Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your resident tutu-loving travel enthusiast, coming to you live from the charming town of Bournville, nestled right in the heart of Birmingham.
You guys, this trip was everything. And yes, you read that right - Bournville, the famous Cadbury wonderland! This place is practically an open-air museum dedicated to all things chocolate, and my inner child was seriously screaming with joy. The cobblestone streets, the historic houses, and the most incredible scent of chocolate wafting in the air – it was straight out of a dream!
But let's rewind a bit, shall we?
A Tutu-fied Journey to Bournville
I decided to go the most dramatic way and embark on my adventure via a vintage train. Picture me: rocking a cherry-red lipstick, a delicate lace top, my favourite pink tutu, and a giant hat that was begging for attention. It was quite the scene, believe me! There's just something so enchanting about gliding through the English countryside in a vintage train carriage, watching the world rush by as if in a film. And besides, every trip, especially one involving tutus, calls for a bit of drama, don't you think?
The train journey was also a great chance to observe my fellow passengers and let my inner-ballet-teacher come out. Seriously, if everyone on the train had just let me teach them some basic pliés or tendus, I could have started a ballet revolution right there on the train! A girl can dream, can't she?
A Whirlwind Tour of Bournville
Upon arriving in Bournville, I wasted no time in throwing myself into the local festivities. It was a real mishmash of activities - I started with a guided tour of the Bournville Village Trust, where I learned all about the fascinating history of Cadbury, and yes, even a few insider tips about how they make those yummy chocolate bars!
And let me tell you, darling, the chocolate museum was a sight to behold! They had actual giant models of the Cadbury factory, rows and rows of classic Cadbury packaging, and an exhibit dedicated to the company's humble beginnings, showcasing a collection of original equipment used in their first factory. My personal favourite exhibit was definitely the one with all the vintage chocolate ads.
The best part? There were samples galore! I confess, I was so excited that I ended up eating my way through almost all of the samples they offered. (No judgment here, my dears!) I might even be brave enough to share with my followers – because what's a girl to do with an overflowing stomach after all that yummy chocolate goodness? Sharing is caring, you know.
The Bournville Gardens – A Tutu-Inspired Wonderland
No Bournville visit is complete without a stroll through the stunning gardens. Oh my goodness, darling, the floral arrangements were absolutely breathtaking! I could hardly resist whipping out my tutu and spinning through the flower beds in a flurry of pink, mimicking the graceful movements of the petals swaying in the breeze. It was almost magical, believe me!
The Gardens had everything – quaint bridges, bubbling fountains, perfectly pruned lawns, and hidden benches for secret contemplation. It felt as though I'd stepped into an Alice in Wonderland movie, complete with talking flowers, friendly rabbits, and tea parties hosted by Mad Hatters (well, I had to use my imagination on that last one!).
A Pink Tutu Evening at The Cadbury World
After an afternoon of delightful indulgence in the Bournville Gardens, it was time for the highlight of my trip: Cadbury World. It’s the place for all things chocolate and definitely a highlight for any trip to the town.
It’s full of fascinating displays about the history of Cadbury and how it makes the delicious sweets you know and love. I have to say, there's something absolutely thrilling about learning about the secrets behind those chocolate recipes, even if they do remain somewhat secret, thankfully!
You also get a sneak peek at the behind-the-scenes magic that makes Cadbury what it is. I particularly enjoyed the 4D chocolate ride – so immersive and exciting, it actually gave me a sugar rush without the need for a single candy!
It wasn’t all sugary treats and candy shops though – the place is packed with all sorts of fun things to see and do!
And of course, there are plenty of chocolate tasting opportunities! It goes without saying, darling, that I enjoyed every last delicious nibble. It felt a bit like a magical trip through a delicious Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory!
A Pink Tutu Fashion Inspiration:
As any true fan of all things fashion knows, no travel diary is complete without a little style inspiration. And this trip was absolutely bursting with style, my dears! I embraced a vintage 1950s vibe with my outfits, which complemented the Bournville vibe perfectly. I donned a crisp white cotton top paired with a light pink tutu. I finished the look with my trusty oversized hat and vintage-inspired Mary Janes. This combo was my go-to outfit for strolling the town, indulging in chocolate tastings, and adding a splash of pink to every photograph I took! It's all about having fun and feeling confident, and pink, of course, makes everything look effortlessly chic.
Bournville – A Dream Destination
This little gem of a town stole my heart. From the delicious chocolate to the beautiful gardens, I felt as though I'd slipped into a Willy Wonka wonderland – and, frankly, who doesn't dream of a day spent amongst chocolate factories, candy shops and gorgeous gardens?
You guys, I promise this wasn't just another chocolatey travel blog! It was also an ode to embracing all things pink and having fun!
As for my motto, "pink tutus and ballet for all"? I believe Bournville was just another step in achieving that. It might take time, but one pink tutu, one graceful dance move at a time, I truly believe I can change the world. Now, doesn't that sound lovely?
Until next time, darlings,
Emma xx
www.pink-tutu.com
