Choralfest FAQS

What level do I need to be to participate in a course?

The ability to read music is required, but sight-reading is not essential.

What age is the course for?

All participants must be over 18.

What is the daily itinerary?

Sample Course Schedule (2024 programme for reference)>

Please note that the schedule and tutors are subject to change.

What do I need to do to prepare for the course?

Scores will be provided as part of the course, as well as links to learning materials to allow singers to prepare as much as they need to.

What is included in a fully residential package?

All residential packages include:

• Course tuition, including all concerts 
• Accommodation on the Dartington Estate. 
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at The White Hart, as well as mid-morning tea and coffee each day. Please refer to the sample course schedule to see which meals are included each day.

When and where will meals be served?

Residential participants will dine in The White Hart. Meal times are as follows:

• Breakfast, 7.30-9am
• Mid-morning tea and coffee, 11-11:30am
• Lunch, 12:30-2:30pm
• Dinner, 6:30-8:30pm

How can I find out more about the rooms?

If you require more details about the rooms before booking, please contact guestservices@dartingtonhall.com.

When can I check-in?

Check in for all participants is from 3pm on Monday 28 July. The first rehearsal begins at 4.30pm.

Where do I check-in?

All participants check-in at The Welcome Centre under the archway of the Medieval Courtyard.

Can I check-in early?

It is not possible to check-in before 3pm, however you are very welcome to arrive on the estate beforehand and use the time to explore, eat or shop.

When do I need to check-out?

Check-out for all residential guests is strictly by 11am on Monday 4 August.

Do I need to bring bedding and towels?

Bedding and towels are provided in all bedrooms.

Can I book catering without accommodation?

Full catering is only available to those who book a residential package, however, we do offer a Lunch Pass to non-residential participants (includes morning tea and coffee) for £144.

There are also plenty of other food and drink options available on the Estate. Find out more >

Can a second person share my room?

Yes. The cost of the residential package is for one room and one person, and covers course fee, accommodation and meals. If two participants share a room, please book one package and contact us at guestservices@dartingtonhall.com to add the course fee and meal package (£1,051.50) for the second individual.

If the second individual is not attending ChoralFest, they will be charged for breakfast only during their stay.

Can I bring my pet?

Although we are a dog friendly venue, pets are not permitted in the teaching spaces, with the exception of support animals.

Can you cater to my dietary requirements?

We can cater to most specialist dietary requirements. Please include as much information as possible with your booking.

Do you have accessible bedrooms?

We do have a selection of accessible rooms with wet room facilities. Please include information about any access requirements with your booking.

Who should I contact about lost property?

If you lose an item whilst still on site please visit the Welcome Centre. If you suspect after arriving home that you may have left something behind please contact the main Dartington Hall guest services on 01803 847150.

How do I book?  

Please book online or via our Box Office 01803 847070 

Can I use my Dartington Membership discount? 

Members receive £60 discount on their booking. 

I am planning to join with someone else and want to share a room with them? 

The cost of the residential package is for one room and one person, and covers course fee, accommodation and meals.  If two participants share a room, please book one package and contact us to add the course fee and meal package for the second individual. 

I can no longer attend, what should I do? Can I have a refund? 

In the unlikely event that ChoralFest has to be cancelled, Dartington Trust will issue you with a full refund. 

If you need to cancel your booking before 06/06/2025, £200 (per booking) will be retained by Dartington to cover administration fees. 

Please note that no refunds will be issued from 06/06/2025 

We advise all participants to take out holiday insurance which includes cancellation cover equal to or greater than the full cost of their booking. 

If you wish to cancel, please email choralfest@dartington.org 

What is the best way to get to Dartington? 

Most participants travel to Dartington by car or train. Dartington is located near the town of Totnes, which is located just off the A38. 

How does parking work at Dartington? 

All participants, residential and non-residential, are entitled to free parking for the duration of the course. 

Car parking at Dartington is controlled by ANPR cameras, so participants will be asked to provide their vehicle registration number in advance to allow them to park for free in the specified car parks for the length of the course. A map of the various car parks will be sent out with the welcome pack. 

Which is the closest railway station to Dartington? 

The closest railway station to Dartington is Totnes. The station is just ten minutes’ drive from the Dartington Estate and can be easily accessed by road or foot. 

Which is the closest airport to Dartington? 

The closest airports to Dartington are Exeter and then Bristol, though these are smaller airports and only served by a small number of routes and operators. Most international participants will generally elect to fly into one of the main London airports and complete their journey by train.