Discover more at Upton House and Gardens
Find out when Upton House and Gardens is open, how to get here, things to see and do and more.
Christmas at Upton House and Gardens
This Christmas, the house will be decorated with enchanting displays based around Aesop’s fables hidden with clues for little ones to join in with the Aesop’s Fables Cheeky Creature Christmas Quest. There will be wreath-making workshops, an exclusive festive evening visit and winter afternoon tea talks.
Aesop's Fables - Christmas at Upton House and Gardens
23 November - 24 December, 11.30am-3.30pm. Normal admission applies.
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
23 November - 24 December, 11.30am-3.30pm. Normal admission applies and £3 per child.
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.
Winter afternoon tea talks
Various dates each month starting in December. Booking essential, £48 per person (non-sparkling option) and £56 per person (sparkling option). More information and booking here.
Feed your senses this winter with our series of afternoon talks about the collection followed by traditional afternoon tea. Each talk focuses on a different theme. The festive afternoon tea includes a talk about the 'Candlesticks, Fables and the Chelsea Porcelain Factory' on Tuesday 17 December.
For more information on the themes for the talks into the new year, see here.
A festive evening visit at Upton House
Thursday 28 November, 6.30pm - 8pm. Pre-booking essential, £38 per ticket. For more information and booking, please see 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.
Christmas wreath-making at Upton
2 & 3 December, 10am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm, £48 per adult. Booking required. More information can be found here.
Make your own Christmas wreath under expert guidance with materials sourced from the gardens.
Relax into the festive spirit in this 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.
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.
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Twinkling lights on Christmas trees, frosty winter scenes and seasonal treats are all part of the festive fun at our places in Warwickshire.
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Whether you want to make your own Christmas wreath, visit Father Christmas or enjoy winter illuminations at a historic location, we have plenty of festive events and things to do at the places in our care. Plan your festive day out today.