Host: Sam Lee

Come to the forest, be enchanted by the sweet song of the Nightingale and discover the role these exceptionally rare birds have played in inspiring our great Bard and his contemporaries but also their ancient connection to our timeless and wondrous relationship with nature.

Key Information

Location: Secret location near Barcombe, Lewes, Sussex

Time: 7:00 pm - 12:30 am (site opens at 5:30 pm)

Journey with us into the forest where Shakespeare's words dance with the Nightingale's song. In the Bard's time, these magnificent birds serenaded much of England, weaving their way into his sonnets and plays with an elegance that has endured through centuries.

Our adventure begins gathered at the fireside, where welcome drinks await. Before dusk approaches, we’ll be led on a short ecological tour experiencing and unravelling the evening chorus and discovering the rich biodiversity of our ancient woodland. Returning to the warmth of the campfire, a two-course vegan dinner awaits accompanied by a selection of herbal brews, wines, beers, and ciders.

As night falls, we'll discover how these master musicians of the night inspired one of our greatest literary beacons and his contemporaries before embarking on a silent walk through the darkness to find our singers. Here, under a blanket of stars, Shakespeare's most beautiful Nightingale passages will accompany us, their words finding new life alongside the very songs that inspired them. In the stillness of the spring night, you'll witness our signature human-avian musical collaboration – a breathtaking interaction between Sam, our guest musician, and our bird, creating a truly unforgettable experience where Shakespeare's words and live music interweave with the Nightingale's song. As midnight passes, we'll make our way back across the starry fields to the campsite and carriages.

Please make sure you have versed yourself in the important practical information below and reviewed our comprehensive FAQs to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for you and your guests. As our events involve walking across challenging terrain at night, we kindly ask you to consider any mobility requirements within your group before booking. For a full insight into the concept and idea behind the project, please see our What is SWN page.

Singing with Nightingales, although seemingly a gentle experience, is outdoors and at the mercy of the British weather. Although only an evening long (longer if you are staying overnight) it requires full preparation and arriving ready for what the elements deal us. And every night can be different - balmy and dry one evening, muddy and windy the next. We recommend that you pay close attention to your group's level of ability to meet the likely demands of the outdoors before committing.
We get asked many questions about what people are concerned about, and the FAQ page answers many of these questions. Please feel free to get in touch and ask us questions but do check the detailed info we have laid out on this website for our most complete answers to your questions.
All the events take place in natural, outdoor locations and involve a substantial amount of walking through uneven terrain at night without the use of artificial light. This may not be suitable for people with limited mobility or special access needs. Each night we can do up to an hour of walking and the routes change nightly depending on which bird is singing. Climbing fence styles are also a common occurrence. Depending on the weather the ground may also be muddy or slippery. SWN team members are there to assist and we give a full briefing on safe night walking every night before we leave but please be the judge on the capability of everyone in your group before purchasing tickets. Please do get in touch with us if you have accessibility requirements and we will do our best to advise and assist. You can read more information on the Accessibility & Welfare page.
The exact location and directions will be sent to ticket holders before the event. This beautiful site in the East Sussex countryside has a thriving population of Nightingales who make this their springtime home. The farm and its associated meadows and coppiced woodlands are a pristine wildlife environment.
Each night is unique and the end time can extend later. Stay overnight by bringing your own tent or campervan, hiring one of our boutique bell tents (limited number available), or booking our exclusive barn conversion, The Bull Pen which sleeps four. Breakfast is included for all campers. Select your camping add-on in the ticket window or enquire about The Bull Pen separately. See our Camping & Where to Stay page for more details.
We encourage sustainable travel to our events. The Sussex site is accessible from Cooksbridge and Lewes stations, with taxi services available (though events end after last trains). On-site parking is available but must be booked in advance - you can purchase any add-ons in the ticket window. We recommend using our lift-sharing options to reduce environmental impact and meet fellow attendees. For detailed transport options, please visit the Travel page.
Dressing appropriately is crucial for your SWN experience. The evening brings multiple weather conditions - warm by the fire, wet from dew, and often very cold after dark. We recommend plenty of warm layers (preferably wool), waterproof and sturdy footwear, and importantly, 'quiet' clothing that doesn't rustle or crinkle as we move through the woods. We provide fireside seating and portable tripod seats for the Nightingale experience. For complete details about what to wear and bring, including specific recommendations and helpful tips, visit the What, Wear & Why page.
Various products, including The Nightingale book, Singing with Nightingales Totebags and Sam Lee’s albums are available to purchase. You can buy them at the same time as booking your ticket and collect them later on-site, or you can browse our physical shop at the event.