Hello darlings!
It's Emma here, your resident pink-tutu enthusiast, back with another exciting blog post, this time from the delightful town of Carshalton, nestled in the beautiful county of Surrey. It was a lovely sunny day, and the skies were the perfect shade of pale blue, just like the colour of my favourite tutu!
This time, I wasn't venturing to a ballet performance or class, though I did sneak in a delightful rehearsal of Swan Lake at the stunning Royal Opera House just before my trip. I know, it was the dream! But I wanted to mix things up a bit, explore some new territory, and I wanted to find a lovely place with lots of nature for some fun pictures. After all, my instagram followers need their dose of "Tutu-in-Nature", don't you think?
So, the train journey from Derbyshire (where my little heart belongs!) was my first big adventure. Now, I know some folks might think travelling by train is boring, but let me tell you, with a good book, a cup of tea, and a cheeky biscuit (because even a ballet dancer needs her snacks!), it’s bliss. Especially when you're on your way to discover a place as lovely as Carshalton!
As I stepped off the train and onto the platform, the air was filled with the sound of birds singing their sweet melodies, and the aroma of freshly cut grass tickled my nose. I swear, you could practically taste the country air!
My first stop, as any discerning pink-tutu enthusiast would, was to Carshalton Park, a stunning green expanse that practically begs for a tutu-wearing waltz. The beautiful Victorian bandstand, complete with its delicate lace-like ironwork, added a touch of elegance to the scenery. I immediately spotted a beautiful little lake, sparkling in the afternoon sun, and knew this was where I needed to be for a few picture-perfect moments.
You can see some of those glorious pics on my instagram! Don't forget to check out #TutuAdventures!
After capturing a few shots with my trusty tutu-worthy backdrops, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - nothing beats a leisurely stroll through a beautiful park in a fluffy tutu! And let me tell you, a fluffy tutu is the perfect attire for watching ducks swim across the lake with an air of aristocratic elegance (they truly look as though they own the place, don't you think?). I actually almost got some fantastic shots of a couple of ducks having a disagreement – pure ballet drama right there!
Speaking of ducks, I met some absolutely adorable swans along my path! Let me tell you, I was entranced by their graceful movements. The white swans in the lake were pure poetry in motion, while a pair of cygnets, with their feathery down still wet, gave me some serious baby swan-loving heart flutter! Oh, and did I mention the little goslings that were just too darn cute to handle?! I even captured some precious snaps of those adorable little bundles of fluff on my phone. (I might just make them my phone's background for the next month!)
Feeling truly refreshed after a morning in the park, my next stop was Carshalton House. Imagine my delight! I can’t explain the excitement of a beautiful historic manor with incredible grounds, right in the middle of the most stunningly pretty area. This grand old house is a sight to behold - you really feel as though you’ve stepped into a time warp. With the impressive grandeur of its grand facade, I felt like I’d wandered onto a set from my favourite costume drama. This house is absolutely worthy of a visit for all lovers of history and beauty. I'm telling you, even my tutu felt extra majestic walking through these ancient doors!
Naturally, no trip to Carshalton would be complete without a delicious cream tea. You simply can’t have an English day out without a spot of proper afternoon tea. After all, who doesn't love a good dollop of clotted cream and a fluffy scone? You’re really missing out if you’ve never experienced this British tradition. My afternoon tea was truly delightful, taken in a cute little café with views over the lake. I think I might’ve had a bit too much cream (it was just so divine!) and definitely polished off at least three scones. I know, I’m supposed to be a ballet dancer, but sometimes you just have to treat yourself to the good things in life.
As the sun began to set, casting the town in a golden hue, I decided to head back to the train station. It was a wonderful, calming day filled with tutu-filled explorations, amazing animal encounters, and a bit of historical indulgence. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a trip to Carshalton to anyone who's looking for a dose of British charm and picturesque scenery. I think a day trip here would make for the perfect weekend getaway!
Speaking of weekend getaways, I’ve got exciting news! My next blog post is about a romantic getaway to a secluded island off the coast of Devon. Oh yes, I’m embracing the magic of the countryside with my beloved, handsome equine. He's just as charming and captivating as you might imagine. (Hint: he is an incredible riding companion!) We'll be going for scenic rides and enjoying the stunning scenery.
But for now, darlings, keep those pink tutus at the ready and let’s spread a little bit of magic throughout the world. You can also catch up with me on Instagram! My handle is @pinktutu_adventures and you’re all more than welcome to share your own pink-tutu experiences using the hashtag #PinkTutuLife!
See you next time!
