Hello, lovelies! It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu-clad ballerina, ready to whisk you away on another fabulous adventure! Today's journey takes us to the charming town of Hitchin, nestled in the heart of Hertfordshire. This post is extra special because, as a proud Derbyshirian, stepping out of my comfort zone is a big deal! But don't worry, my trusty pink tutu was by my side, ready to make me feel right at home, no matter the setting.
I always feel a surge of excitement when embarking on a train journey, and Hitchin was no different. Watching the countryside whizz by, dotted with rolling green hills and sleepy villages, put me in the perfect mood for a day of adventure.
Arriving in Hitchin, I was greeted with quaint cobbled streets and historic architecture – so picturesque it could have stepped straight out of a fairy tale! The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of peace.
My first stop had to be the Hitchin Museum, which housed an amazing collection of local history, showcasing everything from Roman relics to Victorian artifacts. As a history buff, I was enthralled! There's something about uncovering the past that just resonates with me, a bit like discovering hidden secrets in a vintage tutu.
Lunchtime found me at the White Hart Hotel, a gorgeous, old coaching inn with a charming atmosphere and a menu fit for a ballerina – fresh, seasonal, and absolutely delicious! I treated myself to their famous afternoon tea, which included delicate finger sandwiches, delicious cakes, and of course, copious amounts of tea. Who knew a simple afternoon tea could feel so utterly decadent?
In the afternoon, I took a leisurely stroll around the Hitchin Lavender Fields. It was absolute heaven – a sea of purple stretching as far as the eye could see, buzzing with happy bees and humming with the scent of lavender. It was like something out of a Monet painting!
Later, my day was filled with some proper ballerina fun! I took a drop-in ballet class at the Hitchin Ballet School, where I found myself pirouetting and leaping alongside a lovely group of local dancers. I had such a good time – laughter was definitely the best warm-up! There's something so wonderfully liberating about letting loose and moving your body, even if you haven't been practicing for weeks. And of course, the added bonus was the beautiful, light, and airy studio that reminded me of a fairytale.
I couldn't leave Hitchin without experiencing some true local flavour. I visited The Hitchin Bookshop, which is not just a shop, but a haven for bookworms and a cultural hub, filled with books, author talks, and readings. There was even a dedicated section on ballet books, which I promptly browsed, adding a few gems to my reading list.
Now, a visit to Hitchin wouldn't be complete without mention of Hitchin Priory. A historical gem, its sprawling grounds offer the perfect setting for peaceful strolls and even a spot of wildlife watching. As a lover of nature, I simply adored exploring the priory gardens, taking in the fresh air, and enjoying the serene beauty of it all. I even spotted a cheeky little squirrel trying to snatch a cheeky nut.
My day concluded with dinner at the Henley Arms. It was the perfect ending to my perfect day in Hitchin, filled with good food, great company, and happy vibes. The chef was truly passionate about creating beautiful, flavourful dishes, which was clear in every bite!
This trip to Hitchin was so special! It had the charm of a small town with a touch of historical grandeur and cultural magic – all wrapped up in the picturesque setting of Hertfordshire. I couldn't have wished for a better way to spend a day. I'm already looking forward to returning to Hitchin someday soon!
But for now, I'm off to embrace the beauty of Derbyshire again, but never fear, I’ll be back soon, ready to explore more corners of the UK and the world with my pink tutu by my side! Don't forget to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com to join me on this fun-filled, twirling, ballet-loving journey! And remember, the only thing stopping you from wearing a pink tutu and joining a ballet class is you! Let your inner ballerina shine bright, my friends!
