Upton Castle Gardens
Upton Castle Gardens
4
Art GalleriesHistoric SitesCastlesGardens
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Upton Castle is a picturesque Norman Castle that remains a private family home. The RHS partner garden consists of 35 acres of tranquil listed historic gardens, surrounded by ancient woodland. The Summer exhibition runs from 30th June - 15th September. Coeden; Amidst the trees, An Exhibition of Sculptures and paintings by internationally renowned Artists. There are spectacular herbaceous borders, a delightful formal rose garden, and a fascinating, traditional 18th century walled garden. Rare trees and shrubs abound throughout the gardens and include a stunning collection of rhododendrons, tree Magnolias and Camellias. The medieval chapel contains ornately carved stone tombs of crusader knights. Enjoy woodland walks bursting with wildflowers leading to the shores of Upton Creek, part of the tidal Cleddau estuary. There are plenty of places along the paths to sit and soak up the tranquillity of the unique surroundings and enjoy a picnic or visit the cafe open May- October.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • Patrick F
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A delightful wet morning walk
    On a recent trip to the Pembrokeshire coast from Ireland we decided on a wet morning to visit Upton Castle Gardens. Apart from one other couple we had the place to ourselves and had the pleasure of strolling around these wonderful gardens for approximately 3 hours. A perfect mixture of formal planting and informal walkways through woodland. Added to this we were made very welcome by the owner and her daughter. An absolute delightful place to visit and will be back.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 May 2024
  • Gillian M
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Definitely worth a visit.
    Had a great time today visiting the gardens and wood. There is an exhibition at the moment until September of 30 sculptures dotted around the gardens and they are spectacular. The cafe was also delightful and although small served home cooked food. Would definitely recommend a visit. Also enjoyed visiting the church, walled vegetable garden and walled rose garden.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 July 2024
  • KMD
    Saundersfoot, United Kingdom23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Blissful!
    Visited on August Bank Holiday - a blissful break from the crowds and we were lucky with the weather! What a special place, the stunning sculptures add interest to a beautiful garden which has the perfect blend of formal and informal areas. There are many tranquil spots to rest and enjoy the view. Although there were plenty of visitors it felt peaceful and uncrowded. There’s a delightful cafe, with terraces and a tepee to provide shelter if needed, serving home cooked savoury and sweet bakes. Very dog friendly, we’ll definitely visit again.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 August 2024
  • pacmantoo
    Swansea, United Kingdom27 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely garden, nice people, good cafe
    Lovely little garden. Roses and flower beds best in spring and summer. Very interesting sculture trail through arboretum. Nice little cafe for tea and cake. Worth the detour off the main road.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 September 2024
  • Marilyn R
    Bournemouth, United Kingdom1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hidden gem in the Pembrokeshire countryside
    A very enjoyable afternoon spent in this beautiful garden. Reasonably priced for adults at £7.50. The flowers, especially the roses were magnificent, and the sculpture exhibition made from driftwood is truly extraordinary. Our first visit while living in Pembrokeshire for 50 years, but definitely not our last.
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles126 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
28
Average
5
Poor
9
Terrible
7

Howellzy999
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
I attended at the location with my husband and two small dashchunds on the 28/07/20, the main toilets were out of order as they were being renovated, so we used the one attached to the castle, which was appalling. The roses in the Rose Gardens were either dead or dying. The walk on the wild side was closed half way round due to the bridges being repaired and the tree top walk was overgrown in areas. The best parts of the Castle experience were the Chapel and the Arboretum. The owners should not be charging when the Castle is in this state of repair. We also walked our dogs around the site, but as we walked them from the Arboretum to the tree top walk, two of the owners dogs appeared, the beagle was friendly enough, but they had a very large black dog which appeared out of the flower beds , this startled our small dashchunds who barked. The large black dog became aggressive and went for one of our dogs, which was totally unacceptable. I had to fall on our dog to stop it being attacked. The dog only ran off when my husband shouted at it and a female voice called out, which I believe was one of the owners. The large black dog was acting very terriotorial and at this time I would not say it is dog friendly, unless the owners keep their dogs under control whilst visitors are thre with their dogs..
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hettie110
Winchester, UK29 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
Unfortunately I was disappointed. I felt that after paying £6 each to visit (we were a party of 3) there was very little to see. One of the main paths was shut for repair, which left you walking up and back the same path. The Chapel may have been lovely, but there was a Service going on at the time and we couldn't walk around it. Being Spring, there were Rhododendrons and Camellias out, but there were very few spring bulbs to look at. I did actually complain and I was offered a full refund, of which I took half my money back. It is a shame as this place has much potential.
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many of the spring bulbs are now in flower lining the paths and in the borders, you were just a little too early to see them in bloom. The walk on the wild side path is now open after some bridges have been mended and made safe for visitors. All comers are welcome to join the services that take place in the Chapel and enter at any time. We are slightly disappointed that after having been offered a full refund you have chosen to write a negative review.
Written 14 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

513NeilB
Swansea, UK25 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Friends
We visited as a group from our gardening society. As we walked up the drive to the Castle (subsequently realised someone had been standing in front of the sign directing us to the correct route), we got a real telling off by a lady who was working in the gardens. She bahaved as if she owned the place, which she probably did. We endeavoured to apologise for our error, but her high handed attitude and condescending looks put a dampner on what was otherwise a nice visit. Overpriced, poor quality food and slow service fron the under resourced catering team was also disappointing. However, the people serving in the catering van were lovely - very apolgetic and obviously embarassed at not being able to provide a better service. Our initial experience was one of being made unwelcome and ripped off.

Having said that, the gardens and sculpture trail were lovely and enjoyable. A few lessons in customer service, and treating paying customers with some respect would have made it a muh better experience. I would not return in a hurry and certainly would not recommend it to the many garden clubs and societies that I am involved with.
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

fruitloopster23
Narberth, UK21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Friends
I’ve known about Upton Gardens for a while but the Summer Sculpture trail was what finally drew me in today.

A really pleasant way to spend an afternoon. I don’t think I explored everything the grounds had to offer as I stuck to the sculpture trail.

It was clearly a lot busier than the owners had expected with the overflow parking overflowing but it never felt crowded, quite the opposite.

Some really beautiful sculptures on display and glad I didn’t miss it.

The cafe was really busy; not surprising as the food looked fabulous; would recommend the lemon polenta cake.

It’s dog friendly (on lead) with water bowls available near the cafe, dog poo bins dotted about and poo bags on sale at the ticket office they felt welcomed rather than just tolerated.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KMD
Saundersfoot, UK23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
Visited on August Bank Holiday - a blissful break from the crowds and we were lucky with the weather! What a special place, the stunning sculptures add interest to a beautiful garden which has the perfect blend of formal and informal areas. There are many tranquil spots to rest and enjoy the view. Although there were plenty of visitors it felt peaceful and uncrowded. There’s a delightful cafe, with terraces and a tepee to provide shelter if needed, serving home cooked savoury and sweet bakes. Very dog friendly, we’ll definitely visit again.
Written 26 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Beth
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
I have held a season ticket for many years now, and have seen the results of hard work, restoration and creativity even when Covid and storm damage have hit. Today I was looking at the great variety of recently planted fruit trees among wild flowers in the walled garden. Lovers of "The Victorian Kitchen Garden" will recognise many features here. The woodland walk is a joy filled with trees, streams, birdsong and wild flowers. Very attractive and educational notice boards along the way describe the wildlife, and a sheltered table is ideal for refreshments and note-taking. At the end the path gives way to views of the estuary, and another lovely walk under beautiful beech and oak trees, among others. There is too much to list everything, but the rose garden is a treasure not to be missed. The owners are exceptionally friendly and welcoming, and the newly established cafe provides excellent coffee and home-made cake in a lovely old room plus outside seating. There are also picnic tables on the grass near the car park with nearby loos, and even the road from the gate affords a beautiful view, a real carpet of primroses and violets and banked trees showing signs of ancient woodland. It wold be easy to spend a whole day there just enjoying the peace.
Written 22 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review. Bringing this garden back from the brink of being reclaimed by wilderness has been a labour of love and the support of season ticket holders, who love and appreciate this place as much as we do, is a constant source of encouragement thank you.
Written 24 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

chrismidlands2018
The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, UK39 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Couples
If you like or have a passion for plants or a green environment this place is an excellent visit.
What makes it remarkable is that the people running it are doing it on a pretty much volunteer basis, we had a lovely chat to the man who gave us quite an in depth history of the place and him and his daughter work like heroes to keep it going.

There were two lovely dogs who we made friends with, some outstanding sculptures to see and fantastic walled gardens, they also have sheep and horses.

The daughter runs a cafe in an old airstream caravan which serves delicious food too. We chose scones and lemon drizzle cake but there were a selection of very fresh lunches on offer.

There was a wonderful woodland walk through to the estuary.

It would be fantastic if these guys could find some investment to support their endeavours as this would change the place from good to great. Their efforts deserve 10 out of 10 and with a little help it would be out of this world.

All in all well worth a visit for couples, families and groups.

Thank you Upton castle.
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your encouraging comments and I very much hope you will come and see us again as we work towards restoring more of this beautiful place that we love so much. We are always delighted when people recognise the hard work we put in and the potential. Many thanks
Written 17 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Marilyn R
Bournemouth, UK1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Couples
A very enjoyable afternoon spent in this beautiful garden. Reasonably priced for adults at £7.50. The flowers, especially the roses were magnificent, and the sculpture exhibition made from driftwood is truly extraordinary.
Our first visit while living in Pembrokeshire for 50 years, but definitely not our last.
Written 3 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gillian M
13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Couples
Had a great time today visiting the gardens and wood. There is an exhibition at the moment until September of 30 sculptures dotted around the gardens and they are spectacular. The cafe was also delightful and although small served home cooked food. Would definitely recommend a visit. Also enjoyed visiting the church, walled vegetable garden and walled rose garden.
Written 2 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mark R
Merthyr Tydfil, Wales3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
What a beautiful place. Wandering through the gardens and woodland, enjoying the peace and serenity, was a fantastic way to spend a few hours. To the soundtrack of birdsong, we ambled through a delightful arboretum arriving at gorgeous views of the estuary. The walled garden is impressive. The cafe is quirky set against the backdrop of an ancient tower. However, the rose garden at this time of year is simply spectacular. It is lovely to be able to share the results of the owners' restoration of the gardens. We will definitely be back - time and time again.
Written 17 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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UPTON CASTLE GARDENS (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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