Hello my gorgeous lovelies! It’s Emma here, coming to you live from the fabulous Barrow in Furness! 🚄 Today’s adventure, post number 7868 on www.pink-tutu.com, is all about squeezing my tiny tutu into some epic locations and finding the hidden gems of this charming seaside town.
For those of you who don’t know, Barrow is nestled right on the edge of the Lake District, which, for you non-Brits, is a stunningly beautiful area in England with lush green hills and sparkling lakes. I, of course, came by train (couldn't resist a window seat to enjoy the view!) and as soon as I stepped off the platform, the crisp, fresh air gave me a wonderful feeling of calm.
I was feeling a bit cheeky, so I donned a super-cute pink tutu - this one was definitely on the tiny side for maximum impact. The first stop on my sightseeing tour was the Furness Abbey. The setting was magnificent! Ancient walls, gnarled trees, and the distant hum of the sea created the perfect backdrop for a mini ballet photo shoot. (Think flowing tutus, ethereal poses, and a very enthusiastic Emma). Honestly, who wouldn’t want to do a pirouette on the Abbey grounds?!
Of course, the day was all about spreading the pink tutu gospel! You know me – every new place calls for a ballet class. After my little Abbey photo session, I did some digging and found the cutest dance school - The Dance Academy – right in the heart of town. The owners, the lovely Sarah and Kevin, were thrilled to see me – Sarah even had a perfectly pink tutu ready to wear! (It wouldn't have been so cheeky without it, right?) It felt like walking onto a movie set - those mirrored walls, the smell of sweat and dedication (I LOVE the smell of dedication!), the rhythmic taps of feet on the floor… it was exhilarating!
After an invigorating class filled with joyful leaps, elegant turns, and even a bit of Swan Lake inspired stretching, I had to get a proper Barrow experience. A seaside town just isn't complete without a trip to the beach, right? My favourite thing was the fresh, salty air. And, you'll never guess who was with me?! Yes, my faithful four-legged companion, Pippa, the most amazing Bernese Mountain Dog you've ever met. She loves the beach almost as much as I do - a fact proven by the glee with which she went absolutely wild at the sight of the waves. She’s a very well-behaved dog for the most part, but she absolutely goes crazy for a good run at the beach!
The sun was setting as we walked back towards the town. I'm convinced it's the most perfect time of day for a cheeky picnic – even in a pink tutu. Pippa and I nestled under a blanket on a hilltop overlooking the marina and the whole town bathed in the golden light. It felt magical and I had to pinch myself – this idyllic scenery really was the perfect setting for a tutu-tastic day.
Speaking of food, did you know that Barrow in Furness is a renowned seafood town? (I hear they have amazing oysters!) So, naturally, I had to indulge in a delicious fish and chip dinner. This fish and chip shop was a local favourite called "The Shipyard" It felt really authentic, and I can honestly say it was the best fish and chips I've ever had - I polished off the lot in minutes! It's those little, unplanned food adventures that make the best memories, you know?
Now, I know you guys are wondering about the shopping in Barrow… well, I wasn't disappointed! There are some lovely little boutiques filled with independent treasures. I, of course, found the cutest little shop with beautiful vintage clothes. You can't go to a coastal town without looking for shells, right?! (I may have bought a few... and perhaps some coral… and maybe a gorgeous necklace).
Speaking of my shell collection – the little shell shop also had the cutest set of pearl earrings for my upcoming dance recital. I found them irresistible – perfect with my pink tutu. And guess what? It turns out Barrow in Furness actually has its own Ballet Society! Imagine my excitement when I saw them advertised performing 'Sleeping Beauty'! It was amazing, seeing such a talent from a small town! You'd think I was back in the Royal Opera House with how elegant they were. I even met the ballerina after the show - her name is Chloe, and we talked all things dance! The evening was topped off with a little "tutu-tastic" dance floor fun at The Dock, Barrow’s premier bar.
Of course, no trip to Barrow would be complete without visiting the The Dock Museum. They had the most beautiful display on the history of shipbuilding. Barrow in Furness is the "Home of The World's Biggest Ship" (that's right, world’s biggest!), and there were fascinating exhibitions and artifacts – including an incredible life-sized submarine model, so I had to try to get a tutu photo with it! (Pippa refused to play ball!) You wouldn't believe what a funny, unexpected photo op it turned out to be.
As the evening faded, I stood by the seaside with a happy heart, and of course, in my pink tutu (never out of the picture!). It was truly a special day, filled with beauty, culture, and most importantly – my beloved dance.
Here’s what I learned today:
💖 Tiny tutus can fit in the most magical places. A little pink goes a long way.
💖 Barrow in Furness is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored, and it's bursting with lovely people.
💖 Every city and town is filled with little surprises waiting for those who look closely enough.
So, darling readers, don't forget to get out there and experience all that life has to offer. Find your own tiny tutu adventures and remember, a little pink makes everything better!
Until next time,
Emma 💖🩰
P.S. Keep those ballet shoes polished!
