Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to book a tent/table for my interval picnic?
Although many patrons choose to pre-book a picnic space, there are a number of tables in shared tents available at each performance, free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. These are typically at the far end of the long row of tents, furthest away from the opera pavilion. Additionally, there are free tables, chairs and benches alongside the lake, at the bottom of the opera house steps and around the champagne lawn.
If you would prefer to pre-book a picnic space, you are welcome to do so once your dates/tickets are confirmed – follow the link in your confirmation e-mail. Options include a table in a shared tent (£5pp), tables on the Upper Terrace (£10pp) or one of the many private dining spaces for larger groups.
Please note, if you have ordered a catered picnic through Feasts, this includes a reserved space in one of the shared picnic tents overlooking the cricket pitch, next to the Boundary Room restaurant. If you wish to enjoy your Feasts picnic in the Deer Park side of the site, please pre-book a picnic space via the Box Office and your hampers will be delivered to your table for the start of the interval.
2. How do I book dining/picnics?
We are delighted to continue our partnership with Feasts for 2023. To book your 3-course interval dinner, picnic hamper, afternoon tea or drinks, visit www.feastsatgarsington.co.uk and follow the booking steps. Advance booking is essential.
3. Do I need to bring a table and chairs for my picnic space?
All furniture is provided, but you may wish to bring a tablecloth.
4. Where do I park and is it far from the auditorium?
Parking is free and we have two large on-site car parks. For guests choosing to picnic, Home Field Car Park is the most convenient; Scout porters and chauffeured golf buggies are available from this car park only. Those dining in the restaurant will be directed to Cricket Bank Car Park. Please let the Box Office know in advance if an accessible parking space is required, as spaces are strictly limited. Less ambulant guests can be dropped off before parking.
5. I don’t drive – how do I get to Wormsley?
We operate a station transfer from/to High Wycombe railway station. Tickets must be purchased in advance via the website/Box Office.
6. How strict is the dress code?
Although black tie/formal evening wear is traditional at Garsington Opera, this is not a hard rule, and we always enjoy seeing the range of stylish outfits! It can get cooler later in the evening, so it is worth bringing some warmer layers.
7. When do the performances end?
All shows end around 10.10pm. Exact timings are added to the event page on our website around 2 weeks before the opening night. If someone is collecting you from Wormsley, we advise the vehicle to be on site no later than 9.50pm, to avoid being caught up in traffic exiting the estate.
8. How do I get to the Walled Garden?
The Walled Garden is open pre-show only and a complimentary shuttle bus leaves from the Cricket Pavilion every 15-20 minutes. We recommend arriving as early as possible to allow yourself plenty of time to look around. The last bus to the Walled Garden leaves the Cricket Pavilion 1 hour before curtain-up.
9. What happens in bad weather?
There is plenty of covered space for all guests. Performances take place inside our auditorium, and there are numerous covered tent and dining options for guests to use pre-show and during the interval.
10. What is your cancellation/exchange policy?
For queries around cancellations, exchanges or resales, please refer to our Conditions of Sale.
If your question isn’t answered above, or to discuss any query further, please contact our Box Office on boxoffice@garsingtonopera.org or 01494 376037.