Lord  Bearsted was a keen art collector and Upton was a splendid setting for the growing collection of Old Master paintings, porcelain, Oriental Art and other objects of art. 

Lord and Lady Bearsted also greatly embellished and improved the house and gardens. The gardens contain large lawns, terraced borders, rose garden, orchards, a  kitchen garden...

The house, gardens and part of art collection were donated in 1948 to the National Trust. The family added later additional objects of art to the donation.

The house and gardens are open to the public, whereas the surrounded estate cannot be visited.

For more detailed information, see website