Upton Castle and Gardens
Discover a unique blend of art and nature at Upton Castle and Gardens, featuring enchanting sculpture trails, a historic chapel, and vibrant flora.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers in full bloom, bees buzzing
Upton Castle and Gardens
Best Time
Flowers in full bloom, bees buzzing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a unique blend of art and nature at Upton Castle and Gardens, featuring enchanting sculpture trails, a historic chapel, and vibrant flora.
"A lovely, peaceful garden with breathtaking sculptures and a fascinating ancient chapel."
🎯 Follow the Signposts
Don't rely solely on GPS; follow the official signposts to reach Upton Castle and Gardens. :round_pushpin:
☕ Enjoy the Cafe Treats
The trailer cafe offers tasty snacks, good quality coffee, and even dog treats and ice cream. :coffee:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Enchanting Sculpture Trails
Throughout the gardens
Discover a captivating collection of sculptures nestled within the gardens, offering a unique art and nature experience.
Ancient Chapel and Effigies
Onsite
Step back in time at the 12th-century chapel, featuring fascinating effigies and a rich historical ambiance.
Vibrant Rose Garden
Rose Garden area
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the blooming rose garden, a fragrant and picturesque spot for a leisurely stroll.
Burrowing Ivy Bees
Various garden areas
Witness a large colony of fascinating burrowing ivy bees, a unique natural spectacle for wildlife enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Art and Nature
Plan for Mobility and Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Follow the Signposts
Don't rely solely on GPS; follow the official signposts to reach Upton Castle and Gardens. :round_pushpin:
☕ Enjoy the Cafe Treats
The trailer cafe offers tasty snacks, good quality coffee, and even dog treats and ice cream. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Explore the Sculpture Trail
Embark on a fun scavenger hunt for wooden sculptures using the provided map. :camerawithflash:
🐶 Dogs on Leads Welcome
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to explore the gardens with their owners. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Follow the Signposts
Don't rely solely on GPS; follow the official signposts to reach Upton Castle and Gardens. :round_pushpin:
☕ Enjoy the Cafe Treats
The trailer cafe offers tasty snacks, good quality coffee, and even dog treats and ice cream. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Explore the Sculpture Trail
Embark on a fun scavenger hunt for wooden sculptures using the provided map. :camerawithflash:
🐶 Dogs on Leads Welcome
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to explore the gardens with their owners. :dog:
🧺 Picnic Options Available
Bring your own picnic or enjoy the offerings at the cafe; picnic areas are available. :sandwich:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Upton Castle and Gardens for its beautiful, peaceful atmosphere, captivating sculpture trails, and well-maintained gardens. The ancient chapel and unique wildlife, like burrowing ivy bees, are frequently highlighted as special attractions. While the house isn't accessible, the overall experience is considered excellent value for money, though some note potential mobility challenges in certain areas.
"Had a lovely visit to this beautiful, peaceful garden yesterday. Highly recommended for anyone who likes gardens, art, or just the natural world. Highlights were wonderful specimen trees, a very ancient chapel and effigies, breathtaking sculptures and a large colony of burrowing ivy bees. Worth a trip for the latter alone! Many thanks to the owner for his guidance."
Gavin W
"Lovely place, smashing gardens and woodland walks and the food in the café was great. Just a shame you can't visit the house as it's a private family residence but you can go into the Chapel on site. Free parking but obviously you have to pay an entry fee for the gardens. People with mobility issues may find it a little difficult to get around. You can take dogs but they have to be kept on a lead at all times. There are picnic areas as well."
Amanda Penny
"Well worth the admission money!
At the moment until October, you can have a walk around the gardens on search for the wooden sculptures and take a snap shot of each different one, -can you complete? They do offer you a very good map to help locate each one...
Hungry?...
Take a picnic with you if you like, or have a tasty snack at the trailer cafe which they offer. Prices are, I would say, at the going rate and reasonable.
At the moment the gardens are in full bloom and flowers are full of bees; they have a nice walk around the grounds which is very manageable, also very well maintained.
It's also dog friendly, but remember to control them so others can enjoy the peace from nature. I hadn't come across a problem when exploring there myself, and came across a couple of well behaved dogs on the leads. They also offer little treats at the cafe to help quiet them down and also dog icecream, for the good doggy treat, for a price.
A good number of hours can be spent at this place if you are interested in this type of thing.
I've taken a few pic shots for you to see what to expect, but I'll leave a lot off so you can explore for yourselves. The rose garden is lovely to see!
If it is in full sun, you can be sheltered by the many surrounding trees. Cloudy and slight rain is also still ok if you bring a light mac or brolly..
I met the owner on the way out and he seems a very nice guy.
All in all, a thumbs up from me👍🏻"
Steven Othen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Upton Castle and Gardens is located near Pembroke. While GPS can be helpful, it's recommended to follow the official signposts as some visitors have found sat navs to be unreliable. It's a short drive from Pembroke Cottage Holidays.
Yes, there is free parking available for visitors at Upton Castle and Gardens.
Information on public transport options is limited, but it is generally recommended to travel by car for easier access to Upton Castle and Gardens.
Follow the signposts for Upton Castle and Gardens, especially if you are coming from the Pembroke area.
Upton Castle and Gardens is conveniently located just 10 minutes from Pembroke Cottage Holidays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Upton Castle and Gardens typically reopens for the season around April 1st. Specific opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
There is an entry fee for the gardens, which is considered well worth the admission money by many visitors.
The house itself is a private family residence and is not open to the public. However, you can visit the ancient chapel on site.
Information on discounts is not readily available, but the admission fee is considered reasonable for the experience offered.
Advance booking information is not specified, but it's always a good idea to check the official website for any booking requirements, especially during peak season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include enchanting sculpture trails, a 12th-century chapel with effigies, a beautiful rose garden, and a colony of burrowing ivy bees.
Some visitors have noted that people with mobility issues might find certain areas of the gardens a little difficult to navigate due to woodland walks.
Photography is encouraged, especially to capture the sculptures on the trail.
While not explicitly mentioned, the owner has been known to offer guidance to visitors.
The sculpture trail involves searching for and photographing various wooden sculptures scattered throughout the gardens, with a map provided to assist.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a trailer cafe on-site offering tasty snacks, good quality coffee, and lunch options.
The cafe offers a range of tasty snacks and good quality food. They also provide treats for dogs.
Prices at the cafe are considered to be at the going rate and reasonable by visitors.
Yes, you are welcome to bring a picnic with you, and there are picnic areas available.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but the cafe is known for good quality food. It's advisable to inquire directly about options.
📸 📸 Photography
The sculpture trails offer unique photographic opportunities, as does the ancient chapel and the vibrant rose garden. The gardens themselves provide beautiful natural backdrops.
Photography is generally permitted, and visitors are encouraged to capture the art and nature.
No specific restrictions on photography have been mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any private areas.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, while the gardens offer shelter from direct sun during midday.
There is no information available regarding drone usage. It's best to check with the venue directly before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some woodland paths might require supervision for younger children, the overall experience is engaging and educational. Bringing a picnic is a great option for families, allowing for flexible meal times and a chance to enjoy the scenery.
🐶 Dog Owners
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
+1 The 'Amidst the Trees' exhibition, focusing on humanity's complex relationship with nature, offers a deeper artistic narrative. You can also find prints and other artworks within the chapel and a shed, adding further artistic dimensions to your visit. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artful Gardens of Upton Castle
+1 Visitors are encouraged to actively participate by searching for and photographing different sculptures, often guided by a helpful map. Beyond the contemporary art, the gardens themselves are a testament to horticultural passion. You'll find specimen trees, a lovely rose garden in full bloom, and a unique natural phenomenon: a large colony of burrowing ivy bees.
For those interested in history, the 12th-century chapel on site offers a glimpse into the past with its ancient effigies. While the main house is a private residence, the chapel provides a significant historical element to the visit.
Visitor Experience and Practicalities
However, it's important to note some practical considerations. While the woodland walks are enjoyable, individuals with mobility issues might find certain parts of the garden challenging.
For those planning their visit, it's recommended to follow the signposts as sat navs can sometimes be unreliable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit