Stairway to Heaven?

Well maybe not Heaven, but to a welcome pot of Earl Grey tea in the Upton House cafe.

Earlier we met Tom and Rachel in Pret for a drink and chat.  An hour or so later we went our separate ways with us heading for a late packed lunch and a visit to Upton House.

On arrival the notices said not only were the gardens closed due to high winds but the whole place was closing at 4pm.  They have a new exhibition in the squash court, portraits, photographic and oil painting, from the National Portrait Gallery entitled Nature's Champions 

From the web site:
This partnership between the National Trust and the National Portrait Gallery draws on paintings, sculptures and photographs from the Gallery’s collection. The exhibition, which has already visited Dunham Massey and Attingham, focuses on individuals who have transformed the way we perceive, experience and aim to protect the natural world. 

Featured sitters include environmental activists, broadcasters, poets, politicians, campaigners, gardeners and scientists from the 19th century to the present day who have affected how we interact with our environment.

It was very interesting and well attended.  We then had time before closing for a cup of tea.