falconry
The king spent much time here hunting. Enjoy a skilled and authentic recreation of Tudor hawking and falconry will be presented by Raphael Historic Falconry. Live demonstrations will involve different birds as well as hounds. Between demonstrations you will be able to view the birds at rest and meet the falconers.
- Party Like it's 1533
Sign yourself up for a free Tudor dance session where you will learn some of the most popular dances at the court accompanied by live music.
- Have Fun in the Kids' Zone
Having been inspired by the jousting, younger visitors can have a go at mini-jousting. They can also have their face painted, create their own shield, try their hand at archery or go to Jester School!
- Chat with the Tudors
As you wander the beautiful grounds you will be able to chat to an array of living history experts in costume. From ladies of the court to blacksmiths, commoners and more!
- Eat, Drink & Shop
Rest assured that as well as trying authentic Tudor food, there will be plenty of contemporary cuisine on site, including a traditional hog roast, coffee and ice-cream.
You are welcome to bring a picnic too.
Extra Information
Please note: The upstairs of the Manor House will not be open on the Hosting Henry VIII weekend festival. The majority of the festival will be held outside.
Dogs are welcome but must be on short fixed leads at all times. They are not allowed in the Manor House or walled gardens.
Event organiser is West Horsely Place.
Disclaimer: All information was correct when the listing was prepared. Any questions about the event should be directed to the event organiser.