De Vere Horsley Estate, located in East Horsley, Surrey, and part of De Vere’s collection of historic mansion house estates, has unveiled a new heritage offering: ‘The Horsley Tunnel Experience History Tour’. The experience follows the reopening of a long-hidden secret tunnel at the venue, an extraordinary underground passage linked to pioneering mathematician Ada Lovelace.
Designed as a multi-sensory journey through time, The Horsley Tunnel Experience brings the estate’s history to life through a series of themed food and drink pairings, each inspired by key figures and eras connected to De Vere Horsley Estate.
Guests will journey through three pivotal periods in the estate’s history, meeting figures who left their mark on De Vere Horsley Estate: William King, a prominent 18th-century owner; Ada Byron and Sir Charles Barry, who influenced the estate’s 19th-century architecture and culture; and Thomas Sopwith, a key figure in the post-WWI era.
Priced at £24 per person, this immersive experience brings the estate’s heritage to life through storytelling within the atmospheric surroundings of the secret tunnel. It also makes a memorable addition to meetings, events and private celebrations, offering corporate and group guests an engaging way to connect with the estate’s rich history.
Kate Shaw, Sales Director at De Vere Horsley Estate said: “The reopening of the secret tunnel at De Vere Horsley Estate is a truly special moment, celebrating both the estate’s heritage and its connection to the local community. It brings to life the extraordinary stories of those who lived here, particularly Ada Lovelace, whose legacy continues to inspire. With the launch of ‘The Horsley Tunnel Experience History Tour’, delegates can now enjoy an immersive journey through the estate’s history, combining storytelling with period-inspired food and drink for a truly memorable experience.”
The tunnel’s history
Closed since the 1970s, the secret tunnel at De Vere Horsley Estate dates back to the 19th century, when it was used as a discreet goods entrance for servants and tradespeople at Horsley Towers at De Vere Horsley Estate. Its reopening not only restores a fascinating architectural feature but also revives a deeply personal connection to Ada Lovelace, widely regarded as one of the world’s first computer programmers.
Set within 75 acres of Surrey parkland, De Vere Horsley Estate is located just an hour from central London with convenient road and rail access. Originally built in the 19th century, Horsley Towers at De Vere Horsley Estate was redesigned by Sir Charles Barry, best known for his work on the Palace of Westminster.
Following its early ownership by banker William Currie, the estate was later purchased by William King-Noel, who married Ada in 1835. During her time at the estate, she developed part of the first computer algorithm, cementing her legacy as a pioneer of modern computing – a story that remains central to De Vere Horsley Estate’s identity today.
The reopening of the secret tunnel at De Vere Horsley Estate is also steeped in local memory. For decades, it served as a gathering place for the surrounding community, hosting celebrations including a Queen’s Silver Jubilee party, vintage car showcases and even appearing in the 1972 BBC production The Stone Tape. Many local residents recall playing and socialising within the tunnel, making its revival a nostalgic moment for the area.
