(Post number 9039)
Hello my darling darlings! 🩰💖
It's Emma here, your resident tutu-obsessed travel blogger, ready to share all the delights of my recent trip to Leicester! Now, you know me, I'm all about tutus and the finer things in life, so imagine my delight when I found myself stepping off the train (oh, I do love train travel - something about that rhythmic click-clack of the wheels...) into a city bursting with excitement!
First, a bit of history... You see, I'm from Derbyshire - a mere hop and a skip from the heart of Leicestershire - and so I have a particular affection for this little city. But it's been ages since I've been! I just adore the way it seamlessly blends its rich heritage with a modern, vibrant atmosphere.
I wasn't surprised, however, to find Leicester brimming with artistic life. My eyes twinkled with delight when I stumbled upon the stunning Leicester Phoenix Theatre. A hidden gem tucked away in the heart of the city, it boasts a stage that has witnessed many legendary performances over the years! They even had a poster outside of the Swan Lake that they were performing next week - cue dreamy sighs - the grace of the swan, the elegance of the prince… I was so tempted to grab a last-minute ticket! But, as you know, my own tour is all planned out for this week!
Speaking of ballet… my dear friends, you have to try ballet at some point in your life. Now, you don't need to have the perfect figure, the grace of a gazelle or the physique of a goddess… In fact, we can celebrate our imperfect, quirky curves! What I really believe in is spreading the magic of ballet through fun and whimsy!
To get you all in the mood, I made sure to head to the Leicester Dance Centre. I could just hear the lilting music and smell the familiar aroma of old wooden dance floors and sweaty tights! (That's not a bad smell, trust me… hehe). I’m thinking of putting on a few free tutu classes this summer, for those who might be nervous. What do you think?
After my ballet bliss, I felt a bit peckish… so I found myself at a delightful café called The Tea Room right on Granby Street. This place is a pink paradise! Oh my… imagine dainty sandwiches and scones… all served in this enchanting, frilly pink tea room… it was the ultimate treat after my ballerina-training session! The teacup was absolutely exquisite… did I mention I adore pretty, floral china?! Oh, darling, I think I could spend all day sipping tea there!
Speaking of pretty, I just couldn't resist indulging my sweet tooth at Cakes and Creams. These sugary masterpieces deserve a standing ovation! They had all kinds of glorious cupcakes - lemon drizzle, velvet red… I even found a vegan option which was just divine. All so meticulously decorated, it almost felt wrong to take a bite!
With my belly full of deliciousness, I decided to embark on a little walk through the charming streets of Jubilee Square. I just loved the peaceful vibe… with its beautiful flowers, sculptures, and vibrant shops lining the path… all bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. I took a minute to pause on a bench, surrounded by blooming blooms, soaking it all in... and oh… let me just tell you, those flowers were positively fragrant! Just imagine… floral scents drifting in the warm air… it was so heavenly!
A visit to a bustling city just wouldn’t be complete without a wander through the historical alleys… which brings me to Leicester's City Museum and Art Gallery! I've always been fascinated by history, and Leicester really is the city for it… but my eyes were especially drawn to this amazing collection of wildlife art! Oh… how I adore our furry, feathered, and scaly friends! We had this wonderful exhibition showcasing endangered species, all rendered with exquisite detail… I think it really highlights the importance of protecting our precious wildlife. And there I was… caught in my element… surrounded by all kinds of wild creatures in their painted glory… ahem, darling… this was more than just an exhibition, it was a genuine connection to nature!
With my soul feeling uplifted and my heart brimming with memories… I decided to make my way to New Walk Park. I was looking forward to Leicester’s National Space Centre - all gleaming rockets and cosmic wonder - a fitting end to my city escape. But, it turns out it’s undergoing a serious refurbishment… sigh. Don't worry - I’ll be sure to revisit on my next trip. Maybe with a whole new outfit to impress the space suits…
As the evening deepened… I hopped on the train back to Derbyshire… a feeling of warmth enveloping my soul. I'd absorbed the joy of Leicester - from its vibrant energy and delicious treats to the heartwarming kindness of its locals. You know, every city has a story to tell, and Leicester certainly had a tale worthy of being told… all sprinkled with a dash of that whimsical charm that makes it so special!
Until next time, my dear darlings…
xx Emma www.pink-tutu.com
