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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

..to ask for your suggestions for a solo break away

41 replies

Rilkansec · 19/06/2026 19:38

Sorry for the shameless AIBU post, but I want to make this count as it likely won't happen again and I'd like as many suggestions as possible!

DH and DCs are taking a week away together to participate in a shared hobby. Im not interested in that hobby and won't be going with them.

I have some annual leave I can book off at the same time that they go away. I don't want to be at home because I can't switch off from home stuff. I'll just be cleaning and reorganising and then feel pissed off with myself.

So I need to plan a trip of my own!

I don't want to go with any other person. No family, no friends...Just me and the dog. And somewhere in the UK.

I've had a couple of bereavements in close succession of each other recently and it's knocked me sideways. I think a trip on my own could be the tonic I need.

I want nature. Beautiful landscapes and scenery. Fresh air. Relaxation and a chance to just breathe without chaos and noise. Nice walks. Maybe even a hot tub I can sit alone in with a glass of wine and a book.

Im not well-off and have a very basic run-of-the-mill 'working class' type of job. But I do have a small inheritance from one of the relatives who passed away that could fund this short trip. Another reason I really want to make it count.

So I expect you lovely lot are all well travelled and can hopefully give me some great suggestions of places to go, travel companies, accommodation or sites etc? Anywhere that would suit a solo traveller looking to decompress and get away from the race with a pooch in tow.

Any links to accompany your suggestions would also be gratefully received.

Thank you 🙏

OP posts:
Strawberriesandcaviar · 19/06/2026 22:35

When are you going?

what is important to you? For example for me it’s free parking, wifi, a walk in shower, a good restaurant, room service…

what is your budget, roughly?

Onionsalad · 19/06/2026 22:46

Yorkshire. Very dog friendly in most places. And stunning.

Hito · 19/06/2026 22:55

Whataflippincircus · 19/06/2026 21:32

As you are in the South East, I would suggest Norfolk. North Norfolk is especially dog friendly with most beaches having a dog friendly section. There are so many lovely places to see. I recommend Brancaster beach, where you can walk your dog on miles of beautiful coastline. Wells next the sea also has miles of dog friendly beach, plus a harbour and local shops. I’ve taken my dog on a boat trip from Morston Quay to see the seals. Cromer is also lovely with a dog friendly beach. Most of the pubs and cafes allow dogs in Norfolk.

I agree OP. Not a difficult journey either.

Rilkansec · 20/06/2026 13:43

Strawberriesandcaviar · 19/06/2026 22:35

When are you going?

what is important to you? For example for me it’s free parking, wifi, a walk in shower, a good restaurant, room service…

what is your budget, roughly?

Some time in Aug.
Probably arriving 14th/15th Aug

I do want WiFi and a tv. Or WiFi at the very least so I can watch on demand tv on my laptop.

Self catering. I don't want a hotel room, b&b room or an airbnb in someone else's house or at the end of their garden. I want to be left alone, to come and go as I please and no expectations to socialise with other guests or owners.

So I must have my own kitchen/kitchenette and bathroom. I don't want to share WCs and showers. Happy to cook for myself.

Hot water NOT heated by log burners. Whether that be hot water from taps, a shower or a hot tub. Having to create and maintain a fire is too time consuming.

Electricity.

I don't mind paying for parking, but it has to be very close to the property. Parking at the property is preferred though.

Budget would ideally be under £1k

OP posts:
Lozrun · 20/06/2026 13:44

Bournemouth is lovely.

Bufftailed · 20/06/2026 13:48

OP I went down to Kent coast with dog and waa lovely. My dog was v restless whole trip though. Bit like a holiday with a toddler. Yours sounds calmer. Report back!

Rilkansec · 20/06/2026 18:22

Onionsalad · 19/06/2026 22:46

Yorkshire. Very dog friendly in most places. And stunning.

Thanks for your suggestion. As Yorkshire is a rather large county, a?that is divided into 4 separate counties, is there somewhere more specific in Yorkshire you can recommend please? Thanks

OP posts:
Rilkansec · 20/06/2026 18:23

Whataflippincircus · 19/06/2026 21:32

As you are in the South East, I would suggest Norfolk. North Norfolk is especially dog friendly with most beaches having a dog friendly section. There are so many lovely places to see. I recommend Brancaster beach, where you can walk your dog on miles of beautiful coastline. Wells next the sea also has miles of dog friendly beach, plus a harbour and local shops. I’ve taken my dog on a boat trip from Morston Quay to see the seals. Cromer is also lovely with a dog friendly beach. Most of the pubs and cafes allow dogs in Norfolk.

Ooh, I'll do a bit of research on Norfolk and the areas you recommend, thanks

OP posts:
suburberphobe · 20/06/2026 18:29

Just make sure you can stay WITH your dog somewhere.

Whataflippincircus · 20/06/2026 19:15

Rilkansec · 20/06/2026 18:23

Ooh, I'll do a bit of research on Norfolk and the areas you recommend, thanks

I found this for you. Burnham Market is a really lovely place, with shops, cafes and pubs. My favourite beach Brancaster is within easy reach, and there are lots of lovely places to explore.

https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/oc-24516-annexe-at-no10

EBearhug · 20/06/2026 20:26

Lozrun · 20/06/2026 13:44

Bournemouth is lovely.

Bournemouth is lovely - but a lot of Dorset beaches don't allow dogs twixt March and September, so you might want to check that sort of thing as well as dog-frienfly hotels.

Rilkansec · 20/06/2026 21:13

suburberphobe · 20/06/2026 18:29

Just make sure you can stay WITH your dog somewhere.

Well, yeah 🙄

Captain Obvious Thank You GIF
OP posts:
MasterBeth · 20/06/2026 22:34

Onionsalad · 19/06/2026 22:46

Yorkshire. Very dog friendly in most places. And stunning.

This isn't very helpful. Where in Yorkshire? It's a big place!!

muddlingthrou · 20/06/2026 22:37

I’ve had a couple of glorious breaks with my dog in Alfriston. Lovely walks and nice pubs.

TheFlyingPenguin · 20/06/2026 22:38

Isle of Wight.

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