Post #2314
Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballet bunny, Emma, here, back from a whirlwind trip to Bishop Auckland! Can you believe it's already November? The air is crisp and the leaves are turning the most beautiful shades of crimson and gold, making it feel like a magical, fairytale setting, perfect for a ballerina like me!
This time I journeyed to Bishop Auckland by train, sipping hot chocolate and dreaming of all the beautiful things I might see and do. My journey took me past rolling hills, picturesque villages, and sleepy cows in fields – so very quintessentially British!
And speaking of magical things, my new tutu is a sight to behold. Think delicate, shimmery fabric in a gorgeous shade of blush pink, embellished with sparkling sequins and topped with a whimsical butterfly bow. It's like I'm a fairy princess who accidentally stumbled onto a stage! I can't wait to dance in it – the world needs to see this beauty.
Speaking of dance, Bishop Auckland has such a lovely cultural vibe. They have a fantastic theatre and opera house, as well as a museum dedicated to the area's history and culture. The museum is absolutely fascinating – I was particularly enchanted by their collection of historical costumes, which included a truly breathtaking, elaborate, pink ball gown! (Seriously, it's giving serious inspiration for my next Tutu Tuesday!)
But what truly took my breath away was the Auckland Castle itself. Oh my goodness! The grand, imposing facade set against a backdrop of lush green gardens felt like I'd stepped into a fairytale, and not just any fairytale – one of those with grand staircases, glittering chandeliers, and walls adorned with tapestries so grand they could practically whisper secrets!
You know how I adore finding cute, independent shops, and Bishop Auckland certainly didn't disappoint! The cobbled streets were lined with quaint, characterful boutiques and antique stores, where I snagged a pair of the most darling pink ballet flats – just what I needed to complete my fairy ensemble! I couldn't resist picking up a delicate porcelain teacup painted with a sweet little ballerina figurine – so cute, right?!
And if that wasn't enough magic for one day, we discovered this adorable cafe hidden away on a quiet street called "The Sugarplum Fairy"! Imagine – dainty cakes shaped like ballet shoes, dainty sandwiches filled with delicate fillings, and of course, a steaming cup of tea served in the most elegant teacup! It was almost too whimsical to be real, but in the best way possible.
The highlight of the day though? We got to see a special performance at the Auckland Castle's very own theatre! It was a contemporary ballet company, performing a show called "Fairy Flight". It was truly enchanting – their moves were so graceful and fluid, and the story of the fairies, their flight to a secret, magical world and their fight against evil… well, let’s just say my heart melted with a mixture of joy, awe and wonder! I found myself wishing I was up on stage dancing alongside them! It was enough to inspire a whole new tutu design – a “Fairy Flight” themed tutu – I can practically see the sparkly wings and moonlit tulle, it’s going to be phenomenal!
I spent the rest of my trip exploring the stunning scenery. Did you know Bishop Auckland is nestled at the edge of The Durham Dales, a stunningly beautiful area of rolling countryside? We took a ride on a magnificent chestnut horse, the wind whipping through my hair, my fairy tutu swirling around my legs… it was like a scene from my own ballet! Later, we wandered through the woods, admiring the incredible fall colours and listening to the sounds of the wildlife – such a peaceful way to spend an afternoon. Even spotted a cute family of deer - so delicate, with big doe-eyes, you could almost hear them asking for a sugarplum.
The thing I love most about travelling is discovering all the beauty and wonder that this world has to offer. And when it comes to ballet, you just can't deny that it's the most beautiful art form in the world. It combines graceful movements, delicate artistry and the sheer magic of storytelling. I simply adore everything about it.
Speaking of beauty, my trip to Bishop Auckland has certainly been an inspiring one! And of course, every visit always inspires me to try new things and make more tutus! My mind is bursting with new design ideas. It makes me want to dance my heart out, and encourage every single person to join me in experiencing the joy of dance!
Don’t forget, if you’re ever in Bishop Auckland, stop by The Sugarplum Fairy for some delicious, and beautiful refreshments – they make the most delicious pink lemonade!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to spend the rest of the day dancing my way into my fairy-inspired design, ready to share it with all of you tomorrow! Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog, and be sure to follow me on social media at @PinkTutuEmma, because the most beautiful things in life happen when we let ourselves dream. So, dream big, my darlings, and let your inner ballerina shine!
Until next time!
Your Pink Tutu Loving, Fairy Tale obsessed Emma
