Hello my darling Tutu Tribe! It's Emma here, bringing you post number 8899 straight from the heart of Royal Leamington Spa. This charming Warwickshire town has truly captured my heart (and my tutu!), offering the perfect mix of history, nature, and, of course, ballet.
As you all know, a girl's gotta have options. So, when it came to choosing my mode of transportation for this adventure, there was only one answer: train travel. There's something so elegant and romantic about gliding through the English countryside, watching the world whiz past, a little bit like the rapid pirouettes we love so much in ballet. My oversized pink tutu, with its cascading layers, swished like a beautiful ballerina's skirt as I settled into my comfy first-class carriage, feeling like a queen on her way to a ball!
Speaking of ballerinas, the reason I found myself in Royal Leamington Spa in the first place was the captivating ballet performance I had booked tickets for at the Royal Spa Centre. I love watching live dance; it's the closest thing you can get to being right there in the rehearsal studio with the dancers! But the Royal Spa Centre is something else entirely – imagine beautiful Victorian architecture, breathtaking acoustics, and the anticipation of watching an amazing performance unfold before your very eyes. This combination always makes my heart skip a beat.
And, of course, no trip to Royal Leamington Spa is complete without a visit to the majestic Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum. What I adore most about this gallery is its unique collection – everything from fine art to quirky exhibitions that spark my imagination and inspire my creative flow.
As someone who adores nature, I couldn’t resist a stroll through Newbold Comyn, Leamington Spa’s sprawling green space. The sun dappled through the trees, painting magical patterns on the paths below as I took in the crisp air and listened to the birds chirping a melodic symphony. You wouldn’t believe how many squirrels there were – they were like tiny dancers, hopping from branch to branch, watching me as I wandered by in my dazzling tutu! (If you’ve seen my Insta story you know I even made a couple of fluffy squirrel friends… we have such similar pink nose colour, right?)
Speaking of colour, this town is absolutely drenched in pink, from the delicate blush of the floral displays lining the streets to the candy-coloured ice cream parlours waiting to offer a sugar rush after a day of exploring. I even found a shop overflowing with pretty pink tutus, just begging me to buy them! My pink-loving heart went into overdrive, let me tell you!
Royal Leamington Spa, it turns out, isn't just a picturesque town with charming cobbled streets and lush parks – it’s also a hub for a vibrant dance scene. I spent an afternoon watching the Royal Leamington Spa Ballet School's students rehearse, and it filled my heart with warmth. The dedication of these aspiring dancers is so inspiring – a stark reminder that with hard work and passion, you can achieve any dream you set your sights on.
Why I’m Obsessed with Royal Leamington Spa:
- Pink Overload: It’s not just my favourite colour, it’s a vibrant spirit reflected everywhere in this beautiful town.
- Elegant Architecture: Every building tells a story and makes me feel like I’ve stepped into a vintage ballet movie.
- Dance Hub: The passion for dance pulsates through every corner – inspiring anyone with a dream to twirl.
- Green Spaces: My nature-loving heart couldn’t ask for a more beautiful backdrop to a peaceful afternoon.
- Travel Inspiration: There are just so many exciting opportunities for ballet and fun. I can’t wait for my next train journey here!
Remember my darlings, "Dance Like Nobody's Watching - and Wear a Pink Tutu!"
And as always, keep dancing! See you all soon with new blog post #8900!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S. If you haven't checked out my Instagram, I post behind-the-scenes snippets of my Tutu Travels – you'll have to look out for my new "Ballet Squirrel" photo collection! Don’t forget to tag #pinktutu #tututribe #dancelife #travel
#(Extra 500 words for an additional travel guide)
Emma's Royal Leamington Spa Itinerary: A Perfect Week for Tutu LoversBecause a little trip inspiration is always welcome, I thought I’d put together a little guide of things to do and see in Royal Leamington Spa, all with a tutu twist of course.
Day One: Ballet & Bubbles:
- Morning: Start your day by booking a place at a ballet class. The Royal Leamington Spa Ballet School welcomes all levels so don't worry if you haven't taken a class before - this is about fun! I can promise a delicious dose of endorphins and a perfect pirouette or two before indulging in some delicious afternoon tea at the elegant Royal Pump Rooms. The sandwiches, scones and cakes pair perfectly with a pink bubbly drink – don't be shy about snapping pics for Instagram, it's the perfect chance to capture that princess vibe.
- Evening: Grab some tickets for the captivating ballet performance at Royal Spa Centre. The classic grandeur of the venue combined with the magic of ballet will transport you straight into a whimsical dreamland.
Day Two: Nature & Tutu Adventures:
- Morning: Wake up and soak up the sun in Newbold Comyn! I highly recommend a picnic. Grab a baguette and a selection of mini cheeses, fruits, and pink cocktails from the local bakery (of course, make it pink) for a little touch of Parisian flair. As you picnic on the luscious lawns, keep an eye out for squirrels and squirrels and more squirrels – you might be surprised how friendly they are!
- Afternoon: It's time to go shopping! Visit Leamington Spa’s high street for a little bit of retail therapy and the opportunity to discover amazing shops like “Tutu Sweet” that has everything a ballet loving girl could wish for! (And by the way, it's pink... pink everywhere, oh I love this place).
- Evening: Enjoy a candlelit dinner in the intimate atmosphere of a classic English pub like The Queens Head and share a delicious burger. Finish with a cocktail in one of the cute bars like "The Leamington Arms", they have an amazing raspberry Bellini!
Day Three: History & Culture:
- Morning: Start with a delicious breakfast at the Leamington Spa Farmers Market, grabbing some fresh local produce like Berkshire bacon or artisan pastries - maybe even a bouquet of fresh pink roses to add to your outfit! After breakfast head to the beautiful Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum. This hidden gem houses an array of artwork, ceramics and fascinating historical artifacts. You might find inspiration for a new tutu design for a future post!
- Afternoon: In the afternoon, indulge in a horseback riding session with the help of The Warwickshire Riding School. They offer beautiful riding trails that take you through stunning scenery. I'm sure it'll feel like you're floating across a meadow with the grace of a ballerina!
- Evening: To round off your cultural immersion, head back to the Royal Pump Rooms for a final evening cocktail – think lavender and floral tones, reminiscent of the graceful elegance of ballet – and reflect on this amazing week.
Travel Tips:
- Book Tickets: Don't forget to book your ballet tickets, horseback riding session and even your ballet class (and any other activity) in advance to make the most of your time!
- Dress Like a Ballerina: Embrace your inner ballerina with a fabulously pink tutu – think floaty fabrics, layers of tulle, and sparkly accents. Let your tutu become a conversation starter.
- Pack for the weather: Keep your tutu twirling regardless of the weather – bring a cute rainproof jacket for those unpredictable British skies, a stylish sun hat for when the sun comes out, and perhaps a comfy cardigan for cool evenings.
- Train Time: Opt for a relaxing train journey – pack a good book, a snack, and some travel-sized treats, and enjoy the scenic ride. It’s a great way to fully immerse yourself in the charm of the English countryside.
- Document Your Journey: Share your adventures with your fellow Tutu Tribe - document your tutu-tastic escapades through stunning photos, captivating Instagram stories, and of course, new blog posts!
I hope this guide provides some inspiration for a fantastic week in Royal Leamington Spa! Remember, wherever you travel, wear a tutu with confidence, and embrace the wonder of dance in all its forms!
