Christmas at Upton House and Gardens

A Christmas dining table at Upton House and Garden, Warwickshire, is laid with a central platter of cheeses, decorated with silver grapes and a little mouse. Also on the table are a bottle of Champagne, glasses, a Christmas card from the National Trust saying 'We wish you a merry Christmas', and golden baubles. — Decadent Christmas dining table decorations at Upton House and Garden, Warks.jpg | © National Trust Images/Pete Cox

For Christmas 2023 we invite you to get into the festive spirit with a visit to Upton House and Gardens. The house is decorated with enchanting displays based around Aesop’s fables, with hidden clues for the Aesop’s Fables Cheeky Creature Christmas Quest. Festive events include a wreath-making workshop and an exclusive after dark visit to enjoy the decorations and meet some of the team behind the creations.

Aesop's Fables - Christmas at Upton House and Gardens

Normal admission applies, please see here for dates and times.

Join us as we re-imagine Aesop's fables this Christmas. See the house decorated with enchanting displays of some of these ancient moral tales. From the story of the fox that cried ‘sour grapes’ to the vain jackdaw who pretended to be a peacock, each display is inspired by one of the 18th-century fable candlesticks from the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory, in Upton’s collection. An exquisite set of illustrations encourages you to look closely at the fine detail of the fable sculptures, which provide their own delights.

Aesop's Fables Cheeky Creature Christmas Quest

£3 per child, normal admission applies. The winter quest will run from 12-3pm on the following dates: 11, 12, 13, 17 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27 November and every day from 1 – 24 December.

Enjoy the house decorated with the theme of Aesop's Fables and pick up your cheeky creature activity pack upon arrival at Visitor Reception. Find the hidden clues with animals from the stories across the winter walk and the decorated rooms in the house. Which is your favourite fable? Warm up after in the Pavilion Cafe with plenty of snacks to tempt as well as light lunch options. The Gift Shop will have a range of seasonal stocking fillers including some Christmas books and decorations.

A festive evening visit at Upton House

Thursday 30 November. Booking required, £30 per adult (please note, this event is for over 18s only). More information can be found here.

Enjoy Upton's Christmas decorations after dark followed by a glass of Prosecco with the Property Curator and the illustrator who designed and created Upton’s fable-inspired Christmas.

Your exclusive visit gives you time to admire the fantastical displays as part of a limited number of guests, escorted by one of Upton’s house hosts. As you make your way down the twinkling Long Gallery, step into the spirit of Christmas with the live piano accompaniment.

Your festive evening will include a mince pie and glass of prosecco, or non-alcoholic sparkling alternative, in the double-height Picture Room with its splendid cock and jewel fable-inspired Christmas tree. Here you will join the Property Curator along with the illustrator who designed Upton's fables. Listen to stories of their creations, from inspiration to installation, as you take in the spectacle of the room displaying Lord Bearsted's Old Master portraits.

Christmas wreath-making at Upton

4 & 5 December, 10am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm, £40 per adult. Booking required. More information can be found here.

Learn how to make your own festive wreath in our small and friendly workshop.

We'll provide you with everything you need to make your wreath from start to finish, including greenery from the gardens. Light refreshments are included.

Aesop's Fables inspiration board and image of Peacock with Christmas tree in background, Upton House and Gardens, Warwickshire — Aesop's Fables inspired Christmas decorations | © Fiona Millington Photography

Winter walking

Between November and March, visits to the garden are via the Winter Walk, which includes the hard footpath alongside the Mirror Pool and track through the woodland. Because of the location on the edge of an Ice Age valley, and the steepness of the historic grass paths, the grass wears away and the clay soil becomes compacted and waterlogged. This has serious implications for this much-loved garden and visitor safety.

The joy of the Winter Walk lies in the open views into the heart of the garden and to the surrounding countryside. Winter is also the perfect season to appreciate Upton’s historic cedars.

Normal admission applies. Please check the opening times for Upton House and Gardens over the winter.

New Year's Day walk

1 January, 10.30am - 12.30pm. Adult £12, Children £8. Booking in advacne required, more information and tickets here.

Start your new year with our guided walk around the Upton estate, spending a refreshing and stimulating couple of hours with an expert tour guide. This walk is well known for its fantastic views. Afterwards, warm up in the Pavilion café with a hot drink with a scone and butter.