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Original poster

Help me plan my secret day off tomorrow.

106 replies

CHO0SE · 18/08/2025 20:19

I have taken annual leave for the day.
My husband and kids don’t know, I know it might sound wrong but I need a break.
To put it mildly, it’s been the worst year of my life.
Anyway, I’ve booked a massage for the morning. I’ll probably go to the beach for a bit and find somewhere nice for lunch. what else shall I do?
Im so looking forward to it. Can’t do anything at home as husband and both teens will be there.
Thanks for any ideas
I’ll be in Shoreham area if anyone has any wise ideas for there or nearby but just anything really

OP posts:
Witchbells · 18/08/2025 20:49

Funsummerfun · 18/08/2025 20:31

Or head over to Lewes - I love it there!

Same here! It’s lovely!

Betsy95 · 18/08/2025 20:48

Argh I’m so jealous! To be honest I think the day you’ve already planned sounds perfect, don’t cram too much in otherwise it won’t be relaxing.

Zanatdy · 18/08/2025 20:48

Have a wonderful day OP, some much needed ‘me time’. Great idea.

Clicheinaqashqai · 18/08/2025 20:46

I also have a day to myself tomorrow, I booked DS in to holiday club (his favourite) specifically so I could have a chill day!

My plan is a swim, pedicure, spot of grown up shopping (deliberately sorted kids uniforms etc already so I don't end up doing errands), lots of nice coffees and reading time and maybe a walk depending on how long the shopping takes.

Rainbowqueeen · 18/08/2025 20:44

Sounds lovely OP. Have a wonderful day.

Finishing up with a piece of cake and coffee sounds perfect.

Original poster
CHO0SE · 18/08/2025 20:41

Thanks. I have a car so can head anywhere. I love the beach at Shoreham but no nice cafes there I think. So might do massage, swim and beach then Lewes or Worthing for lazy lunch and if I feel like it, a mooch around

OP posts:
FloozingThePlot · 18/08/2025 20:38

I live very near Shoreham. It is lovely but not really lots to do - there are a few moochy shops but not as many as in Worthing or Lewes... You might be better hopping on the train to one of those. There's a Charleston outpost gallery in Lewes which is worth a look. Have a lovely day!

OneNeatBlueOrca · 18/08/2025 20:37

CHO0SE · 18/08/2025 20:30

Also like the idea of reading in the pub or on the beach. I have a pile of books waiting

If you need a break, try not to plan too much. You have your massage, a trip to the beach. A lovely lunch out. Maybe just relax in the afternoon.

SliceofTosst · 18/08/2025 20:36

After your massage and lunch find somewhere like a nice pub bar, have a drink and people watch. I love doing this knowing it's a workday. Feels so decadent.

Have a lovely day of freedom!

Enrichetta · 18/08/2025 20:33

I’m not familiar with your area, but are there any art galleries?

Whatever you do, don’t feel guilty. Not ever.

Have fun 🍷

Original poster
CHO0SE · 18/08/2025 20:33

I didn’t realise other people did this regularly! I might make it a thing!

OP posts:
SoUncertain · 18/08/2025 20:32

So jealous! I get a day of annual leave for my birthday. Work announced that we can take it any time of year now, but I'm keeping it for myself 😊 still have a few months to wait though!

Blarn · 18/08/2025 20:32

And coffee and a big piece of cake with a magazine, to add to your list of things to do.

Original poster
CHO0SE · 18/08/2025 20:32

Lewes is a good call. Nice shops

OP posts:
Blarn · 18/08/2025 20:31

Don't feel guilty about it! Secret days off are wonderful and I always feel so much better after a day completely to myself. Only get to do it a couple of times a year now they are in school and I need my leave for the holidays, boo!

Original poster
CHO0SE · 18/08/2025 20:31

DesparatePragmatist · 18/08/2025 20:30

I've only ever done this once. I booked a day off work, and booked a day at a spa. I headed off as normal, v early, stopped somewhere for breakfast, and was at the spa as it opened. No treatments, just a day swimming, lounging in a dressing grown with a pile of magazines, eating the salad buffet at lunch, and walking the lovely gardens. Came home at the usual time. Never told anyone and I treasure it as a stolen oasis of time, just for me. Enjoy every second, OP!

Sounds amazing!

OP posts:
Funsummerfun · 18/08/2025 20:31

Or head over to Lewes - I love it there!

Original poster
CHO0SE · 18/08/2025 20:30

Also like the idea of reading in the pub or on the beach. I have a pile of books waiting

OP posts:
DesparatePragmatist · 18/08/2025 20:30

I've only ever done this once. I booked a day off work, and booked a day at a spa. I headed off as normal, v early, stopped somewhere for breakfast, and was at the spa as it opened. No treatments, just a day swimming, lounging in a dressing grown with a pile of magazines, eating the salad buffet at lunch, and walking the lovely gardens. Came home at the usual time. Never told anyone and I treasure it as a stolen oasis of time, just for me. Enjoy every second, OP!

Original poster
CHO0SE · 18/08/2025 20:30

Oh yes maybe a sauna! And nails! Hadn’t thought of those!

OP posts:
Original poster
CHO0SE · 18/08/2025 20:29

Thanks everyone. I feel like the cinema would be a waste of a lovely sunny day.
perhaps I’ll have a swim in the sea. I like the idea of mooching around little shops, buying myself a little souvenir. Not sure if they have little shops there. We will have to see.

OP posts:
nightcap · 18/08/2025 20:28

Sauna and swim in the sea? There's a good sauna by the lighthouse and another smaller one on the beach at lancing

rainsbows · 18/08/2025 20:28

Massage, get your nails done, walk along the beach, read in a pub garden whilst grazing on all the good M&S snacks you bought earlier!

Witchbells · 18/08/2025 20:26

Personally, I’d head to a Waterstones, if you like to read?

Is there still a place in Brighton where you can decorate pottery?

Tickets25 · 18/08/2025 20:25

No suggestions - have a lovely day!!!

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