Picnicking and Dining

Bringing your own picnic

Have a look at our suggestions for picnics – and weather-proof dining spaces – to ensure your visit goes exactly to plan.

There’s nothing quite like a lazy summer picnic in the gardens at Glyndebourne, one of the most beguiling and evocative landscapes in the country.

Picnicking in the Glyndebourne gardens is an age-old tradition, and can be as simple or elaborate as you want to make it. You’re welcome to bring your own picnic and outdoor furniture to set up when the gardens open.

It’s best to find a picnic spot and set up before the start of the performance, so everything is ready and waiting for you when the interval comes. You can also stop off at the Hamlet in the gardens to buy a range of products to accompany your picnic.

To ensure that we are able to provide an efficient service during your visit to Glyndebourne we are unfortunately no longer able to provide table and chair hire for specific locations in the gardens.

We have increased the number of alternative dining options available for your visit:

  • If you are purchasing a picnic from Dining at Glyndebourne a porter service and furniture hire will be included.
  • If you are bringing your own picnic and would like a guaranteed under-cover dining space, our marquees and opera house picnic tables are available to book and are suitable for shade and wet weather protection.
  • If you would like to bring your own picnic furniture we have trolleys available for you to move it to your chosen area.

So that all visitors to Glyndebourne are able to enjoy the beautiful gardens and views, we do not permit gazebos or any type of awning.

We want all visitors to be able to enjoy these private gardens. When your picnic is over, please kindly take your rubbish home with you and do not leave it on the Glyndebourne grounds or at Lewes station.


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