Hello lovelies!
It’s Friday and I’m in London! Woo hoo! I've got my pink tutu packed (naturally!), my new ballet shoes sparkling in their bag, and my head full of plans to make this a spectacular weekend. My love for London is almost as deep as my love for pink tutus, so every visit is a joyful explosion of colour, culture, and delicious treats!
A Journey on the Rails:
As you know, I'm a huge fan of travelling by train. It's so relaxing, so scenic, and a perfect opportunity to slip into a whimsical book or scribble in my travel journal. This time, my train journey was particularly enchanting! The Derbyshire countryside, cloaked in autumn colours, was breathtaking. Even though I've grown up in the heart of the Peak District, every journey is still a fresh delight, full of natural beauty.
Arriving in London's Embrace:
I arrived at Euston Station in the early afternoon. There's something magical about the way London takes your breath away with its iconic landmarks and buzz of life. From the moment you step onto the platform, the city embraces you, swirling with energy and possibility. It's a place that makes you want to spin in a tutu and dance down the street, laughing with joy!
The First Stop: A Covent Garden Serenade:
Naturally, my first destination was Covent Garden! My inner ballerina feels right at home in this historical theatre district, buzzing with a beautiful mix of shops, markets, and the iconic Royal Opera House. After grabbing a delightful cream tea in one of the charming tea shops (pink finger sandwiches, of course!), I wandered around the market. I found some exquisite ballet-themed jewellery and even stumbled upon a beautiful silk scarf with a print of delicate ballerina shoes. My purse felt a little lighter, but my heart felt lighter and fuller! It’s a real delight to see the market transformed with autumnal decorations, even the fountains have spooky, spiderwebs draped on them, perfect for a Halloween photo opportunity.
Afternoon at the Royal Ballet:
There's no greater pleasure for me than watching a ballet performance in Covent Garden. It was my absolute dream to become a professional ballerina when I was young. This afternoon, it’s my pleasure to be here to watch The Sleeping Beauty. I was swept away by the stunning choreography, the vibrant costumes (naturally the pinks were a favourite!), and the sheer grace of the dancers. Every leap and turn was like magic, taking me on an ethereal journey. And, of course, I made sure to wear my most fabulous pink tutu for the occasion. The theatre is bathed in its warm lighting, creating such a magical atmosphere. I felt so fortunate to be sharing the energy and passion of the performance with the rest of the audience. It was the most wonderful afternoon! And after the show? More browsing through the stalls! The Covent Garden Market is truly a ballerina's wonderland!
Dinner at a London Institution:
Dinner tonight was a real treat: the quintessential British pub experience. My friend Lily suggested The Old Bank of England, an historical gem. This charming pub is full of character and has been a fixture on Threadneedle Street since 1721. The food was superb, delicious pub classics done with an elegant twist. And as always, I couldn't resist a generous scoop of strawberry ice cream, all sprinkled with tiny edible pink flowers. It’s just not London without a spot of strawberry and pink in your life! And Lily joined me in the pink theme wearing a coral pink floral scarf and an ivory fluffy jacket that was so comfy I could have snuggled down on the old sofa and had a little snooze, (Lily has a few "life is short" philosophies of her own.)
A Night of Sparkling Entertainment:
The evening ended on a dazzling note, a wonderful trip to the musical, The Book of Mormon, at the Prince of Wales Theatre. It was pure genius, bursting with laughter and wit, making me snort with glee (you should see me laugh when I am wearing a tutu it really does give me wings!). It's these experiences that truly showcase the extraordinary theatrical energy of London, it is truly unique and unforgettable.
Saturday Promises
My weekend in London is just getting started, and it promises to be full of excitement. Saturday I have booked a guided tour of Buckingham Palace – it’s every little ballerina’s dream. We are also exploring the royal palaces and planning an afternoon tea. What I do in London isn't limited to pink tutus and theatre shows. Shopping is a definite highlight.
Shopping, Shopping, Shopping…:
A trip to London wouldn't be complete without some serious shopping therapy! I have my eye on the most fabulous pink coat and a few ballet-inspired dresses at Liberty of London, oh, and of course some extra twirly tutus, the more I have the better!
London: A Neverending Inspiration:
There’s something about London that keeps pulling me back, and I know it’ll always hold a special place in my heart. Maybe it's the charming history, the diverse culture, or the way it embraces every whimsical fantasy. It's a place where you can be whoever you want to be, whether you're twirling in a pink tutu or exploring the ancient streets of a historical city. Oh, and a secret confession? My very first visit to London, aged 5, my Nana bought me my first pink tutu it had white satin ribbon streamers down the bottom, she was such a great Nana, we were there to see a pantomime at the Palladium, which of course, is still my dream, one day.
London inspires me, challenges me, and most importantly, lets me embrace the whimsy and joy in my heart. It is a truly extraordinary city.
Until next Friday, remember to embrace your inner ballerina, spin in a pink tutu and sprinkle a bit of joy wherever you go.
Lots of love,
Emma
P.S Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com for more updates on my London adventures and all things pink and twirly. You can find me on all the socials @PinkTutuBlog for fashion and fun! Be sure to subscribe so you can receive our blog alerts, each week. And feel free to write and share what you think of my blogs, it’s great to connect and to get your feedback, I love sharing my travels with the world and giving you the inspiration to go out there, have a blast, and make the world more beautiful, one pink tutu at a time!
