Hello my lovely pink tutu posse! It's your girl Pink Tutu Sparkles here, and today, I’m sparkling with excitement! Post #8390, and I'm back on the blog - and in Stratford-Upon-Avon! I’ve been dying to come to this little corner of England since, well, ever!
As you know, I'm always looking for that extra spark to add to my tutu travels, and Stratford, with its charming streets, adorable tea rooms and the sheer iconic magic of the Royal Shakespeare Company theatre - it all felt like a tutu dream!
(I really am obsessed with pink tutus. Did I mention that?)
Now, I’ll let you in on a little secret: the journey to Stratford was half the fun. As always, I'm all about a scenic, slow, indulgent travel experience. And what's more enchanting than a trip on a horse-drawn carriage? 🐎 (Just try not to prance on the carriage ride - the other passengers might get a little tutu-ly terrified!).
The arrival itself was just spectacular. The air buzzed with energy as I took in the quaint streets, all brick houses and hanging baskets. It’s a quintessentially English feel - I just felt utterly in the right place!
And as I approached the grand old Shakespeare's Birthplace, with its cobblestone path and perfectly manicured garden, I honestly thought, “This is it. My pink tutu is truly home!” 💕
(By the way, if you're visiting Stratford and see a pink tutu on the cobblestone path - it’s just me! You are most welcome to say “hello!” I can tell you the best place in town for toffee!).
My day in Stratford was a delightful whirl of excitement, wonder and yes - more pink tutu moments, naturally.
Here’s my guide to Pink Tutu Sparkles-approved Stratford:
A tutu-fied Guide to Stratford-Upon-Avon1. A visit to the home of Shakespeare (it’s actually Shakespeare’s birthplace)
Of course, any trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon must include a visit to the house where William Shakespeare was born. I found it completely magical. Even if you aren’t a drama buff - you must know his plays!
This enchanting Tudor cottage is packed with history - with furniture dating back to the Tudor era - all in a place of such significance. It feels so authentic, like I’d just stumbled into history itself. I’m sooo glad I came here - even if the tour was just a little tutu much for me, I kept having to twirl around while the other guests tried to admire the historic interior! 😂
I can definitely say it’s not tutu-ly to be missed! 💖
2. A balletic stop at the RSC Theatre.
You just can't come to Stratford without soaking in some of the greatest Shakespeare theatre in the world, can you? The RSC is more than just a theatre, it’s a monument to the power of drama, and frankly it’s absolutely breathtaking. I took a wander through the beautiful theatre itself and stood entranced as I listened to a brief history of the Royal Shakespeare Company's enchanting productions. I love theatrical glamour - and I can say without hesitation that this venue certainly embodies it in all its glorious form! It was honestly so very inspiring! 🩰
(I had my camera ready to capture the grandiose detail. Trust me, my next blog post will be filled with shots of me looking tutu-ly sensational as I twirl and pose amongst those classic Shakespearean architecture!)
3. A deliciously delightful afternoon tea.
Stratford is a haven for afternoon tea, and my favourite discovery was at The Mad Hatter’s Tea Room. What a sweet treat - it felt so quintessentially British, and the selection of delicate sandwiches, fluffy scones and perfectly brewed tea was to die for! 🧁 You can’t tutu-ly leave Stratford without trying this decadent treat.
(Of course, I had to accessorise my afternoon tea experience. What else?! I chose a perfectly pink teacup with tiny little pink tutus painted on the side. Naturally!)
*4. Shopping, *of course. A visit to the perfect pink shop: “The Pink Ribbon Boutique” **
If there was a shop made for my pink tutu dreams it’s The Pink Ribbon Boutique, which is nestled down a small cobblestone street - so perfectly hidden! 🤫. There's a whole array of gorgeous pink clothing, homeware, jewellery – just about anything you could want to add that special something pink to your life!
(Let me just say that after my rather spectacular shopping spree there my suitcase is now a riot of gorgeous pink tulle and sparkling costume jewellery. I may have a tutu-ly disastrous problem with getting the train back home – my pink tutu-filled bags have just barely fit in the luggage rack. Oh well, I do love pink! 💖)
5. Tutu-fic theatre at The Other Place Theatre.
If you want to see an innovative and thrilling performance, The Other Place is your go-to venue. It is located just across from the RSC, on the bank of the Avon. I watched A Midsummer Night’s Dream - and even as someone who adored Shakespeare’s words as a child - I was blown away! It was a modern-day interpretation of a classic play. I absolutely loved how Shakespeare’s words were weaved into a new and exhilarating modern story, It felt tutu-ly electrifying! I felt myself transported to the fantasy world of Shakespeare. 💫
*(I’ll admit I wasn’t the best at following the Shakespearean dialogue, but the stunning staging and costumes kept my interest firmly in *place and inspired me to twirl my tutu to the fabulous music at the end!) **
I really loved exploring Stratford! There’s a reason this little town has forever captured the heart and imaginations of people all over the world. I even did some balletic stretching in a field, while admiring a row of beautiful pink daffodils. There's nothing quite so beautiful as being able to take a little pause in your day, breathe the fresh air and soak in the breathtaking surroundings in such an idyllic setting! It made me feel so peaceful and inspired me to twirl. *(and as a drag queen, well that *tutu-ly goes without saying)
Pink Tutu Reflections:As I said at the beginning, my tutu-ful adventures always begin and end with me and my amazing pink tutu.
I've come to learn that pink tutus aren’t just for ballet anymore, are they?
There's something incredibly powerful about a tutu. It evokes a joy and a celebration of the body - a kind of playful freedom. That’s exactly what I bring to my life: * a kind of joyful dance* through my drag work and all the extraordinary things that come with my journey. 💖
I just love that a little pink tulle can make such a big statement and have a wonderful impact on everyone’s day! And if my pink tutus bring joy to those around me - it’s just the greatest feeling ever. 💖
*To anyone reading this - let’s all *spread some sparkle and add a little bit of pink to the world! I dare you to wear a pink tutu next time you have a day out! You will not regret it. I promise! **
My lovely pink tutu-posse – I’m off now to pack up my tutu-fied bags for the train journey back to Derbyshire, and plan my next fabulous outing - it’s definitely going to be extra special. 💖
*Be sure to keep checking *www.pink-tutu.com - for a daily dose of pink tutu fabulousness. Until next time my lovely pink tutu fans - and don’t forget to let your inner pink tutu sparkle. You are all beautiful and unique. I know it. 💕
*Stay sparkly! 👑 *
Pink Tutu Sparkles x
