Visiting the garden at Upton

Two women in winter clothes chatting as they climb the stone steps in the gardens at Upton House, Warwickshire — Enjoy the winter gardens | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Discover the seasonal highlights in the garden and take some time out to pause in the Quiet Orchard.

Mirror Pool

The Mirror Pool has been an iconic site at Upton since its installation in the 1920s and, apart from its brief covering during the war, it has sat glistening silently for thousands to enjoy.

In 2017, the team undertook important conservation work to restore it to its former glory.

The pool is fed from a natural spring in the corner of the garden, so with rainwater and the spring, the pool filled up within six months of the work being completed.

Plant life has started to re-grow gradually and you can see a selection of waterlilies and reeds surrounding the pool, which has encouraged birds and insects to return.

Cedar trees set against a pink winter sky with snow on the ground & branches Upton House & Gardens Warwickshire — The Cedars on the south lawn | © Property image photographer unknown / National Trust

Quiet Orchard - designated silent space

The orchard is a peaceful place with a great variety of birdlife; you can see, hear and enjoy the sounds of nature without any distractions. It is our silent space where you can take some time out and connect with nature.

The team is often asked why we leave the fruit on the trees and the ground in the orchard. Over the colder months of winter, the fruit sustains birds, animals and insects while food is in short supply.

Turn off your phone and immerse yourself in the spectacular surroundings. Throughout April and May, the trees start blossoming, a sight not to be missed.

Our Partnership with Silent Space

The Silent Space project is a registered charity which runs nationwide, offering spaces for quiet observation and contemplation in a world that's constantly on the move and demanding our attention. You can find out more about their work at www.silentspace.org.uk

South Lawn and Yew Tree Terrace

As you walk across the south terrace, take a moment to savour the views to the parkland beyond the South Lawn.

The avenues of sweet chestnut trees (Castanea sativa) can be seen in the distance, and the Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani), planted in the 17th century, cling to the bank on the west side of the wall.

Picnic areas

There are some benches for seating as you look out from the main lawn with views over the garden and countryside. Under the shade of the Cedars is the pefect spot in the summer to roll out the picnic rug and relax. There are also picnic benches near the plant centre and gift shop.

Winter in the garden

From mid-February until spring, follow the garden walk down the Yew Terraces and around into the wild garden, not forgetting the short walk through the Orchard to see the abundance of different Narcissi coming into flower.

In late winter, there is a wonderful display of later flowering spring plants and bulbs from anemone, primulas and various species of Narcissi flowering on the Hazel bank before they show off their catkins and come into leaf.

As we move into spring, the House Terraces will be starting to come into bloom, with rows of Primula, Eysimum and Myosotis interplanted with a wonderful display of Tulips.

Wildlife in the garden

The woods and lakes that form part of Upton’s natural landscape are a haven for wildlife. As well as the more common species that you might see in your own garden, many unusual and scarce species visit the gardens including great spotted woodpeckers and occasionally a red kite.

Green woodpecker perched on a twig at Avebury, Wiltshire — Look out for the green woodpeckers | © National Trust Images/Richard Bradshaw

Woodland birdlife

The surrounding woodland is rich in bird life. The trees and undergrowth make a perfect habitat for nesting and foraging for food. Listen and look out for green and great spotted woodpeckers drumming as well as the noisy rooks. You might also hear a medley of birdsong from blackbirds, robins and threatened species such as the blackcap, song thrush and spotted flycatcher.

A close up of a kingfisher with a fish in its mouth perched on a branch — You might spot a kingfisher | © National Trust Images/Richard Bradshaw

Water lovers

The ponds and lake at the bottom of the garden are tranquil spots for wildlife watching. They attract numerous types of birds that feed on the insects from the water. In the warmer months swallows can be seen and sometimes hobbies flying low over the water. If you're really lucky, you might spot the flash of blue from a feeding kingfisher.

A skylark standing on coastal grassland — Upton is home to a number of farmland birds | © National Trust Images/Nick Upton

Rural visitors

Upton is in the heart of rolling Warwickshire countryside which encourages wildlife into the garden including many mammals such as badgers, deer, mice, rabbits, shrews and voles. Buzzards, kestrels, falcons, owls, yellowhammers, fieldfares, skylarks and redwings are some of the farmland birds that you might see at Upton.

Common pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) in flight over silver birch branch | © National Trust Images/Bat Conservation Trust/Hugh Clark

Valuable habitats

The woodland, waterways and surrounding countryside all provide valuable habitats and feeding grounds for the long-eared, pipistrelle and serotine bats that are night-time visitors. It’s not just the natural landscape that encourages wildlife into the gardens. The gardening team manages the gardens in a sensitive way to create ideal habitats for all types of wildlife.

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Woodland walk

The woodland is a haven for wildlife and a great place for the little ones to run wild and have some fun. Step into the woodland near visitor reception and you’ll discover logs to climb on, walk along and jump over, as well as tunnels that lead you round and rooms under the holly trees.

As you follow the path you'll discover more about our wildlife, before ending up at the Pavilion Café for a well-deserved treat.