Hello my lovely readers! Pink Tutu Sparkles here, bringing you the dazzling details of my latest adventure. As you all know, I'm on a mission to make the world a pinker, twirlier place, one tutu at a time! And today's blog post is dedicated to sharing my truly unforgettable journey to Paignton, a gorgeous seaside town on the glorious south coast of England! This was my sixth thousand and thirty-four post on www.pink-tutu.com - how crazy is that?! I think I'm becoming the most dedicated blogger the internet has ever seen... and don't even get me started on how many pink tutus I've bought along the way!
It was a gorgeous summer day when I embarked on my journey to Paignton, with a fabulous mix of vintage glamour and modern edge - pink, of course! I'd planned this trip for weeks - Paignton is known for its lovely Victorian promenade and stunning views out to sea, and this time I had to go in style. So I packed my favourite feather boa, a pink silk fan with delicate diamante details (don't worry, it fits neatly into my hand luggage!) and of course my trusty little vintage hatbox to keep my fabulous pink tutu safe. Because there is no better way to travel than with a good old fashioned train ride, I hopped on the express to the coast with a fantastic book about British seaside holidays from the 1950s!
The journey itself was a delight - it was a clear blue sky day and the sun was shining so beautifully! I spent the entire time reading and people watching. There was something absolutely magical about watching the world fly by! As the train drew closer to Paignton, the countryside turned into a kaleidoscope of green, blue and the most delicious shades of pink that the seaside has to offer. I felt totally ready to dive right in!
Paignton Pier and a Promenade Picnic!
I stepped off the train, my little bag over my shoulder and my hatbox held carefully in my other hand. The moment I saw the sparkling, crystal blue sea, I knew it was going to be a special trip. There is something so beautiful and magical about seaside towns and Paignton didn't disappoint! I followed the scent of salty air and sizzling fish and chips, my heels tapping against the promenade's charming, smooth pavement, straight to Paignton Pier!
Now, let me tell you, this pier is amazing. A proper, traditional pier that shocks you with how long and wide it is - with its own cafe and amusement park rides! It felt like being transported straight into a vintage postcard from the past. You could imagine a whole generation of children making memories right there on the promenade! But the highlight of my afternoon? I bought the most perfect wicker picnic basket from a cute little market stall - and of course, I had to fill it with a selection of the most delicious local produce and sweet treats I could find! Strawberry tarts and scones with clotted cream? I knew it was a must. The best part of my picnic? Finding a hidden bench in the shadow of a beautiful palm tree. You know, I felt like I was in some glamorous film from the Golden Age of Hollywood!
Twirling Around in the Paignton Ballroom
Once I'd eaten my fill, it was time for an activity I knew I was going to love... Ballroom Dancing. Yes, you read that right, darling! And Paignton has the most amazing vintage ballroom that's been preserved as a beautiful Victorian space for dancers to have the most wonderful time! Just imagining it had me twirling around the room in my head long before I arrived! I couldn't resist slipping on a fabulous sparkling top - I had to be my best Pink Tutu Sparkles when it came to ballroom dancing, darling! This venue is like stepping back in time with an enormous dance floor, the perfect amount of elegant lighting, and enough seating for everyone to relax with a cup of tea.
Now, you'd be so surprised to hear that the Paignton ballroom is actually a little known secret that few people know about! It's tucked away in a side street in Paignton - you've really got to look for it. And of course, with my passion for ballet, there had to be a way to slip my Pink Tutu Sparkles flair into the mix, even amongst the elegance of traditional Ballroom Dancing.
As soon as the music started, the dancers, (it's mostly retirees) absolutely fell in love with my Pink Tutu ensemble! Imagine, me standing in my fabulous, pink tutu with a silver and pink diamante headband (my signature look) right there in the ballroom, with all these gentlemen and ladies in their elegant dancing costumes, looking so sophisticated! And guess what? Before long, everyone in the room was doing a pink tutu twirl. You should have seen their faces, it was the best.
They were all just absolutely delighted. I’m convinced that some of those men never felt more free and light as they danced along, and you know, I don't think I've ever felt more like I was doing something that really matters. What does it take to change the world? Maybe just one person willing to embrace a little pink tutu magic. And honestly? Seeing all those lovely, wonderful faces full of laughter - I almost wanted to keep twirling until morning.
Paignton is a Treasure, my Darling!
Now, my beautiful friends, Paignton really was a trip for the memory books - from the spectacular promenade views to the delicious scones I sampled and of course my Ballroom experience, I felt absolutely spoiled. I even enjoyed a delicious cream tea under a charming striped canopy on a perfect beach overlooking the sea! I have a strong feeling Paignton will stay in my heart long after the memories of my latest adventure begin to fade.
For all of you fabulous readers out there: Paignton is a truly magical destination that'll bring out the inner diva in anyone! If you want a wonderful holiday with real charm and tons of delightful seaside traditions, you absolutely must add Paignton to your must-visit list! And remember darlings, there is absolutely no time to wait - Embrace the colour, embrace the fun, embrace the tutu. Don’t forget to let me know about your next fabulous Pink Tutu Adventure. See you in my next blog, darlings! Love and tutus, Pink Tutu Sparkles xoxo
[Pictures and Photos Here]
