Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, back with another adventure from the pink tutu chronicles. This time, it's a jaunt to Coulsdon – a charming little corner of Surrey that's bursting with character and, surprisingly, quite a few pigeons.
As you know, I love my travel adventures, and since Coulsdon's nestled just a short train journey away from dear old Derbyshire, it seemed like the perfect spot for a little weekend escape. The train journey itself was absolutely dreamy. The countryside whizzing past, the sun sparkling through the carriage windows, and even a little group of sparrows singing along to my secret playlist (don't judge, they have fantastic taste).
Arriving in Coulsdon, I immediately felt like I was stepping back in time, but in a really lovely, whimsical way. The streets were lined with gorgeous old Victorian houses, many of them painted in soft pastel hues - pink, of course, being my favourite! I even spotted a little teashop called "The Pink Flamingo" - how fitting!
As soon as I dropped my suitcase (it's covered in adorable pink tulle, by the way - couldn't leave my tutu essentials behind!), I had to explore! My mission: to find the most picturesque spot in Coulsdon for my obligatory #PinkTutuTravel photos.
I found it in the most unexpected place – a tiny hidden garden behind a bakery called "Crumbs and Cakes". It was the perfect haven! The sunlight was dappling through the leaves of the old oak tree, the air smelled of freshly baked croissants, and the air was buzzing with the sweet hum of honeybees. It felt like something out of a fairytale.
And of course, it wouldn’t be an Emma-style adventure without my signature pink tutu. This time, it was a particularly gorgeous ruffled one with delicate lace detailing – perfect for swirling around and capturing the essence of this whimsical town. And the pigeons loved it! They seemed to be as enchanted by my sparkly tulle as I was by their graceful plumage.
Speaking of graceful, I had to visit the Coulsdon & Purley Arts Centre – it’s actually a quite well-known little hub for local performances and exhibitions. I'm dreaming of holding a workshop there one day - can you imagine a pink tutu ballet class amidst the stunning old stained glass? It would be simply divine.
After an afternoon of sightseeing, it was time to indulge in the deliciousness that is Coulsdon’s famous cream teas. (Let's face it, every adventure deserves a proper English tea!) We were nestled at a cozy table by the window of The Rose & Crown pub, and even though I swear the teapot was whispering tales of long ago, I couldn't help but feel blissfully present in this adorable little town.
Coulsdon may not be a world-famous metropolis, but it certainly captured my heart. It was full of quaint little shops, cozy pubs with open fires, and the sweetest little local park with a bandstand. They even had a wildlife reserve brimming with adorable squirrels and fluffy bunnies - I had to pinch myself because it was so incredibly picturesque. It’s the kind of place you could easily get lost in for days, simply exploring and letting the gentle atmosphere seep into your soul.
It reminded me that the joy of travelling is often found in the small details. It's not just about ticking off famous landmarks or indulging in five-star luxury; it’s about experiencing a place, absorbing its energy, and letting it awaken your senses.
Coulsdon, I’ll definitely be back – perhaps to try my luck at the local wildlife park or catch a performance at the Arts Centre? But for now, I'm back in Derbyshire, still basking in the afterglow of my Coulsdon escapade, already dreaming of my next pink tutu adventure.
P.S. To all you gorgeous girlies reading, I know it sounds crazy, but Coulsdon has ignited a new dream within me! Imagine, my dear, a Coulsdon ballet festival. Pink tutus swirling amidst the vibrant colours of the old Victorian houses, the air filled with the laughter of dancers and the enchanting melodies of the bandstand. Wouldn't it be magnificent? Let me know your thoughts!
Don't forget to pop over to www.pink-tutu.com for more daily updates, stories, and tips for your own tutu-inspired adventures!
Love and twirls, Emma
