War Horse hotel packages by Theatre Breaks
Nick Stafford’s stunning stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s best selling novel, War Horse, opens at the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre this summer from 16 May. Ticket and hotel packages are available to book now.
About War Horse
The tale itself is about a young lad’s journey to find his beloved horse after it is sold to the cavalry at the outbreak of World War One and the audience experience the journeys – the “extraordinary odyssey” – that both the lad and the horse make, to lead to their reunion on the battlefields of France.
A truly remarkable story, adapted for stage by Nick Stafford from Morpurgo’s 1982 novel, War Horse is imaginatively told with the use of award winning puppetry, by ground breaking Handspring Puppet Company.
War Horse is the most successful play in the history of the National Theatre, winning more than 25 major awards including the Tony Award for ‘Best Play’ and has been seen by over 8.8 million people worldwide.
War Horse Theatre Breaks
Last time War Horse was in London, it was the only play to appear in the top ten of our annual “Top UK Shows” list. So War Horse Theatre Breaks come highly recommended.
Do not sit at home in years to come saying “oh I wish I saw that”. And if you have already seen it, why not take the opportunity to introduce someone else to this unforgettable experience.
War Horse FAQs
Who is in War Horse?
The 2026 cast is: Anita Adam Gabay (Emilie/Joey as a Foal), Rianna Ash (Joey/Topthorn head), Eloi
What hotels are close to the National Theatre?
War Horse is on at the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre on the Southbank. The nearest tube station, if you need to travel to the theatre, is Waterloo but Embankment or Charing Cross are great, because you get to walk across the Thames on your way to and from the theatre: magical!
If however you want to stay in theatreland and walk to and from your hotel there is a wide range of options.
Theatreland?
4* Wilde Aparthotels Covent Garden – 0.3 miles – Exceptional 97%
Covent Garden. Modern 4* Aparthotel in Central Location.
The 4* Strand Palace Hotel – 0.3 miles – Exceptional 97%
4* Excellent location between Covent Garden and the river
Southbank?
Plaza County Hall – 0.4 miles – Superb 92%
4* hotel on the Southbank, overlooking the London Eye
Ruby Lucy London – 0.4 miles – One of our new hotels, with a lot of character.
Waterloo. 4* Boutique Hotel with Compact Rooms
Ibis Blackfriars – 0.4 miles
Blackfriars. 3* Modern Hotel with Compact Rooms
When are War Horse and hotel packages available?
War Horse opens on 16 May and runs to 30 July 2026. Book Now
How long is War Horse?
The play is 2 hours and 40 minutes long with one interval
When are Assisted performances?
- Captioned Performances: Thursday 11 June – 7.30pm, Thursday 2 July – 7.30pm, Tuesday 14 July – 7.30pm, Tuesday 28 July – 7.30pm
- BSL Interpreted: Tuesday 23 June – 7.30pm, Wednesday 22 July – 7.30pm
- Audio Described (with touch tours taking place 90 minutes before the show):
- Saturday 20 June – 2.15pm, Friday 24 July – 7.30pm
- Relaxed performance: Tuesday 7 July – 6.30pm
War Horse Reviews from the first time it was in London.
I saw War Horse for a second time and this time took my children. We had just finished reading the book together, so they knew the premise of the story. My 10 year old absolutely loved it. My 12 year old doesn't hold with emotion, but secretly I think he thoroughly enjoyed it too!
I enjoyed it just as much second time around and actually more having read the book in between visits.
Can't wait for film to come out... looks like a tear jerker. Another 'Marley & Me' for all the family.
Word of warning... we went on a Tuesday evening and the performance starts at 7pm NOT 7.30pm (like all other evenings). We missed first 15 mins - bah humbug.
This is a wonderfully production true to the book, which was originally written for children, but the play has made it popular for all ages, children and adults alike will laugh and cry!
If you are particularly sensitive I recommend you don't sit close to the stage and particularly NOT front right in the stalls as you will be close to a graphic trench scene and the improvised tanks are scary!!
The quality of the production, has to be amongst the best I've ever seen. The horse actors merging into their puppets within minutes, become real horses to the mind's eye. They move, and make horse snickers so realistically it is incredible.
Would recommend to all, but bring your hankies!
Took my teenage boys to see this. Read the book (it's only short) before we went. The way the horses have been made and the painstaking attention to detail in their mannerisms and movement is outstanding. I really don't think there'll be anything like it again. It's a good show for boys as there is no sloppy stuff. It is a war so it's very loud, would take nurofen before going again! Lovely story and we all took something different away from this show. Top class!
Dear Sara,
We would like to thank you for your bookings.
The Hotel Montague on the Gardens was excellent in every way and was perfect for us. The service was friendly and helpful from when the concierge took the suitcase out of the taxi when we arrived until he put it back when we departed. The room was compact but ideal for the time we spent there. It was also well fitted out. The staff we always helpful and very quick to do things.
The seats for War Horse were excellent right in the middle and about the correct distance from the stage. We really enjoyed the show.
Thanks again for the booking.
kind regards,
Sue and Mike
So glad you had a good time and I have passed on your comments to the guys at the Montague - I know they will be glad to receive them.
any news of the new film for Warhorse? Saw Warhorse stage version last weekend on a theatre break (stayed at the Kingsway Hall – lovely) and thought it was brilliant – not sure how the film version will stand up to the live version though.
DK
Hi Dom, the film is out just after Christmas – 28 or 29 December something like that. It is not a film of the stage show but of the book so the amazing stage horses (puppets is just an inadequate description) are played by real horses! there is a trailer if you are interested – link from the trailer section of theatrebreakstv
Yes, it’s out in December. It looks like it’s more in keeping with the book ie. Emily (French girl) has a grandfather rather than a mother. You can ewatch trailers for in on t’internet. Enjoy xx
Warhorse is now booking until Saturday, 16th February 2013… and they said it would be over before Christmas!