West Horsley Place invites visitors to step into its extraordinary Tudor past

This summer, West Horsley Place is inviting visitors to step into the extraordinary world of the Tudors with a specially curated Tudor Season that brings the estate’s remarkable Tudor story vividly to life.

Through an immersive living history festival, an atmospheric Tudor concert, a fascinating Tudor Historians Day, and expert-led guided tours, visitors will have the opportunity to experience Tudor history where it happened.

Set within the Surrey Hills, the historic Grade I listed manor house has a Tudor story unlike almost any other.

Once owned by powerful Tudor court figures Henry and Gertrude Courtenay, later seized by King Henry VIII, and frequented by his daughter Queen Elizabeth I, West Horsley Place was far more than a country retreat – it was a place of political intrigue, royal entertainment, music, power and drama.

Research undertaken by West Horsley Place Trust in partnership with the University of Exeter and Historic Royal Palaces has helped uncover the extraordinary significance of the estate during the Tudor period, revealing a house truly fit for a king.

The West Horsley Place Tudor Season begins with Tudor Historians Day on Sunday 19 July, bringing together four renowned experts – Tracy Borman, Joanne Paul, Nicola Clark and Melita Thomas – for a fascinating day of talks exploring one of history’s most compelling dynasties.

On selected Wednesdays throughout the year, visitors can uncover the estate’s hidden Tudor stories through Tudor Traces, a guided history tour exploring surviving Tudor architecture, gardens and the remarkable figures who shaped West Horsley Place.

Then on Wednesday 22 July, The Tudor Songbook offers an atmospheric musical journey into the soundscape of the Tudor court, with acclaimed early music specialist Jay Britton performing music from the period, including compositions by Henry VIII himself, songs associated with Anne Boleyn, and richly layered Elizabethan works.

The Tudor Season reaches its spectacular climax with Hosting Henry VIII, returning on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July.

Inspired by the real events of the summer of 1533, when Henry and Gertrude Courtenay welcomed King Henry VIII to West Horsley Place for four days of feasting, hunting and lavish entertainment, the immersive festival transforms the estate into a living Tudor court.

Remarkably, records of the royal visit survive – including the original banquet menu – allowing today’s visitors to step directly into a fascinating moment from the estate’s history.

Visitors will be welcomed by Henry and Gertrude Courtenay, encounter notable Tudor figures including Thomas Cromwell, Anne Boleyn and King Henry, and immerse themselves in jousting, falconry, theatre, music, dancing and authentic food inspired by the original royal visit.

Clare Clinton, Arts, Heritage & Learning Manager at West Horsley Place, said:

“West Horsley Place has an extraordinary Tudor story – one shaped by real people, royal intrigue, dramatic rises and falls, and events that genuinely happened here. Our Tudor Season gives visitors the chance not simply to learn about Tudor history, but to step into it – whether through immersive living history, music, expert insight or guided exploration of the estate itself.”

Tickets for all Tudor events are available to book online now. Early bird tickets are still available for Hosting Henry VIII, starting from £20 for adults and £10 for children.

As with all West Horsley Place events, proceeds support the ongoing conservation of the historic estate, which remains on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.

Full programme details and tickets are available at westhorsleyplace.org. 

Members of Historic Houses can enjoy 10% off tickets to the Hosting Henry VIII event on 25-26 July, using the code HH8 at checkout.