Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, reporting live from the charming town of Royal Tunbridge Wells! The crisp winter air nipped at my nose as I hopped off the train, my heart brimming with anticipation. This weekend has been all about exploring, dancing, and embracing the elegance that this lovely town offers. And, of course, what's a trip without my trusty pink tutu, my signature piece? It’s definitely one of the best things I’ve ever invested in – no matter where I travel, it’s guaranteed to brighten up any landscape, and any mood.
First things first, let's talk about this town. Royal Tunbridge Wells – what a name! It has a certain old-world charm, a splash of royalty with a touch of whimsy. As soon as I stepped out of the station, I was enveloped in a calming energy. Think quaint Victorian architecture, a bustling high street teeming with boutiques and cafes, and an abundance of parks and gardens – it's absolutely picture-perfect, wouldn’t you say?
My weekend agenda was a delightful blend of cultural immersion and utter relaxation. After settling into a charming boutique hotel - all twinkly lights and dainty floral wallpaper – I headed straight for a little indulgence: a leisurely afternoon tea at the Pantiles. This beautiful arched walkway with a backdrop of grand regency buildings and lush gardens is truly a sight to behold! And, oh my, the tea was divine. Imagine freshly brewed tea, dainty sandwiches, and scrumptious scones with clotted cream – all accompanied by a delicate melody of string music that wafted through the air. My favourite part of the afternoon was meeting a pair of swans at the lake - I must confess I do love animals! They were majestic creatures, so calm and peaceful in their shimmering water paradise.
Friday evening called for a delightful ballet experience at the local theatre. They were showing a charming adaptation of the Sleeping Beauty and the whole auditorium felt positively enchanted. The sets were absolutely stunning – so detailed and imaginative, like stepping into a fairy tale world! Of course, the ballerinas were exquisite – each pirouette a piece of perfection, each arabesque a graceful swan song. It truly was a wonderful night for the soul. It almost had me reaching for the barre at the end - maybe tomorrow's class will have to be a bit more vigorous. You never know - a ballet class could even get my heart pounding just as fast!
Speaking of ballet, I can't even begin to tell you how exciting it is to have an amazing studio in this charming little town – Ballet By The Lake! It’s a complete hidden gem – situated right in a picturesque park by a lake – could it be more perfect? I couldn’t resist dropping in for a class Saturday morning – my body needed that ballerina stretch and some serious pirouettes after the long train journey. I met the most lovely bunch of dancers too. We shared stories, talked about our favourite tutus ( mine, of course, is always a hot topic!) and all about what motivates us – which, of course, includes spreading the word that everyone should have a tutu! And maybe take a ballet class or two...
The rest of Saturday was a mix of discovering the cute independent shops - so many pink bows and ribbons – perfect for a little tutu-related treat. And the evening brought another theatrical gem – a Shakespearean play on the town’s quaint open-air theatre in Calverley Grounds. I absolutely loved the feel of the outdoors – especially watching such a vibrant production!
Sunday dawned sunny and crisp and, much to my delight, brought with it a surprise treat - a leisurely horse ride. Yes, my dears! A horse ride! A beautiful white mare took me galloping through the verdant hills overlooking the town – it was exhilarating! It was almost as if she was my graceful dancing partner, responding to every nudge of my leg with effortless grace. Of course, it would have been very much in theme to be dressed in my pink tutu as I galloped - but I suppose it would be a bit chilly, and one needs to respect the beautiful creature carrying us!
As my weekend in Royal Tunbridge Wells came to a close, I boarded the train back to Derbyshire, my heart full of memories and my soul overflowing with a special kind of joy. The tranquil energy, the elegance of the town, the exhilarating experiences, and most importantly, the feeling of being part of a vibrant community – that is what made this weekend in Royal Tunbridge Wells so utterly unforgettable. Now, onto the next adventure, and remember, darling, there’s always room for pink tutus – even in the most unexpected corners of the world.
Until next time,
Emma xo
www.pink-tutu.com
