Visiting the garden at Upton

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.

A wide shot of a few cedar of Lebanon trees bordering the lawn at Upton House, Warwickshire — The Cedars on the south lawn | © National Trust Images/Rupert Truman

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.

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.

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.

Outdoor events at Upton

Upcoming events based in or inspired by the gardens at Upton.

Upton social walks

Various dates (13 March, 25 April, 15 May, 20 June and 17 Oct) and £5 per person. Booking required.

These take place in the Warwickshire countryside surrounding Upton House and Gardens.

We offer two routes, which alternate monthly:

The 'What a View' walk is a gentle 2.3 miles (3.7km), (approximately 1-1hr 30 mins), around the Upton estate. This runs on the following dates: 13 March, 15 May and 17 October.

The Temple Pool walk is a stunning 4.8 miles (6.7km), (approximately 2 hrs 30 mins) skirting the edge of the historic Temple Pool designed by Gothic landscape designer, Sanderson Miller. Difficulty level: moderate - includes some moderate climbs. This runs on 25 April and 20 June 2025.

Sanderson Miller and the Vale of Red Horse walk

Thursday 17 July, 10am - 3pm. Booking essential.

Explore footpaths with expansive views along the Vale of the Red Horse on this moderate 6.5-mile walk led by Cotswold Voluntary Wardens.

This walk traces the footsteps of Warwickshire architect Sanderson Miller (1716-80), known as 'The Master of Gothik', passing works including his tower in the historic village of Edge Hill.

Starting from the visitor car park at Upton House and Gardens, the route takes you through a lesser-known district of the Cotswolds known as the Vale of the Red Horse. Discover the hidden history of this landscape that also features wildflower meadows and a deserted village.

A guided walk along the tip of the Cotswolds

Friday 15 August, 10am - 2pm. Pre-booking essential.

Discover stunning countryside on the tip of the Cotswolds on this moderate 5-mile walk led by the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens.

Battle of Edgehill guided walk

Saturday 6 September, 10.30am - 3pm, £8 per person and booking essential.

Discover stunning views and stories of pitched battle in this guided walk around Edgehill and nearby historic sites. Starting from Upton House visitor car park, your walk leader will take you along the escarpment into Edgehill.

Joining you on this route will be a local historian and archaeologist who will guide you through landscapes and local villages steeped in the history of England's first civil war.

Tai chi and QiGong at Upton House and Gardens

Various dates and booking information, £14 per ticket on the day, or £12 per session of booked as part of a block.

Join Ben Smith and Jon Day from the British Tai Chi Academy to discover the ancient, meditative Chinese art of Tai Chi and QiGong in these weekly classes suitable for beginners and all levels of fitness. Taking place in the Quiet Orchard or Squash Court if wet weather.

Paper flower workshop - make your own Aster

Wednesday 10 September, 10am - 12.30pm and 1pm - 3.30pm, £45 per person. Booking essential.

Join paper florist Arlene from ArloArts to create your own everlasting blooms inspired by Upton's National Collection of Asters.

In this fun and relaxing workshop Arlene will introduce you to the versatile art of hand-crafted flowers. Using high-quality crepe paper, you will make your own bespoke version of the daisy-flowering plant that blooms along Upton's late summer and early autumn terrace borders.

Sculpture in the Garden at Upton House

Saturday 4 October - Sunday 19 October, 10am - 4.30pm. Normal admission applies and no booking needed.

The Oxford Sculpture Group are exhibiting for the first time in the gardens and the Squash Court Gallery at Upton House.

Lord Bearsted was a great patron of the arts. He transformed Upton in the 1930s to house his world class art collection. It is in this spirit we celebrate contemporary artists work. From 4 to 19 October there will be sculpture on display throughout the gardens and a range of indoor sculptures on display in the Squash Court Gallery, where you can also find our sales desk manned by one of the sculptors who are always happy to talk about the work on display.

For more detail on all events and booking, please see 'Upcoming Events'.