Upton House

Despite being a long-term National Trust member who used to live in the Midlands and has frequently visited Stratford-u-A, I have never been to Upton House. But National Trust properties are generally great places to visit: well-kept, with lots of information. It’s an unusual property in that it’s 1930s, as are the gardens. Plus there’s a good art collection, a cafe and a shop, so what’s not to like!

The National Trust’s own website doesn’t show a bus service, but it looks like it’s on the route of the 76A/76X that runs between Banbury and Stratford. https://www.stagecoachbus.com/routes/midlands/76/banbury-stratford/xlao076.i

However it strikes me as odd that the NT doesn’t mention this so maybe I’m reading the buses wrong and you might need a cab from Stratford or Banbury.

Overlaying the 76 timetable onto Google maps, and checking with the National Bus Times Database only the 76A stops at Upton House- 1035 from Banbury arrive at 1104, depart back at 1455.

76 journeys use a route well to the south of the house.

BUT if you interrogate the national database the afternoon return journey is only showing as running on a Saturday.

That worries me because the database is drawn from the legally registered route.

I would go with the Saturday only version, not the Stagecoach timetable. My suspicion is that the afternoon journey became a School Children only journey on 3 September 2022 I(the last date the timetable was amended on).

EDIT- Looking at Street View there is no actual bus stop sign there, certainly no shelter, and the road has no sidewalk/pavement. You just stand on the grass verge, and flag the bus down- hoping he stops. All in all nothing to recommend that an overseas visitor take that bus journey. Use a taxi, and prebook him for the return journey.

The stop is called "Edge Hill, opposite Upton House"

Excellent work above from a true public transport expert.

Also: although it’s slightly closer to Banbury, Stratford-u-A has more to offer the tourist so makes sense as the place to stay. If you’re in a National Trust mood, incidentally, nearby Charlecote House is lovely.

Thank you, isn31c for the detailed information about the bus schedule. It does sound a bit daunting. I think we will take a taxi.
And, thank you, GoldenGirl for the suggestion of Charlecote House. I do love visiting National Trust sites.

Oh, sorry, it’s Charlecote Park, not Charlecote House. Anyway, both the grounds and the house are very nice.

and provided good poaching territory for William Shakespeare when he was you - it is documented.

If you like unusual sheep, Charlecote has a nice flock of Jacobs Sheep. Great colour.

Like Golden Girl I am also a very long term member of the National Trust, like her I lived nearby, but I have visited Upton House several times. A very "comfy" house to me, lots of associations to Shell Oil, great views, lovely things to see in the house and a very pleasant layout. In my opinion, if you like between the wars 20th century, one not to miss. A peak into the collection is https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/warwickshire/upton-house-and-gardens/the-house-and-collection-at-upton

Had to look up Jacob Sheep. They're cute! This forum is great for learning fun info.