Visiting Glyndebourne this summer to experience a world-class opera performance?
Optimise your opera visit and stay longer in Sussex to experience an enriching break in England’s cultural countryside with our carefully curated Glyndebourne itinerary.
With Glyndebourne’s summer festival of opera now in full swing (from 16 May to 24 August 2025), it’s the perfect time of year to plan a culture-crammed trip to Sussex.
Soak up the atmosphere of breathtaking performances at Glyndebourne, delve into the Sussex art scene, gloriously while away a summer’s afternoon in a gorgeous garden, and savour Sussex sparkling in England’s finest wine country.
Day one: Lewes and Glyndebourne
A laid-back morning in Lewes followed by gardens, picnicking, and opera at Glyndebourne
Arrive early into the Sussex market town of Lewes, and check into your hotel before spending the morning mooching around this historic town known for its medieval architecture.
Pick up a picnic packed with local produce, get ready in your hotel, then drive to Glyndebourne or take the dedicated audience coach from Lewes station.
Make sure you leave plenty of time, Glyndebourne is open two hours before every performance so that visitors can enjoy the glorious gardens and art exhibitions and find a spot to roll out their picnic blankets. Look out for a series of nine outdoor sculptures, currently in situ at Glyndebourne until Autumn 2025.
The generous 90-minute interval gives you a further chance to enjoy the beautiful setting with your picnic, or enjoy some fine dining in one of Glyndebourne’s exceptional restaurants.
Day two: Sussex art from Charleston to Eastbourne
Admire the arty side of Sussex with a day exploring the county’s vibrant cultural scene
Set yourself up for the day with breakfast in your hotel, then visit Charleston in Lewes, the new art space brimming with pieces from around the world.
Then jump on the Sussex Art Shuttle, a hop-on-hop-off bus linking the area’s art venues for the bargain of £5 for a full day ticket.
Sit back and enjoy the spectacular route through the Sussex countryside, taking in pretty South Downs villages and beautiful coastline.
Alight the Sussex Art Shuttle and explore:
- Charleston in Firle, a must-visit for art aficionados, this is the home of the prominent artistic circle the Bloomsbury Group led by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, whose visitors included Virginia and Leonard Woolf, and John Maynard Keynes.
- Alfriston is a picture postcard South Downs Sussex village. Stop for lunch in the courtyard restaurant of The Star and browse the boutiques and art galleries housed in historic buildings.
- Inspiration to artists far and wide, the wow-worthy white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters are undoubtedly one of Sussex’s stars. Take a moment or more to enjoy the iconic views and jaw-dropping coastal landscape.
- Towner Eastbourne is an eye-catching gallery known for its modern British art. Appreciate the contemporary art and refuel with homemade cake from one of the gallery’s cafes before returning to Lewes on the Shuttle, staying in Eastbourne, or heading home on the train.
More time to explore? Try these Sussex gems also within easy reach of Glyndebourne
- Visit the verdant vineyards of England’s wine country in Sussex, including the Bolney Wine Estate, the official wine partner of Glyndebourne.
- The rural retreat of renowned American photojournalist Lee Miller and British Surrealist Roland Penrose, Farleys House & Gallery now showcases their collection of contemporary art treasures from their friends including the likes of Pablo Picasso and Max Ernst.
- Sussex gardens are at their blooming best this time of year, and there are many flowering oases to enjoy near Glyndebourne. Browse the beautiful borders of Pashley Manor Gardens in Ticehurst or wander the landscaped garden and lakes with influences of ‘Capability’ Brown and Humphry Repton at Sheffield Park.
- Lace up your walking shoes and step out into the South Downs National Park with its miles of trails offering breathtaking views over rolling hills, chalk cliffs, and ancient woodlands.
Where to stay when visiting Glyndebourne in Sussex
- The White Hart in Lewes is a boutique hotel with 23 bedrooms and a roof terrace with views of the South Downs. It’s a convenient five-minute walk to both Lewes station where the audience coach leaves for performances at Glyndebourne, and Charleston in Lewes for the Sussex Art Shuttle.
- The Star in Alfriston is a historic hotel that has been transformed with the refined design of Olga and Alex Polizzi; it’s a 15-minute drive from Glyndebourne.
- Horsted Place Hotel is a Victorian Gothic hotel a 10-minute drive from Glyndebourne with 17 bedrooms and suites, many with views over the landscaped gardens.
