
Tolethorpe Hall and Rutland Open Air Theatre
Experience captivating open-air theatre in a magical setting, blending stunning gardens with high-quality amateur productions.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical performances under the stars

Tolethorpe Hall and Rutland Open Air Theatre
Best Time
Magical performances under the stars

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience captivating open-air theatre in a magical setting, blending stunning gardens with high-quality amateur productions.
"A hidden gem blending nature, history, and peace for magical performances under the stars."

🎯 Picnic Paradise
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful grounds before the show. Drinks allowed in auditorium (no glass).
🧥 Cozy Up!
Evenings can be cool; bring a blanket or warm coat. Seats can be hard, so a cushion is recommended.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 163 reviews
Website
tolethorpe.co.ukHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Enchanting Open-Air Stage
Main Theatre Auditorium
Experience captivating performances under the stars, surrounded by mature trees and a weatherproof canopy.

Stunning Tolethorpe Hall Gardens
Tolethorpe Hall Grounds
Wander through lush gardens and rolling countryside, perfect for pre-show picnics and leisurely strolls.

Intimate & Immersive Productions
Main Theatre Auditorium
Enjoy high-quality amateur theatre with excellent acting and clever set designs that make you feel part of the story.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Picnic Perfection
Comfort is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Picnic Paradise
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful grounds before the show. Drinks allowed in auditorium (no glass).
🧥 Cozy Up!
Evenings can be cool; bring a blanket or warm coat. Seats can be hard, so a cushion is recommended.
🚗 Easy Parking
Convenient parking is available close by, making it easy to transport picnic items.
🌟 Great Views for All
The intimate venue has well-tiered seating, ensuring a great view from almost any spot.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Picnic Paradise
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful grounds before the show. Drinks allowed in auditorium (no glass).
🧥 Cozy Up!
Evenings can be cool; bring a blanket or warm coat. Seats can be hard, so a cushion is recommended.
🚗 Easy Parking
Convenient parking is available close by, making it easy to transport picnic items.
🌟 Great Views for All
The intimate venue has well-tiered seating, ensuring a great view from almost any spot.
🎭 Diverse Productions
Experience a range of plays, from Shakespearean classics to Agatha Christie mysteries.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tolethorpe Hall's Rutland Open Air Theatre for its magical atmosphere, excellent amateur productions, and beautiful grounds perfect for picnics. The intimate venue ensures great views for all, making it a cherished annual tradition for many. Some minor discomforts like hard seats and cool evenings are easily managed with simple preparations.
"We absolutely love Tolethorpe and go every year! All the productions I've seen have been fantastic. It's a small venue so no matter where you sit (even right at the back or the sides) you will have a great view of the action.
We've seen Shakespearean works, Agatha Christie plays and plays I've never even heard of. I often take people if it's their first experience of seeing a Shakespeare play, because it's such a positive experience they always want to see more.
The venue is beautiful - come early and bring a picnic, it's one of the must-dos of the experience. Parking is close by and easy access to take all your picnic stuff back to the car before the show begins. 100% recommend. We'll be back again next year."
Jenny Creasey
"We have visited Tolethorpe three times now, and each visit has been a real treat. This unique venue is, essentially, outdoors with a large, weatherproof canopy covering the tiered seating for the audience. The stage is basically outside, although there are mature trees that provide a bit of shelter and add to the ambience of the set. Speaking of the set, each one is cleverly designed for the play currently showing, and the players make full use of every inch of space! The grounds and hall are beautiful, and there's a bar, restaurant and 'tuck shop' for food and drink. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics to enjoy in the grounds before the show, and drinks are allowed in the auditorium, although glass is not allowed (plastic 'glasses' are available).
The staff are friendly and welcoming (with the exception of one rude and surly bartender!). The toilets are clean and more than adequate for the number of visitors.
Just two things to note: it can get cool in the late evening, so bring a blanket or coat if you feel the cold. You might also want to bring a cushion, as the seats can feel a bit hard after a couple of hours or so!
As for the shows, Tolethorpe now produces at least three plays each season, with one or two Shakespeare classics. While it's important to remember these are amateur productions, the standard of acting is generally excellent and a massive amount of hard work obviously goes into the set and costume design.
It's safe to say that we'll be returning next season!"
Jon Clynch
"A superb outdoor theatre.
We went to see Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and enjoyed it so much.
There are lovely extensive gardens outside the theatre itself where you can sit down and have a drink and even have a picnic if you want before the show.
The theatre itself is intimate and the seats are very well tiered so you get a great view wherever you sit."
Tony Finn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tolethorpe Hall is located in Rutland, England. While specific public transport options might be limited, driving is the most common way to reach the venue. Ample parking is available on-site, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, there is convenient parking available close to the theatre, which is a significant plus for visitors bringing picnic supplies or needing easy access.
Taxis can be arranged to Tolethorpe Hall, but it's advisable to book in advance, especially for evening performances, as it's a rural location. Confirm drop-off and pick-up points with your taxi service.
For a weekend visit, driving offers the most flexibility. If relying on public transport, plan your journey carefully, as rural routes can be infrequent. Consider combining train travel to a nearby town with a pre-booked taxi.
Yes, the surrounding Rutland area offers various charming B&Bs, guesthouses, and hotels. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the theatre season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically available for purchase online through the official Tolethorpe Hall website or their ticketing partner. It's recommended to book in advance, especially for popular shows, as seating is limited.
The theatre grounds and box office usually open a few hours before the performance starts, allowing ample time for picnics and exploring the gardens. The auditorium doors open closer to the showtime. Check the specific performance schedule for exact timings.
While it's possible to purchase tickets on the door if available, it's highly recommended to book in advance to avoid disappointment, as shows can sell out.
Refund policies can vary, but generally, tickets are non-refundable unless a performance is cancelled by the venue. It's best to check the specific terms and conditions at the time of booking.
Concessions may be available for certain groups such as children, students, or seniors. Information regarding concessions is usually detailed on the ticketing page of the official website.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The theatre features well-tiered seating, offering excellent views of the stage from most positions. While intimate, seats can feel a bit hard after a while, so bringing a cushion is a good idea.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring picnics to enjoy in the grounds. Drinks are allowed in the auditorium, but glass containers are prohibited; plastic cups are available.
Dress comfortably and casually. Given it's an outdoor venue, layers are recommended as evenings can get cool. A light jacket or blanket is advisable.
The venue strives to be accessible. Information regarding specific accessibility features, such as wheelchair access and seating, can be obtained by contacting the venue directly.
The theatre has a large, weatherproof canopy covering the tiered seating, ensuring performances can go ahead even in light to moderate rain.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a bar, a restaurant, and a 'tuck shop' offering refreshments. However, visitors are highly encouraged to bring their own picnics to enjoy in the beautiful grounds before the show.
Information on pre-ordering picnic baskets is not widely available. The emphasis is on bringing your own, which allows for greater customization and cost-effectiveness.
The tuck shop typically offers snacks, confectionery, and possibly hot drinks. It's a convenient option for last-minute treats or if you haven't brought your own food.
If purchasing food on-site, options may be limited. Bringing your own picnic allows you to cater to specific dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan choices.
You can bring your own drinks, but glass bottles are not permitted in the auditorium. Plastic cups are available for purchase or use.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography and videography are not permitted during the performance to avoid disturbing the actors and other audience members. Please check the venue's specific policy upon arrival.
The gardens and the exterior of Tolethorpe Hall offer beautiful backdrops for photos. The stage area before the show begins can also be picturesque, but always be mindful of any restrictions.
Photos of the set design are usually allowed before the show or during intermissions, provided they are for personal use and do not interfere with the performance or other guests.
Drone photography is typically not permitted at such venues due to privacy concerns and potential disruption to performances and wildlife.
Late afternoon, before the show, offers beautiful natural light for photographing the gardens and the hall. The golden hour just before sunset can be particularly stunning.










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