Wagner's Ring Cycle at Grange Park Opera

Join us for a cultural and musical treat as we head to Surrey to enjoy a short break that includes a ticket to a performance at the Grange Park Opera, one of the UK's most prestigious country house opera venues. Located in the grounds of West Horsley Place, a 15th-century manor once owned by the great-grandson of Henry VIII, the opera company was founded in 1998 and has staged over 80 operas.

2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the world premiere of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen, which was first performed in its entirety at the inaugural Bayreuth Festival in 1876. Our tour includes a performance of Das Rheingold, the first part of Wagner’s epic Ring Cycle, to be spread across the next four years, as well as a welcome reception and interval dining.

In addition to the opera performance, sightseeing highlights of this tour include Loseley House, The Sculpture Park, and a day trip to nearby Guildford.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive independently at the Wotton House Hotel from 15.00. Evening welcome reception, followed by a talk by a Wagner speaker as an introduction to the performance on Day 2.  Group dinner with wine at the hotel.

Day 2: Guildford and Grange Park Opera with dinner
Today, we spend the morning in nearby Guildford. With its cobbled High Street, medieval castle, and rich literary heritage, this charming town offers a wonderful blend of history and culture. A local guide will lead a walking tour, highlighting landmarks such as Guildford Castle, and the Guildhall, then we have some free time for further exploration. After time for lunch (own expense), return to the hotel to get ready before travelling to Grange Park Opera for the highlight of our short tour - a performance of Das Rheingold, the first part of Wagner’s epic Ring Cycle, in the five-tier opera house’s intimate 700-seat auditorium. On arrival we enjoy a glass of champagne and canapés in the Rose Garden before the performance starts in the opera house which was inspired by La Scala in Milan. Our package price includes a Category B ticket. During the long interval, dinner is served in the elegant Duchess Restaurant, with wine included. After the performance, we return to the hotel for around 22.30. 

Day 3: Loseley Park
This morning, we visit the stately Loseley Park, a Tudor manor house built in the 1560s and still owned by the More-Molyneux family. The house has hosted royalty—including Queen Elizabeth I—and boasts beautifully preserved interiors and a tranquil walled garden. A guided tour will reveal the stories behind its tapestries, panelled rooms, and family portraits. After exploring the gardens, we enjoy a traditional Ploughman’s Platter in the café, with a glass of elderflower fizz. Our final visit is to The Sculpture Park in Farnham, a unique outdoor gallery featuring over 600 sculptures by 500 established, emerging, and international artists. Return to Wootton House for approx. 17.00.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 30 passengers. 

INCLUDED

• Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Wotton House Hotel, near Dorking, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception
• First night three-course dinner with wine at the hotel
• Category B ticket for a performance at Grange Park Opera
• Group dinner at Grange Park Opera in the Duchess Restaurant
• Lunch at Loseley House
• All guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
• Coach touring as per the itinerary
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Holiday Insurance 
• Double for sole use supplement - £210
• Meals other than those stated 
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities 

HOTEL

Wotton House Hotel, Surrey

This four-star, 17th-century country estate is nestled in the Surrey countryside, and offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, and tennis courts, all set within 13 acres of Grade II-listed Italian gardens. The elegant bedrooms offer modern amenities including TV, telephone, tea/coffee-making facilities, ironing facilities, and hairdryer.

Please note that complimentary parking is available onsite. The nearest rail station is Dorking (4 miles).

Hotel Website 

MORE INFO

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.