Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad traveller, Emma, signing in from a quaint little town called Strood. It feels like I've been flitting around the UK, chasing down the next twirling adventure, but this little stop feels like it was always meant to be. Just like how my favourite ballerina slippers feel on my feet.
I mean, how can I not fall in love with a place where pink tutus (I just spotted a lovely antique shop full of vintage, sparkly wonders) meet steaming locomotives chugging across the Kent countryside? Strood, my darlings, has got a magic all its own, like the first time you truly fell in love with the ballet.
The air itself smells of history, a bit of smoky coal mingling with the scent of crisp, autumnal leaves crunching underfoot. It's got this almost mystical feeling - like stepping into a scene straight from a ballet performance - but instead of a grand stage, there are cobblestone streets, thatched cottages, and a pub with the best fish and chips in the whole wide world (a girl needs her carbs, darling!)
The journey here, on the train, was a ballet in itself! It felt like I was floating on a cloud, surrounded by chattering families heading out for a weekend adventure. One family even brought along a toy train – the most adorable little engine, it made my heart flutter! It's moments like these that make me love the train so much. I even wrote down my favourite spot to take pictures – the perfect window overlooking a sun-drenched field dotted with wildflowers – perfect for an impromptu ballet photoshoot! Maybe a tutu-wearing trip to the local farm is in order?
After a quick lunch of the most scrumptious sandwiches I’ve ever tasted (I’m dreaming about the brie and fig – pure heaven!), it was time to explore. Strood’s history is practically bursting out of its cobbled corners, my darlings! From a stunning abbey to a charming village green - everything oozes charm. I’m not sure why I’ve never visited before – it's so perfectly picturesque, you wouldn’t believe it if you didn't see it with your own eyes.
For the ultimate fairytale experience, you’ve just got to check out Rochester Castle! Imagine my glee - not one, but two perfectly manicured courtyards, both bursting with history and hidden corners to explore! It’s as if a scene straight out of "The Nutcracker" unfolded before my very eyes – except instead of snowflakes, I was surrounded by the most spectacular rose bushes, each one overflowing with colour and fragrance. There are so many secret little places, with stone walls covered in creeping ivy, where a tutu-wearing ballerina could hide away, dreaming of grand leaps and breathtaking arabesques.
You'll be tickled pink, darling, when I tell you about this gorgeous wildlife haven in the centre of town. Imagine, tucked away in the middle of this bustling little town is a haven for wild creatures – ducks, squirrels, and even herons flitting across the water. The perfect spot for a moment of serenity - a dance, in a sense, with nature itself!
Of course, no trip to Strood is complete without a visit to its charming, independent shops, with quirky treasures around every corner. You can easily find something unique – perhaps a quirky vintage accessory for a ballerina’s wardrobe? Or even a charming antique box for storing ballet shoes. And speaking of tutus, a new shop called "Dancing Dreams" is where I spent my morning, absolutely awash in the most exquisite and sparkling tutus you ever did see. I felt like a princess! (Okay, maybe not a princess – more like a whimsical, slightly-unconventional ballerina! 🤫)
But it wasn’t all pink tutus and sunshine, because the town is also brimming with local artists. I got swept up in an impromptu street performance! They're so incredibly talented, with a unique blend of raw, unadulterated expression – it felt like the whole town was swept up in a flurry of movement, emotion, and pure art! I almost found myself dancing in the street alongside the performers, feeling a connection to the energy of the moment - that exhilarating mix of street performance and spontaneous expression.
In the end, dear reader, Strood has won a special place in my heart, and, just like any good dance routine, there are countless hidden layers and intricate moves to discover! This town’s like a delicate pas de deux – every element combines in perfect harmony to create something truly special and memorable.
What are you waiting for, darlings? If you're ever in the mood for a little romance and magic, I highly recommend packing your pink tutu and heading over to Strood. You might just find your inner ballerina yearning to twirl across the cobblestones, just like me!
Keep twirling, darling!
Emma
