The weather forecast was good so we planned a visit to Upton House and Gardens near Banbury in Warwickshire. Arriving around 2.00 p.m. on a glorious summer’s day the main car parks were already full but we were directed to an overflow parking area in a field which was only a short walk from the entrance gates.
Approaching the house along its wide, tree lined drive our first stop was in the Stable Yard to arrange timed entrance tickets for viewing the house. Our entry time was 30 minutes later which gave us an opportunity to explore the gardens. On the south lawn in front of the property visitors were enjoying picnics under the shade of the large cedar trees. There was live music ‘Jazz on the lawn’ which takes places between 12.00 and 4.00 p.m. each Sunday in August and it was lovely to take in the views and listen to the music for a short time.
Walking to the end of the lawn, the ground drops away steeply and the bank has been terraced with colourful borders keeping to the style of the original 1920’s planting designs. A gravel path and steps lead down to the large kitchen garden which stretches for one acre, here fruit and vegetables are still grown for use in the cafe and restaurant.
To one side of the lawn we noticed a swimming pool complete with diving board which had been installed in 1936. The pool looked murky and is no longer in use as the water in the swimming pool drains through to the ponds where there are fish. Wandering around the mirror pool at the base of the garden we discovered this was undergoing renovation as its clay lining had worn away resulting in numerous leaks. Returning uphill towards the house by a different route took us up a grand outdoor staircase with ornate spindles. Glancing back, there were some good views of the extensive grounds.
Timing it well, we arrived promptly in front of the house ready for our visit. A National Trust volunteer opened the door and welcomed about 20 of us into the hall explaining that the door cannot be opened from the outside as it was designed for servants to welcome guests into the home. Our guide, ‘the Land Agent’ provided us with a useful short history of the house and its owners and then we were able to tour the rest of the house at our own pace with volunteers on hand in the majority of the rooms for more detailed information.
In 1927 Lord and Lady Bearsted bought the house for its potential and modernised it to their taste influenced by the latest issues of Country Life magazine. The magazine published photos of privately owned country homes showcasing their wealth.
A basement was added to the property with two indoor squash courts, a snooker room and lounge. The squash court even had a small viewing balcony to enable family and guests to spectate. It has now been converted into an art gallery to display some of Upton’s paintings.
Up on the second floor we found a very interesting exhibition of original art work and posters entitled ‘Shell and the art of advertising’. Lord Bearsted inherited his fortune from his father, a co-founder of the Shell oil empire.
After an enjoyable tour of the house and gardens we completed our visit with a refreshing pot of tea sitting outside the Pavilion restaurant which was built in the grounds in 2002.
If you have enjoyed reading this post you may also be interested in the following National Trust properties:
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Amazing to see how those in the peerage lived and in some cases, live. We love visiting these places when we can. And in many cases, the gardens are a beautiful place to explore. Thanks for sharing Marion. Enjoy your weekend. Allan
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We picked a lovely day for our visit to Upton House Allan and enjoyed visiting both the house and gardens. So many interesting National Trust places to visit.
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Hi
Thank you for your Great Article with Amazing Pictures. Informative Tips
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Thanks for your kind words. Upton House is a lovely place to visit during the summertime,
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Littlepleasuresbigfun.org
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There is so much of England I have yet to explore and Oxfordshire is one of them! I’ve also just started a new travel blog and would love to get some advice some feedback from you!
http://therestlesstravelblog.wordpress.com
Thank you!
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Thank you for your much appreciated thoughts. Oxfordshire has much to offer with the Thames running through the attractive town of Abingdon and of course Oxford itself. I’ll take a look at your new blog as soon as I have a minute.
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A great tip for a weekend trip!
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Thank you, I’m sure you will enjoy it!
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What a perfect place to visit. Enjoying a cup of tea there seems more than appropriate!
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Definitely Amanda, the visit was even nicer with the gorgeous weather. Have a good weekend.
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I guess it would be difficult for some of the former high society to keep up with maintenance on some of those grand old buildings. I’m so glad they have found new life and are being preserved for future generations to enjoy.
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I’m sure that’s the case Ian but it’s so nice to be able to visit them and look in wonder at how the aristocracy lived their lives. We have annual membership of the National Trust and by just visiting three or four properties in a year it pays for itself. There are hundreds to choose from dotted all over the place and have friendly volunteers on hand to explain things.
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Upton House looks well worth a visit and you had such amazing weather which always makes it a better day out doesn’t it? So many great National Trust properties all over the country to visit that it’s often hard to decide on which one.
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Yes there are so many properties but that’s a good thing as we always find new ones to visit. We have annual membership and even if we only visit 3 or 4 during the year I’m certain that covers it. Obviously the lovely weather helps a lot, too! Are you based somewhere nice now, having said that, most places have something interesting to explore.
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Currently down in Pewsey Wiltshire for a week in a fabulous place, shame it’s only a week. Off to Warminster after the weekend.
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Lovely, I not very familiar with Wiltshire apart from visiting Salisbury. Useful that your next location is in the vicinity too. Enjoy.
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The place seems beautiful
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Thank you, it really is.
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What a beautiful place!
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Thank you Barbara, the house and gardens are beautiful and especially lovely n such a warm summer’s day.
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Interesting place to visit. I like to visit National Trust places.
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I enjoying visiting NT properties too. There are just so many dotted around the country that we are constantly finding ‘new’ ones. Thanks for your welcome thoughts.
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great post
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Thank you Tariq
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welcome
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What a blissful day (except for the Jazz, but each to his own lol)
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I’m not that bothered about Jazz either but it was pleasant to sit in the sunshine and listen awhile. Thanks for your welcome thoughts.
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It looks like an amazing place to visit and spend the day! 🙂
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It was the perfect place for a hot summer’s day. Thank you for taking the time to comment. It’s much appreciated.
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Reblogged this on R and B Travel Blog.
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What a beautiful place. Interesting bit of information about the door being designed to be opened from the inside only, that really speaks of a different time, doesn’t it!
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It certainly dies Helen. Our own home is Edwardian and was built in 1911. At the side of the fireplaces in both the living and dining rooms there are still the original brass bells to ring for the servants. How times have changed indeed! How is your packing coming along, do you move soon? Somewhere nice, I hope!
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What a lovely feature to have in your home! Moving planning is going- suspiciously?- smoothly. We are off to Tidworth in Wiltshire and I’m very much looking forward to it.
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Hello Marion.
It was a great joy to visit this beautiful place thru Your photos. I love very much the big lawn Seems to be worth for a visit.
Have a good day!
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We have been very fortunate to have some warm, sunny days Matti – just perfect for visiting these stately homes. Thank you for your welcome thoughts, they are always much appreciated.
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There are some beautiful buildings open to the public, aren’t there? We were at Lotherton Hall near Leeds, just before we came back to the Algarve. Glad you had a good Bank Hol 🙂 🙂
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Thanks Jo, there are indeed so many beautiful buildings and gardens to enjoy up and down the country.
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