Our country venues

We are committed to relaxed, accessible opera.  In order to help preserve this ethos, and to help our Front of House volunteers, we would be grateful your cooperation in the following areas:

  1. If you have bought tickets for a party that will not arrive together, please distribute tickets to the individuals in advance if at all possible. Otherwise write the names of the people concerned clearly on the tickets and leave them with Front of House staff.
  2. Please do not enter the grounds before the published opening time.  If necessary, chairs and picnics can be left safely in a designated area at the entrance.
  3. Should you need to leave the grounds please take your ticket with you for re-admission.
  4. We cannot provide litter collection facilities so please be prepared to take everything away with you.

Picnics

These are pre-performance at Bampton and Cokethorpe.

At Westonbirt there will be a long (75 minute) interval, with the opportunity for indoor as well as outdoor picnics.

Wet weather policy

Currently all our performances are indoors.  You are welcome to picnic in wet weather should you wish! – at Westonbirt, there are indoor facilities for this.

FAQs

What should I wear to a performance?

You are welcome to wear whatever you wish! – we have no dress code. Most people choose to dress informally; if a performance is outdoors (Bampton) you should consider a warm layer and maybe a light blanket as well.

Where are the pre-performance talks?

Bampton talks are in the church, next to the Deanery, at 4.30pm
Cokethorpe talk are in the Library at 4.30pm
Westonbirt talks are in the Library at 4.30pm
At Smith Square Hall, they take place in the auditorium at 6pm

How do I find you?

Directions will be sent out with tickets.  Maps and postcodes can also be found on our venues page.

What about parking?

For performances at Bampton Deanery there is plenty of space in the surrounding streets and in the centre of the village.  There is an ample car park at both Cokethorpe and Westonbirt.

Are picnics available to order?

Yes! Details will be sent with your tickets, or contact us to enquire.

Can I reserve a picnic spot in advance?

Yes, but only if you join the Friends at the Doric level! We regret that we are otherwise unable to allow early entry.

Are tickets available on the door?

This depends on how many have been sold in advance.  At Bampton we can usually admit more if the performance is outside, but at other venues we are limited by seating.  So it’s best to buy in advance.

A member of my party has mobility issues. Will this be a problem?

We can reserve parking close to entry at all venues.  The ground at Bampton is level although there is some gravel; at Westonbirt access is possible through the house by advance arrangement.