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.
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. You can also hire picnic furniture and porters.
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. Alternatively, you can go all out and arrange a porter service.
Stop off at The River Cottage Deli on the lawns to buy a range of River Cottage produce to accompany your picnic, or drop by BarBazaar for a glass or two of Champagne.
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.
Related links
Weather-proof options
Situated in the Orchard near the River Cottage Deli, the Garden Marquee is an under-cover option with views across the gardens.
The Garden Marquee offers shelter against the elements during inclement weather, and the panels will be opened on warmer days, creating a shady retreat from the sunshine.
Spaces in the Garden Marquee can be reserved. Please phone the Box Office on +44(0)1273 815000 to book.
A limited number of free picnic tables, particularly for use during bad weather, are situated on the Upper Circle level of the opera house. In the interest of fairness, and as a result of customer feedback, a queuing system is in place from the Blue Circle side.
Access is given to the Upper Circle tables as follows:
Saturday 18 May – Saturday 3 August: 3.00pm Monday–Saturday and at 2.00pm on Sunday.
Sunday 4 August – Sunday 25 August: 2.00pm
The Greenhouse Marquee is adjacent to the Archive Gallery and the main car park. It accommodates up to 200 customers, and the panels will be opened during warmer weather. Picnic tables and chairs are provided. This is a free marquee but spaces can be reserved for £5 per person. Please phone the Box Office on +44(0)1273 815000 to book.
Given the limited availability of picnic tables on the Upper Circle and in the free marquee, we recommend you bring your own dining furniture with you where possible to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability, it’s also possible to reserve picnic furniture , porter service and picnics themselves through Glyndebourne’s on-site caterers.
The perfect Glyndebourne picnic collection
Visit our shop to browse our handpicked, beautiful picnic collection to ensure you have all the essentials for a truly wonderful al fresco dining season.