Hello, darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-tastic queen, Pink Tutu Sparkles, back with you all again. This time, I'm whisking you off to the delightful town of Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent, for blog post number 7345 on www.pink-tutu.com!
Now, I've always been a big fan of those charming, slightly posh towns with cobbled streets and quirky boutiques. But when I found myself getting off the train in Tunbridge Wells, the sunshine gleaming off the red brick buildings, the air fresh with the scent of flowers, well, I felt like I'd stepped right into a watercolour painting.
It’s a town bursting with personality and charm! You see, darling, this town just begs for a splash of pink, a swirl of tulle, a dance in the moonlight...and naturally, I was happy to oblige!
But before I tell you about all my adventures in this beautiful town, let me share a little something with you about my day job. You see, by day I’m a scientist! Not the glamorous kind in lab coats with goggles (though sometimes that’s pretty exciting). I'm all about testing fabric in a lab. Now, you might think that doesn't sound particularly exciting... but darling, there’s something so incredibly magical about studying the way fabric flows and bends. You'd be surprised at the hidden stories in the threads of a silk dress or a delicate chiffon blouse! It reminds me of my own love for the drama and flow of a tutu, you know? There’s just something special about how a fabric can dance with the wind and shimmer under the spotlight...
Anyway, I digress. Back to my adventures in Royal Tunbridge Wells! The moment I arrived, I decided to go on a "Tutu Hunt!" What can I say? A good tutu hunt always makes me feel like I’m in a fashion movie!
I started in the town’s bustling Pantiles, the heart of this quaint and fashionable little place. It was a real treat, you see, filled with quaint cafes and boutiques, brimming with stylish shoppers. I strolled past independent stores selling unique clothing, delicious smells wafted out of patisseries, and everywhere you looked, there were stunning Victorian buildings with wrought iron balconies and windows sparkling with vibrant geraniums. I saw my very first vintage clothing store, just overflowing with treasures from another era.
There I found my very first fabulous "Pink Tutu Adventure" of the day! I stumbled across the most magnificent vintage clothing store. Just overflowing with gorgeous dresses from every era imaginable - my imagination ran wild just looking at the beautiful, swirling designs.
As I made my way along, I couldn't help but admire the architectural elegance and colourful character of the area. It just felt so grand and beautiful, especially as I strolled along the lovely cobblestone walkways, my trusty handbag hanging from my arm, containing my precious "emergency kit" (complete with my sewing kit and makeup, of course). I had the urge to twirl every few seconds, and luckily no one stopped me, thank heavens!
There are so many fabulous shops to explore in this vibrant town, and every corner holds a new discovery! You'll find plenty of hidden gems amongst the trendy cafes, antique shops, and independent boutiques that make this town so unique! The Pantiles was just begging for a bit of pink.
And that’s exactly what I provided. 😉 I found a lovely park tucked away, and had a good twirl in my glorious pink tulle. And let me tell you, darling, there’s something rather delightful about twirling beneath a sky full of puffy, pink clouds...I just adore being outside! It’s almost as good as the stage! And just as the sunset turned the sky a delicious orange, I even managed to attract a curious fox kit to watch my little solo dance! That is, after I scared the little critter out of its little wits. 😜 Well, it was twilight after all. 😉
But now for the real highlight of my trip - the theatre! The Assembly Hall Theatre, standing majestic and historic in the centre of town. Its very facade just beckoned to a performer like myself. The theatre is simply beautiful and historical. From the moment I entered the lobby, the grandeur of its rich colours and ornate architecture transported me back to the golden age of theatre, the scent of history and velvet swirling around me, I was mesmerised. As I stepped inside and looked at the velvet seats, ornate ceilings and stage set for a performance, I felt a rush of excitement.
It’s not surprising, dear, that this elegant and historic venue is known as one of the most celebrated regional theatres in England. The Assembly Hall has hosted legendary artists of our time, from Ella Fitzgerald and Roy Orbison, to Sir Anthony Hopkins! But, you know, just being there in all its majestic grandeur was just enough to fuel my imagination. I already feel another pink tutu routine brewing in my mind. This little town was filled with inspiration for my next performance, oh my, oh my. I was practically bubbling over!
One of the best things about Tunbridge Wells, you see, is that it's absolutely perfect for exploring on foot! As the afternoon wore on, I took to exploring the cobbled alleyways, and quiet side streets of the old town, passing shops with beautiful windows overflowing with blooms, delicious cafes, tea rooms, antique stores, and bookshops. You could happily spend a whole day just pottering and wandering in the cobbled streets, darling, with the beautiful parks dotted around this quaint town!
To finish the day off perfectly, you can’t beat an afternoon of Afternoon Tea, and Tunbridge Wells really knows how to indulge you with deliciousness. A cup of beautifully brewed Earl Grey with a selection of dainty sandwiches, warm scones with thick, delicious clotted cream and jam, all piled high with pastries, you just cannot go wrong.
Well, darling, my adventure in this enchanting little town in Kent was the perfect dose of history and vintage glamour! But what I really love about Tunbridge Wells was the wonderful blend of ancient history and modern style - just like a little pink tutu princess needs! And even though I couldn’t actually buy any new pink tutus for my travelling collection (my wardrobe is getting rather large), I must confess I bought enough fabric swatches to get my fabric testing lab all fired up.
Now I have a feeling my lovely, dear, beautiful readers are all hankering for a little dose of Pink Tutu Sparkle in your life, so how about joining me next time as I head on to some another gorgeous location!
Until then, happy twirling, my darlings! 💖
