There’s something so special about a night at the opera. Dressing up in all your finery, heading to the Royal Opera House or perhaps London Coliseum, and feeling as close to being a Bridgerton character as you’re ever going to get.
But what about escaping the city and the usual haunts for a venue that’s, well, kind of in someone’s back garden? I’m talking about Glyndebourne, and it’s not your average night at the opera. Founded in 1934 by theatrical producer John Christie and his opera-singer wife Audrey Mildmay, Glyndebourne has become synonymous with world-class performances, decadent picnics, and a quintessentially English take on high society. What Wimbledon is to tennis and Henley is to a royal regatta, Glyndebourne is to opera.
Whether you're planning your first visit or just want to know what all the fuss is about, here’s everything you need to know about Glyndebourne, including how to get there, what to wear, and why it’s worth the trip.
How do I get from London to Glyndebourne?
The easiest and most scenic way to get to Glyndebourne from London is by train with Southern Railway. Glynde railway station is only a mile from the opera house, so you can walk, jump in a taxi, or catch a bus which takes just a couple of minutes from the railway station to the dedicated Opera House bus stop.
Trains also depart regularly from London Victoria to Lewes, with journey times averaging just over an hour. From Lewes Station, you can book a spot on the £10 return coach service provided by Glyndebourne.
During Festival season, when opera-goers flock from all over the country, make the most of Advance Fares to save money and nab your ticket early. We recommend making a day of it, arrive early to have a walk around the grounds and enjoy a pre-performance picnic. Or, if you’re feeling really fancy, Glyndebourne offers pre-ordered hampers and on-site dining options - did someone say smoked salmon and champagne?
What is the closest town to Glyndebourne?
While the gorgeous East Sussex town of Lewes is conveniently close to Glyndebourne, there’s a quaint and historic village even closer, which is - perhaps unsurprisingly - called Glynde. It has everything you could want in an English village, from traditional flint cottages, historic blacksmith and ancient church to the stunning manor house, Glynde Place. I highly recommend taking the time to explore, either before your visit to Glyndebourne or even by making a weekend out of it.
How much do tickets to Glyndebourne cost?
Glyndebourne tickets vary in price depending on which performance you’ve chosen, your seat location, and which season it is. For the Glyndebourne Festival, which happens every summer, prices range from around £30 for restricted view seats to over £250 for premium stalls and boxes. The autumn Tour season, which is intended to make opera more accessible, offers more affordable pricing, starting at £10-20 per ticket, making it a great choice for first-timers or younger audiences.
Ticket sales for the Festival usually open to members first (Friends of Glyndebourne), with public tickets released in the spring. If you’re looking to score good seats, it’s best to plan well in advance (isn’t it always?) Glyndebourne also offers under-30s ticket schemes and educational discounts, as a way of attracting younger generations to discover the joys of opera.
Is there a dress code at Glyndebourne?
In a word: yes. Part of Glyndebourne’s charm is its formal dress code, especially for Festival performances held between May and August. While you don’t officially have to dress up, evening wear is strongly encouraged and has become a real part of the experience. For men, this typically means black tie and dinner jacket, while women tend to go for evening gowns or cocktail dresses.
Don’t worry about feeling out of place if this isn’t usually your thing. The vibe is much more about celebration, so think glamorous picnic chic rather than elitist black-tie banquet. Outside of the summer Festival, events such as the autumn Tour or behind-the-scenes experiences are more relaxed, with smart casual attire totally fine.
Why visit Glyndebourne?
Glyndebourne is more than just an opera house, it's a quintessentially English experience and makes for the perfect day trip from London. Even the late Queen, Elizabeth II, attended a performance of Arabella here back in 1984. From manicured gardens and champagne picnics to inspiring performances staged in its state-of-the-art auditorium, Glyndebourne is the perfect day out, even if you know nothing about opera.
Looking for other things to do near Glynde? Explore the area on a scenic walk, take a day trip to Lewes, or pop into one of the many vineyards for a glass of local Sussex sparkling wine. There’s plenty to explore around Glyndebourne, making it the perfect day trip or luxurious weekend away.