Hello, my dearest tutu-lovers! Emma here, and I’m so excited to share another amazing day with you. Today’s adventure? Bishops Stortford, a charming little town just outside of London, known for its beautiful Tudor architecture and vibrant atmosphere. And me? Well, I’m rocking my new “gymnastic tutu” – yes, you heard right, a tutu for tumbling! Think twirls and flips, but with the added flourish of a ballerina's grace. 💖
Let’s get back to Bishops Stortford though. I arrived by train, of course - a lovely little journey through the English countryside. The train carriages were full of cheery holidaymakers heading to various destinations, each with their own stories. I love the anonymity and freedom that comes with travelling by train – it allows my imagination to run wild, envisioning stories for each passenger I see.
Stepping off the train, I was immediately smitten with the town’s quaint atmosphere. A friendly breeze whispered through the cobbled streets, carrying the scent of blooming lavender from a nearby flower shop. Bishops Stortford felt like a perfect blend of old and new, the historic buildings standing tall amidst a buzzing modern high street.
First things first - coffee! I found myself drawn to a cute little café tucked away in a cobblestone corner. The owner, a delightful woman with twinkling eyes and a heart of gold, whipped up a delicious latte for me. We chatted about the local ballet scene (of course!) – it seems the town boasts a thriving dance community, so I was keen to check it out.
After my coffee break, it was time for a proper explore. Bishops Stortford is home to some truly beautiful buildings. The Stortford Priory, with its towering arches and stained-glass windows, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. I couldn’t resist taking a few photos - a perfect Instagram backdrop for my “gymnastic tutu.” The ancient walls whispered stories of long-forgotten lives, each stone resonating with history.
Of course, no trip to Bishops Stortford would be complete without a visit to the “castle”, technically it’s called the castle, but it’s more of a medieval manor house! The grounds were lush and serene, with winding paths leading to secret gardens and sparkling ponds. I imagined knights and damsels in distress, waltzing across the perfectly manicured lawn – ballet has a way of transforming every location into a stage, you know? I just can’t help myself!
Then, I stumbled upon a little gem tucked away on the high street – a bookstore filled with old books and fascinating stories. I picked up a book on wildlife conservation, as you know, animal welfare is incredibly important to me – you can’t be a true pink-tutu wearer without a little compassion! Reading and wildlife – the perfect pairing.
As the day began to wane, the town's magic truly bloomed. Golden rays of sunlight cast a warm glow upon the bustling market square, creating a spectacle of vibrant colours and tempting aromas. There were so many local crafts to admire – I couldn't resist buying a gorgeous hand-painted ceramic vase for my home.
I rounded off the evening with a ballet-themed movie under the starry sky. It wasn't a ballet movie per se, but a beautiful, evocative drama that inspired me to keep dancing.
Bishops Stortford, with its charm and history, truly left a mark on my soul. And with my gymnastic tutu gracing the streets and a new book on conservation tucked under my arm, I felt a sense of contentment, of belonging. This is what it's all about, right? To discover new places, new experiences, and find joy in every single moment.
So, until next time, keep twirling, keep exploring, and don't forget to wear your pink tutus, my friends. The world needs a little bit more pink sparkle! 💖
P.S. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram and Twitter!
You can find me at @EmmaPinkTutu
