Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, ready to take you on a whirlwind tour of West Bridgford, a charming town just outside of Nottingham. My trusty pink tutu, a symbol of twirling joy, was packed for the journey, of course. As you all know, my life is an enchanting ballet of pink and pirouettes, so when a weekend getaway calls, it's practically obligatory for the tutu to join!
Today, my lovely steed (or, in this case, the Northern Rail service from Derby) took me on a journey that felt like it was straight out of a romantic novel. I'm talking lush green fields, rolling countryside, and charming village scenery - you know, the stuff of fairy tales. I love a good train ride; it’s the perfect time to catch up on my ballet reading, admire the world going by, and dream of my next adventure.
As soon as I stepped off the train in West Bridgford, the air was thick with anticipation. The sun was shining, the breeze was soft, and I just knew this weekend was going to be filled with joy. My first stop? The charming and utterly delightful Cafe au Lait! They do the best pastries I’ve ever tasted – I am convinced the owner personally bakes them with magic, and I do recommend the Raspberry & Rose one - they were made for a ballerina with a sweet tooth!
Speaking of magic, did you know that West Bridgford boasts its very own fairy gardens? Well, I can assure you that they are positively whimsical. With fairy houses and enchanting sculptures tucked away amongst the lush greenery, it was the perfect place to feel like I'd stepped into another world. Imagine if I’d just come across some graceful little ballet fairies practicing their routines! Wouldn’t that be adorable?!
Speaking of adorable… you just won’t believe what I saw at the Nottingham Contemporary art gallery. My heart nearly burst with delight when I spotted a series of colourful installations depicting ballerinas. They were such a sight to behold! You see, even modern art can make room for a ballerina's appreciation for form and movement, the joy and passion expressed in a beautifully executed plié… and my pink tutu really looked good against that bright background.
And just when I thought West Bridgford couldn't get any more charming, I stumbled upon a truly amazing independent shop called 'Tutus and Teacups'. Now, let's be honest, I felt a little bit like I was in a dream! With its shelves overflowing with ballet memorabilia and its adorable teacup collection (who needs china dolls, when you’ve got ballerinas, am I right?!), this shop was like a sanctuary for a ballet-obsessed girl like me. Of course, I left with a lovely, handmade ballerina trinket – how could I resist?
As evening fell, it was time for something spectacular. The Theatre Royal Nottingham played host to a dazzling performance of ‘Swan Lake’. Watching those talented dancers gracefully glide across the stage, the passion and beauty radiating from every movement - it was truly a night to remember. Their strength and precision, their ability to tell a story with their bodies alone, inspired me more than I could have imagined. It was almost like a dream… or a very well-choreographed vision!
Sunday, oh Sunday, it was time for some relaxing… or, as relaxing as a ballerina gets! I headed to Wollaton Hall and Deer Park. Now, who doesn’t love a stroll amidst ancient trees, with friendly deer and ducks frolicking nearby? This picturesque park was the perfect place to soak up some peaceful beauty and, of course, snap some delightful photos for my #pinktutu Instagram. You should know, though, it was almost impossible to capture how magical the scene was through the lens of my camera. The trees swayed in the breeze, the deer sauntered with such elegance, and it all felt like something out of a magical story. My tutu even took on the ethereal glow of the dappled sunlight – talk about a beautiful ballet setting!
But the highlight of the day was a visit to the beautiful Holme Pierrepont Country Park. It is absolutely magical! Not only was I able to enjoy a delightful picnic by the serene lake, but I was treated to the most stunning views. You really have to see it for yourselves, but I promise you, this place is like a sanctuary, especially for an overtired ballerina like me.
So, there you have it, my beloved pink tutu and I have conquered West Bridgford and I am more in love with life, ballet and the joy of simply living than ever before.
If you’re considering a trip to Nottingham and its lovely surroundings, West Bridgford definitely deserves a place on your itinerary. Just be warned – it's likely you'll be smitten by its charming countryside, delightful shops and restaurants, and the almost surreal sense of serenity. Just don't forget to pack your dancing shoes, because it’s impossible to visit West Bridgford without tapping your feet, pirouetting around a charming courtyard or imagining a world full of little dancing fairies in their own tutu creations! And maybe… just maybe... you'll be tempted to take a spin with a pink tutu, embracing the joy and freedom that comes with it. Remember, the world needs more twirling and a healthy dose of pink!
Until next time, darlings, Emma xxx
