Hello darlings! 💅✨ It's your Pink Tutu Sparkles, and today's blog post (number 8921, can you believe it?!) is brimming with all the pink, sparkles, and fun I could squeeze into one little post! So, settle in with a cuppa, a slice of cake (because a girl's gotta have her treats!), and prepare for a whirlwind tour of Beckenham and the adventures that took me there.
Firstly, let me just gush over Beckenham – it's got that quaint village vibe without being too far from London, which means, naturally, it's perfect for a Pink Tutu Sparkles visit. Honestly, there was something special about the atmosphere in this town, a real sense of community and that quintessential British village charm. It felt like the kind of place you could get lost in for days, exploring all its hidden corners and uncovering local treasures.
I made my grand entrance into Beckenham in a rather unexpected way – by horse! Yes, you heard me right. I managed to snag a ride from a friend of a friend (he owns a delightful, rather dashing, black steed, named "Midnight", apparently because of his coat and not, I might add, his personality! He was a very sensible horse) and that, my darlings, made it truly unforgettable. It’s all about finding those little magic moments, you know?
Once I arrived in Beckenham, it was time to settle into the enchanting "The Old Vicarage Inn" – what a gem of a place! The cobbled courtyard, the crackling fire in the grand fireplace, the cosy atmosphere... and the food? Divine! (I recommend the sticky toffee pudding, and yes, I may have had second helpings, it was THAT good!)
Beckenham wouldn't be complete without a trip to the charming local library, which was filled with comfy nooks and, of course, tons of exciting books, But even more than that, they had the most incredible display of vintage fashion magazines – it was like a time warp straight back to the 1950s! Talk about inspiring for a drag queen. There was even a gorgeous pink dress with delicate lace and a full, fluffy skirt (though it wasn’t a tutu, it was tempting! My inner child just about screamed with joy, haha!). I resisted the urge to buy, mainly because, let’s face it, I couldn’t squeeze another dress into my luggage – and my motto is “tutus, always”.
Next on the itinerary was a trip to Beckenham Place Park, where I absolutely lost myself in its sprawling gardens. They felt like something out of a fairy tale – there were wild flowers galore, hidden paths leading to serene meadows, and a glistening lake where I almost convinced myself I saw a real life unicorn. (I'm still clinging to that dream, okay?) It was a perfect escape from the everyday hustle and bustle, a place where time slowed down and you could just breathe, relax, and soak up the beauty.
And of course, what trip would be complete without some retail therapy, especially in Beckenham, where the quaint, charming, independent boutiques absolutely stole my heart! It’s a vintage drag queen’s paradise - think feather boas, hats adorned with gems and silk flowers, glittering evening gowns… all sorts of fabulous finds! It’s a little corner of magic for every drag queen. (There was also a rather fabulous vintage dress shop called 'Miss Posh' which reminded me very much of a vintage department store from a glamorous, bygone era - a treasure trove of beautiful dresses from bygone eras. A bit of Pink Tutu Sparkles heaven!).
I even took a peek at the Beckenham Playhouse theatre. Their programme looks fantastic! And you just know Pink Tutu Sparkles will be there performing at least once - a girl's gotta keep busy. It reminds me a lot of the old Derby Theatre, the one with the balcony, a tiny stage and that warm, wood-panelled theatre lobby - the kind of theatre that’s buzzing with excitement, whispers, a tangible, joyful atmosphere.
After a whirlwind exploration, I finished my day with a delectable high tea (tea, naturally, always with a touch of pink – what’s a queen without her colour, right?) at "The Cricketers", another of Beckenham’s beautiful hidden gems, a charming, rustic pub brimming with history and character - perfect for those lovely lazy Sundays!
But what's a trip to Beckenham without a bit of tutu action?
Now, you've all come to know that a trip is incomplete without a twirl (or twenty!) in a stunning pink tutu. And Beckenham? It was an absolute haven!
Imagine this: me, a vision in a billowing pink tutu, a masterpiece of tulle and sparkle, prancing around Beckenham Place Park with Midnight (that horse!), his mane cascading around his noble head. He wasn’t entirely sold on the pink, to be honest, but a few encouraging sniffs of glitter and we were fast friends, both loving the open air, the soft light of a beautiful summer's evening, the freedom, the sheer joy!
I must tell you about the people of Beckenham – friendly, welcoming, and absolutely full of joie de vivre. My tutu was a constant source of smiles and chuckles wherever I went. I mean, what’s a fabulous, pink-tutu-wearing drag queen to do? It's a calling, my darlings, to spread the pink joy, a reminder that the world could do with more smiles and twirls!
I spent my last evening in Beckenham on the station platform, my heart filled with a blend of nostalgia and excitement. It was time to go. The train, my second home, awaited, and I was off on a new adventure. As I watched Beckenham recede into the distance, I knew I'd left a piece of my Pink Tutu Sparkle heart in that enchanting town, where I’d found something beautiful and genuine - not only sparkling places but some very genuine smiles too!
Stay tuned, darlings! My next adventure awaits. Where? Oh, you'll just have to wait and see...
In the meantime, don't forget to wear pink. Life's too short to not make a statement! 💖
Until next time,
XOXO,
Pink Tutu Sparkles ✨
