On my own after Christmas - what should I do?

[Bouledeneige]

My teen DC are with me on Christmas day when I have a full house cooking for 16, but then go to France for 4 days with their Dad. I usually struggle a bit to fill the time after Christmas - most of my friends are with their families. I might get an invite here and there for a walk or drink - I usually spend quite a lot of time watching netflix. It doesnt feel too terrible.

I am lucky enough to be able to spoil myself as I now have a much better paid job (and I have a reason to celebrate a personal achievement) so I was wondering whether I should go away or give myself a treat. The problem is that I travel quite a bit on my own and from time to time it can feel a bit lonely. With the time of year in mind where could I go where I wouldn't feel like a real saddo as the only person on my own?

Criteria:

• Wouldn't mind somewhere warm but I only want to go away for those 4 days so its not worth going far. Would consider Morroco or Istanbul... so long as its not too hard work being a lone female.
• I'm also just as happy to be in the UK I dont really dont mind a crisp cold winters day - somewhere cosy, maybe with some lovely walks or scenery or a spa?
• I'd like to stay in some luxury - but not too stiff and formal. And if i want to stay in bed watching netflix that I would feel fine with that too.
• Don't mind driving distances or flying
• Or happy to stay home in London if I have some nice things to do.

Suggestions welcome!

Can you find a nice boutique hotel that does spa / massages and book yourself some tickets to the theatre / concert / cinema

This looks very nice but by god its expensive at over £300 per night if you book it between xmas and new year

I went to Amsterdam from 26 to 30 Dec one year. Took it easy - one day I just went for a walk and read a book - leisurely breakfasts, nice dinners, museums, canal trip.

I stayed in an Airbnb near Prinsengracht within the sound of Westerkerk's bells. Loved the area.

Thanks both. SamBeckett - did you have an attachment for the hotel you mentioned? Yup £300 a night is steep.

I like Amsterdam so will think about that though it does have echoes for me of an ex!

@Bouledeneige
I will post a link tonight , it will give you time to rob a bank

It all depends on how you do Amsterdam. I went for chilled culture, which is not how many people seem to approach it

How about Manchester - look at Great John Street or Hotel Gotham to start you off.

Theatre - Gypsy at the Royal Exchange (city centre) and Six at The Lowry (tram to Salford Quays).

Plenty of shopping, music, eating and drinking. Get cultural - art gallery, walking tour, museum of science and industry, imperial war museum north (out at Salford Quays), John Ryland Library...

I went to Morocco last Easter, and I was fine when DH was with me but felt a bit harassed / stared at when I was on my own, although I'm 48 years old. The only place where I have been conned ever is in Istanbul. So I'm not sure I'd recommend either....

I'd just go to Bruges, Paris, Rome, or Lisbon for a few days. Barcelona, Palermo... ahhhh dreaming now.

We used to take ourselves off to Glasgow after Christmas and came back for new year
The hotel was as cheap as chips for those days.
Some excellent plays / theatre / often a ballet
Great shopping
We used to stay at Jury’s just over the river and there was a theatre nearby.
If you go by car and it’s a bit frosty you can’t beat a lovely ride up to the trossachs...bit far by car though, unless you hire one for the day
Loch Lomond and the Snow covered hills were beautiful

Following with interest - my 2 are away from 28th for a week. I am working a couple of days but free as a bird for the rest. Keep looking at HP & the cursed child single tickets.
I would go to the seaside if I were you. Love the seaside in winter.

How about the Hoste in Burnham Market. It has spa facilities, a lovely bar and restaurant and wonderful beaches close at hand.

City break in Southern Spain? Should still have nice weather?

Or a spa break somewhere beautiful near the sea, or Lake District?

If you fancy something sociable look on meetup for walking groups etc that are likely to do trips over the new year holidays

What do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy exercise, reading, TV and shopping, so if had cash to spend would rather stay home, go to gym or jog, meet friends if poss, and spend money on stuff in online sales than travel I would enjoy investigating needed/desired items then seeing if could get a bargain!

Travel wise what about v south of Spain? Have always fancied Andelucia.

Copenhagen and Bergen v nice but would be cold at that time of year!

Single parent also. Totally recognise your situation.
I'd stay at home. If you have to pack, think about packing etc when your kids are there and yoh are catering for 16 it will change your perspective on it.
Enjoy it. Slump. Get a bit tidied up. Slump and get ready to begin again.

I don't think Madeira is any further than Morocco and still warm but definitely no hassle and a wide range of different hotels. I loved Funchal for having a look round

Have you tried skiing? Great vibe, lots to do, get yourself in ski school and have a laugh.

The Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel is lovely. I would drive to Bath, Park the car and not get back in it until it's time for home.

My days would be filled with a mixture of swimming, spa, thermal suite, walks, reading, sales shopping, coffee, Netflix and room service!

Edinburgh, lovely that time of year, gearing up for Hogmanay celebrations plus loads to do/see/visit, as long as you don't mind the cold!

Thanks folks. I'm 55 and been doing this for 12 years - usually stay at home - watch movies, sakes and a few long walks. But it's a bit hit and miss. It's not a terrible feeling just wondering if there was a way to treat myself a bit!

@Bouledeneige this is the hotel I looked at last night but now its booked up between christmas and new year ,
The rest of the prices are much lower but still not cheep at around £200 per night.
www.secretescapes.com/summer-lodge-country-house-evershot-dorset/sale