Hello darlings! It's Emma here, back with another fabulous post from your favourite pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-loving blogger!
Today I'm sharing a little bit of Hampstead magic, a place I've been wanting to visit for ages! As many of you know, I'm a huge fan of a good old-fashioned train journey. So, I packed my trusty pink suitcase, donned my best yellow tutu (the colour just seemed perfect for this beautiful, sunny day) and hopped on the train from Derbyshire, my beautiful home county.
The journey was just delightful, filled with chatter with fellow passengers and some glorious scenery as the train chugged through the rolling hills. I even had a quick chat with a lovely lady in a fabulous green floral dress who was also heading to Hampstead – talk about kindred spirits!
As I arrived in Hampstead Heath, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This place felt truly magical! The air was fresh, the trees were whispering secrets, and the sunlight dappled through the leaves, painting the path in beautiful patterns. I'd picked up a delightful picnic basket filled with dainty finger sandwiches, strawberry tarts and some bubbly, so I took a little walk to find the perfect spot for my al fresco lunch.
Of course, no Hampstead visit is complete without a trip to the Kenwood House. Now, this building is seriously impressive, like something straight out of a fairytale. They have the most gorgeous garden and terrace that just scream "romantic picnics" or "perfect for a photo shoot in my favourite tutu". Luckily, I had my trusty camera at the ready, capturing the beauty of the place and, naturally, myself in a couple of twirls on the lawn. The way the sunlight caught the fabric of my tutu… Pure magic!
From there, I hopped back on the train to the centre of Hampstead, a bustling hive of charming boutiques, cute cafes, and just a hint of a bohemian feel. The high street is an absolute gem, especially for a girl who loves a bit of fashion, like yours truly! There's so much on offer – gorgeous vintage dresses, hats that would make Audrey Hepburn jealous, and a fabulous antique shop with a treasure trove of china dolls, old records, and trinkets that would be perfect for adding some extra sparkle to a ballerina's bedroom!
Later on, I stumbled upon a sweet little bakery called "The Buttercup", and guess what? They had the most exquisite pink rose macarons you've ever seen! Needless to say, they found their way into my bag, along with some delectable croissants and a flaky cheese and onion pastry. You've got to love a good bakery treat, right?
Before I knew it, the day was slipping away. So, after a last peek at the enchanting views from the heath and a final twirl on the cobbled street, I jumped back onto the train, content and utterly charmed by my Hampstead adventure.
You know, it's so funny how certain places just make you feel a bit more… yourself. Hampstead felt like it understood me, understood my love of beauty, art, and the sheer joy of twirling in a tutu. It's definitely a place I will be returning to, maybe even next week to take a stroll in my favourite ballet shoes and try one of the ballet classes in the area. Who knows, maybe next time, I'll even brave a little performance in the heart of the village. Wouldn't that be a sight!
But, until then, remember, darling, there's a little bit of Hampstead magic waiting for you to discover – and why not try it out wearing a pink tutu? Who knows, you might just find your happy place.
Love, Emma
P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @EmmaPinkTutu for more behind-the-scenes pics of my adventures, including my trip to Hampstead, and share your favourite pink-tutu-wearing moments using the hashtag #pinktututravels.
P.P.S. I also love finding and connecting with other ballet enthusiasts. Do share your favourite ballet performances or schools in the comments below, especially if they're close to where you live. I'm always looking for new ways to spread the love of ballet and dance.
