Hello, darlings! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, and I’m so excited to share my latest adventures with you all. I'm back in my home country after a whirlwind trip around Europe. And this time, I found myself headed for Upminster, a charming town nestled in the heart of Essex, about an hour's train ride from my home in Derbyshire.
It was a bright, crisp autumn morning when I stepped off the train and felt the air tingling with excitement. I'd picked a perfect day for a jaunt, and even better, I'd donned the ultimate tutu – a beautiful American style tutu, a generous gift from my lovely friend Anya who's a dancer with the Boston Ballet! It was a symphony of pinks and lilacs, just my kind of statement piece.
I wasn’t entirely sure what Upminster had to offer, but I’d read it has a long and fascinating history, particularly as a site of ancient Roman occupation! It felt a little spooky knowing Roman ruins lurked under the bustling town I was in, but it was definitely intriguing.
So, armed with my ballet bag and my camera, I set off, my trusty pink tutu catching the light with every twirl and skip.
Upminster, I quickly learned, has this lovely old-world charm, with pretty cottages lining its quaint streets and a delightful village square that buzzed with activity. My heart was skipping right along with my feet as I explored.
First stop – The Upminster and District Museum, a hidden gem packed with stories of the town's history and local heroes. There was even a little room with a beautiful display of local wildflowers, including the delicate and beautiful lady’s slipper orchid, one of my favourite blooms!
After a lovely lunch in a cosy cafe that served the most delicious hot chocolate and a very pretty cherry almond cake, it was time for my ultimate Upminster adventure. And yes, this involved horses, darling!
I'd planned to join a guided trail ride through the countryside just outside the town. I love horses! It's a passion shared by many dancers – a deep connection to elegance, movement and strength that you find in both disciplines. And riding with the wind in your hair and the countryside passing by beneath you, well, it’s absolute bliss!
This trail, they called it 'The Chestnut Ride'. How could I resist? The guide, a kind and knowledgeable lady called Sarah, shared a wealth of local lore as we cantered through rolling green hills. She even pointed out a family of red squirrels scampering up a gnarled oak tree.
And then, oh, what a sight! I couldn’t believe my eyes! In a clearing bathed in late afternoon sun, stood a majestic herd of fallow deer! The graceful, almost mythical creatures looked on curiously as we rode by. They reminded me of those enchanting fairy tales I devoured as a child – stories about enchanted forests and woodland creatures. I couldn't have planned a more magical moment, I’d be dreaming of that moment for weeks!
Before leaving Upminster, I popped into The Upminster Arts Theatre for their latest production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" which I just loved. The costumes were utterly whimsical and the energy, well, a bit mad, which suited this production down to the ground. The set design was so clever too, I almost cried with the brilliance of the imagination and craftsmanship that went into it. I’d like to have been part of that show, even just a little fairy, that’s the kind of set that really makes a dancer think “yes, I’m right where I should be.”
After all this activity, I was ready for a good sleep so after some tasty takeaway pizza (extra cheesy, obviously!) I took a lovely long soak in a steaming hot bath and settled down in my hotel, thinking about the day's adventures. It had been an absolutely glorious day, packed with discoveries, beauty, and a touch of magic!
Upminster, you charmed me! The sights, the history, the countryside, and even the horses (don’t get me started on how cute those deer were!), it's a perfect place for a dancer and blogger on the go to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a relaxing and beautiful day out, I highly recommend Upminster. Just remember, if you come, bring your ballet shoes and be ready to embrace a touch of tutu magic!
Remember to follow my Instagram page too, I’ll post some of my photos from the trip and even a cute ballet video or two from a dance class later on this week.
Until next time, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
