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Peaceful botanics - plein air painting workshop

Join us for a tranquil day of 'plein air' painting in Upton's summer garden in a relaxed and friendly workshop suitable for all abilities, from beginners to seasoned artists looking for a new challenge.

  • Booking essential

We will draw inspiration from the colours, shapes and textures of the gardens designed in the 1930s with its dramatic series of terraces with herbaceous planting.

Local artist Lizzie Bentley will provide creative guidance and demonstrate techniques to help you capture the gardens in your own style in the paint medium of your choice.

Tea and coffee will be provided, and we will break for lunch where attendees are welcome to enjoy a delicious light lunch in our Pavilion Cafe or bring their own packed lunch. Please note, lunch is not included in the ticket price.

Some art materials will be available, but please email uptonhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk or telephone 01295 670266, before the workshop, if you would like to borrow a painting board. Please refer to the list below for materials and items we suggest attendees bring with them on the day: fold-up chair or stool, painting easel, painting/drawing board, watercolour/oil/acrylic paints, brushes, apron, paper, sketchbook, pencils, eraser, masking tape, bulldog clips, water jar or receptacle with screw lid. waterproof jacket sun cream.

Times

Prices

Event prices

Ticket typeTicket category
Plein air painting workshop£76.00

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Suitability

Adults only please

Meeting point

Enter via Visitor Reception and at the end of the driveway follow the signs for the Squash Court Gallery where we will meet.

What to bring and wear

Unless it rains we will be painting outdoors. Dress for the weather and wear shoes suitable for walking in the gardens, which are steep and uneven in places.

Accessibility

It is 300m from the car park to the gardens and workshop venue. A buggy service operates daily and there is limited disabled parking close to the house with more spaces in the main car park.

Other

Please contact Upton House and Gardens directly if you would like more information about the workshop.

Upcoming events

'Modern Muse'- an exhibition by Arpita Shah 

Celebrating the nine Greek Muses in our collection, Upton House and Gardens presents ‘Modern Muse’, an exhibition by acclaimed photographic artist Arpita Shah.

Event summary

on
26 Apr to 19 Jul 2026
at 10:00 to 16:30+ 84 other dates or times

'The Six Seasons' - an exhibition by Emily Allchurch 

‘The Six Seasons’ is an exhibition of new digital collages by the British artist Emily Allchurch inspired by Bruegel’s ‘Seasons’ paintings from 1565.

Event summary

on
26 Apr to 5 Jul 2026
at 11:00 to 15:00+ 70 other dates or times

Drawing Class: Upton House Interiors 

Lizzie Bentley leads this fun drawing class amidst the galleries at Upton House and inspired by its world-class collection of European art.

Event summary

on
28 Apr to 5 May 2026
at 10:45 to 12:45+ 1 other date or time

Tai chi at Upton House and Gardens 

Join Debbie Wild from the Swan School of Tai Chi and Qigong to discover this ancient Chinese exercise in these weekly classes suitable for beginners and all levels of fitness.

Event summary

on
30 Apr to 29 Oct 2026
at 11:30 to 12:45+ 23 other dates or times