Hello, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing travel enthusiast, Emma, back with another post from my whirlwind adventures. Today's destination? The charming town of Sutton in Ashfield, nestled right there in Nottinghamshire, a hop, skip, and a twirl away from my Derbyshire home.
The journey itself was a joy. I opted for the train, of course - there's nothing quite like the rhythmic clatter and the feeling of wind in my hair (well, the wind's a bit trickier in a tutu, let's be honest). I had a prime seat by the window, watching the rolling countryside unfold like a beautiful watercolour.
Upon arrival in Sutton in Ashfield, I couldn't resist striking a pose, twirling my vibrant red tutu amongst the cobbled streets. Honestly, everyone should try it. A bit of tutuing really does elevate any location. I swear it adds an instant touch of glamour!
The highlight of my visit? The Sutton in Ashfield Performing Arts Centre! You guys, this place is a hidden gem! Their upcoming schedule is bursting with fabulous shows - I saw a truly delightful performance of Swan Lake that left me in tears of pure joy. I mean, the dancers were sensational! And, of course, the ballet dancers were all wearing their fabulous pink tutus, as all the best dancers do. My only complaint? Not enough tutus. There just couldn't be too many. But they were in short supply in the auditorium - more tutus for the next show, I say!
Oh, and talking about tutus! Remember the new ballet studio I mentioned in my last post? The one that does such wonderful barre classes in Chesterfield? They have a gorgeous new collection of tutus for the students, including this amazing one in cerise, just imagine it! And did I tell you about their latest competition to find the best tutu-wearing baker? My eyes! Such creativity.
But beyond the wonderful world of ballet, Sutton in Ashfield itself is a joy. I spent the afternoon wandering through the lovely Victoria Park, soaking up the sunshine (well, a bit of a drizzle, but you can’t complain about English weather, right?) and appreciating the vibrant blooms, especially the magnificent displays of daffodils. They always bring a little sparkle to my day. It's all a bit wild, like a big open space - think a garden you might find near a royal palace in a Disney movie, but more rugged. There were even some curious squirrels flitting through the trees.
As a seasoned traveler, I'm a firm believer in connecting with nature wherever I go. A bit of bird watching, a meander through a beautiful meadow, a quiet walk along the River Idle – it all adds a touch of calm to my hectic tutu-filled life.
Sutton in Ashfield wasn't all ballet and sunshine, though. My evenings were dedicated to immersing myself in the local scene. The Sutton Inn had a lively atmosphere with excellent locally-sourced pub grub – I indulged in a scrumptious pie, the kind that comes with an extra puff pastry lid, topped with a good serving of mushy peas. Absolutely divine! They have some brilliant music nights too, the bands seem to always draw a massive crowd.
To finish my trip in style, I treated myself to a visit to the Sutton Manor Gardens. What a wonderful place! Just picture lush greenery, beautiful flowers, winding paths and an enchanting lake – I'd describe it as a hidden fairytale! It really feels as though you’ve entered a magical story, with ancient oak trees casting long shadows. I even saw a beautiful fox emerging from the trees in the late afternoon - those guys always feel a little more magical to see than regular woodland critters! The gardens themselves were so serene, just a peaceful place to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
My Sutton in Ashfield adventure was, as always, filled with lovely moments, sparkling memories, and a fair dose of pink tutu magic. Remember, darlings, life is about experiencing new things and making beautiful memories. So, grab your best pink tutu, book that train ticket, and embrace the wonders that await you just a twirl away!
Keep twirling,
Emma x
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the latest update on pink-tutu.com. I’m working on a new feature where you can share your own tutu experiences! Just upload a photo, write a little something about your adventure, and tag it #pinktututravel! I can't wait to see your stories!
