It was a sunny summers day, but with a cool refreshing breeze. My mum and I were sitting in a cozy farmhouse converted cafe and shop eating lunch in Banbury, UK, close to my parents’ home. As we sipped our coffee and ate our warm jacket potato, we discussed possible activities for the afternoon. We recalled, travelling home from nearby Stratfor-upon-Avon two days previously, passing Upton House and Gardens, a National Trust property. The spactious grounds and beautiful architecture of the house and struck our attention as we drove past. Now were keen to see more. Our choice had been made
Upon arrival, we parked in the peaceful, open, gravel car park at the side of the grounds. This is right next to where you buy tickets from, making it welcoming and convenient. Although the school holidays, it was a Thursday afternoon, but the car park was still perhaps 60 per cent full. On a weekend day or public holiday with particularly nice weather, it could well be busy, so be prepared. The car park is in the sun, so do pay attention to managing the temperature of your car on a hot day.
Entry fee was £17 for an adult (time of writing, August 2025), with the option of additional Gift Aid. It was cheaper for children and with discounts for families. There are also memberships and annual passes available. Prices can change, so I would recommend contacting them directly. You buy the tickets from the small building by the car park. The staff were exceptionally warm and friendly. They shared a map with us, showed us the key points on it, shared the closing times and were happy to answer any questions or make recommendations. Thank you!
Following the suggestion of the gentleman who served us we headed first for the house. Leaving the building from which we bought tickets, we followed a short path and then turned right onto the main road up to the house, with breathtaking views up to the house.
The architecture of the house allows it to retain its culture, history and grandeur well into the 21st century. Walking across the small courtyard and through the front door in the middle, we were greeted by a member of staff, who introduced us to the history of the house. Dating back to the 1700’s and used by Lord and Lady Bearsted from the 1920’s, the house was once a home and retreat and now a gallery of spectacular art. Close your eyes and imagine walking. You see an old dining room, a long, three rooms now combined to one long, majestic back room, with sofas much of the way down. There is an antique library, overlooking a lower floor. Down below this, a billiards room, with a large, green playing table. Lower still, a previous squash court, now converted to hold paintings full of colour. Everywhere, there is the fresh smell of history, and paintings and tapestries on the walls.
Standing behind the house on the Main Lawn, you see the countryside going into the distance. What this hides however, is the Ha Ha. This is a design I was humbled to learn about today. Cut like steps on different levels behind the lawn are levels of orchards and a large pool at the bottom. The construction allows these to exist and the grounds extended, but only the open countryside seen from the house, for a natural feel.
Our following walk around the grounds consisted of a stroll past the apple trees of the Quiet Orchard, down a path through trees and past the old swimming pool, which has a deep diving area at one end. We continued down the Ha Ha, and around the Mirror Pool. We past the Sunken Garden, an area of grass lowered from that around it, home to nets, perhaps for volleyball or badminton. Finally, we went up a winding path, past the, as we commented “quite big” Bog Cottage and back to the house.
Next to the house, there is a shop selling souvenirs including soft toys, books and calender, as well as plants. We found ourselves at the large Pavilion Cafe, where we enjoyed a refreshing drink. Food is also sold here. To finish our experience, we made our way through the Woodland Walk and along the front of the grounds and back to our car.
It was a soothing afternoon. It is wonderful to know that as the world rapidly changes in the year 2025, such places are retained. Not a home of elite, but a place open for us to see and admire, culture, history, arts and nature all in one. A tranquil experience.