Your Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to Waterperry Opera Festival! Below, you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions about visiting us, covering everything from ticketing to accessibility and what to bring. Click on the sections below to expand each answer.
Ticketing and General Information
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Tickets can be purchased via the specific production pages on our website or directly through our ticketing website: Book Tickets Here
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Yes, but please note:
Card payments only – we do not accept cash.
We highly recommend booking in advance to secure your seats and reduce congestion at the box office.
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Our performances take place primarily in the open air and may be affected by the weather. We have contingency plans in place, and cancellations are only decided at the advertised start time.
Cancellations due to weather: Your ticket can be exchanged for another performance in this year’s festival (subject to availability) but cannot be refunded.
Cancellations due to other reasons: You may choose to exchange your ticket for another performance (subject to availability) or request a refund.
Exchanges: If a show is cancelled, you can exchange your ticket for another performance within this year’s festival. If the new ticket price is higher than your original ticket and exceeds £20, you will need to pay the difference.
Refunds: Refunds are only available if a show is cancelled for reasons other than bad weather. Booking fees, delivery charges, and any other expenses are non-refundable. Requests for refunds must be submitted within three months of the cancelled show.
For full details, please see our Exchanges, Refunds & Cancellations Policy.
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We offer concession tickets for specific performances and seating categories to:
Those in receipt of Government Benefits (e.g., Unemployment Benefits, Blue Badge Holders)
Blue Light Card Holders
Disabled customers, who may book an accompanying companion ticket at the concession rate
Please select the concession ticket option when booking and present valid proof at the box office. Failure to provide proof will require you to pay the full ticket price.
The Blue Light Card Discount applies only to the cardholder, not the entire party. -
Yes, all children require a ticket.
Under 16s can access lower-price tickets for main stage productions.
Under 2s can attend our children's show for free but must still have a ticket for capacity monitoring.
All children must be accompanied by a fee-paying adult.
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Only assistance dogs are permitted at the festival. If you are bringing an assistance dog, please inform our box office in advance at:
boxoffice@waterperryoperafestival.co.uk -
Waterperry Opera Festival is an open-air festival, and we perform in most weather conditions.
We only cancel performances at the advertised start time, and cancellations are rare.
Please dress appropriately and bring waterproof clothing.
Umbrellas are not permitted as they obstruct the view of other audience members.
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We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the advertised start time to allow time for parking, ticket checks, and finding your seat.
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To minimize disruption, re-entry is only permitted at designated points in the performance. Please avoid leaving unless absolutely necessary.
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There is no official dress code—wear what you feel comfortable in.
We advise dressing appropriately for the weather, especially for evening performances when temperatures can drop.
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Age recommendations vary by production. Please check the production pages on our website for guidance. If you have concerns, contact:
boxoffice@waterperryoperafestival.co.uk -
Performance durations vary. Please see the production pages for specific timings. Some performances include dining intervals.
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No. Photography and filming are strictly prohibited during performances. Stewards will ask you to stop if necessary.
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Yes, you can pre-order programs online or purchase them at the box office. Order Here
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No, we do not have a gift shop or merchandise stand at this time.
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Before the festival:
Log into your Ticketsolve account to retrieve your ticket.
If you need assistance, contact boxoffice@waterperryoperafestival.co.uk.
During the festival:
Visit the box office tent, and our team will assist you.
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boxoffice@waterperryoperafestival.co.uk
Our team operates flexible hours but will respond as soon as possible.
Travel and Parking
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Waterperry Gardens, Nr. Wheatley, Oxfordshire, England OX33 1JZ. Google Maps Link
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Waterperry Gardens is 7.5 miles from Oxford, 50 miles from London, and 62 miles from Birmingham.
From the east: Take M40 Junction 8.
From the north: Take M40 Junction 8A.
SatNav users: Use OX33 1LA to be directed to Waterperry.
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Upon arrival, please inform stewards that you need accessibility parking, and they will direct you to our reserved accessibility spots.
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By bus: Arriva Bus 280 from Oxford to Church Road, Wheatley. From there, a taxi is required.
By train: The nearest station is Haddenham & Thame Parkway, followed by a taxi.
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No, we do not provide a shuttle service.
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Yes, in the main Waterperry Gardens car park.
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Parking is free for all festival attendees.
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No, there are no EV charging points on-site.
Accessibility
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Yes! We have flat pathways to all performance venues.
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Yes. Please book the designated disabled seats for reserved seating performances.
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Yes, accessible toilets are available in the car park area.
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No, we currently do not offer these services.
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Yes! Carers can book a companion ticket at a concession price.
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Yes, but the amphitheatre only has step-free seating on the top row. The rest of the seats are accessed via steep steps without a handrail.
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No, we do not provide hearing assistance devices.
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We do not have an official quiet space, but the gardens offer peaceful areas for visitors who need them.
Food and Drink
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Yes, but please take all rubbish away with you.
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Yes:
The Lawn Restaurant offers a dining space and a 3-course dinner.
Pre-order a picnic hamper via our ticketing site.
Bars are available for pre-order wine or on-site purchases.
Learn more in Waterperry Hospitality
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Yes, but excessive drinking and lewd behaviour will not be tolerated.
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Yes – both the Lawn Restaurant and hampers offer meat, vegetarian, and vegan options. If you require gluten-free options, please email boxoffice@waterperryoperafestival.co.uk.
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Yes! Water refills are available at the bar and Waterperry Café.
Seating and Performance Experience
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Seats are provided, but you are encouraged to bring cushions or blankets for extra comfort.
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Blankets: Yes.
Umbrellas: No (they block views).
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Some performances have reserved seating, while others are general admission. Check your ticket details.
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No, you must stay in your allocated seat.
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No smoking or vaping is allowed inside the performance areas.
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Large bags/hampers are not permitted in performance areas. You may leave them in the gardens.
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Latecomers will only be admitted at designated points to minimise disruption.
Weather and What to Bring
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Dress for the British weather! Bring warm layers for evening performances.
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Starting at £15 per seat.
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We rarely cancel performances due to weather. If we do, refer to our refund/exchange policy
Staying Overnight and Local Area
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We do not recommend specific places but suggest searching locally for hotels, B&Bs, and campsites.
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Waterperry Gardens is home to beautiful gardens, art galleries, and a garden centre.
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No, camping is not permitted at Waterperry.
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Yes, but we recommend pre-booking a local taxi.
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As early as possible, as hotels can fill up quickly.
Supporting the Festival
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Consider donating or becoming a Friend of Waterperry: Support Us
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Yes, we offer corporate partnerships and sponsorships. Contact us for details.
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Yes, we accept legacy gifts and dedications. Please email us for more information.
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Volunteer opportunities open in April. Check our website for updates.
Health and Safety
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We cannot offer refunds for illness. However, you may be able to exchange your ticket.
If you have further questions, contact us at boxoffice@waterperryoperafestival.co.uk.