I had the best afternoon I’ve had in ages - sitting in Sainsburys carpark :)

[Bladed]

I’m not sure what that says about me (that I’m a cheap date?!) But I really did.

My friend cancelled on me so I had a couple of spare hours. Decided to do a food shop but couldn’t face it when I got there, so just bought some water and some crisps, sat in the car and read my book.

I mean I probably won’t make it a regular thing but who knew Sainsburys carpark could give such joy!

Just make sure there aren’t parking restrictions!

"I read on another thread that a poster says to her family she's away to do the food shop but has actually done a click and collect so uses the extra time to sit in the car park with a coffee and book. Genius!"

That is bloody brilliant! Why have I never thought of that?

You aren’t alone in doing this. I do it frequently. I have my phone and charger or books. A drink and travel cup. Probably some snacks.

Rock on for the car hiding sisters out there.

I love this!!!

Ooh yes I absolutely love doing this. A good book and some fruity sweeties.

Shoutout for Asda car park too! I race round the shop like a marathon runner and then head back to car and a quiet, shady spot to eat a prawn Mayo sandwich, salt and vinegar crisps and a Krispy Kreme , all while reading my book on kindle. I've got it down to a fine art. I can go a full 45 minutes without being reported missing. 😂

I did that in lockdown more than once!! Lovely!

I totally get this OP.

My secret getaway is doing the laundry in the basement where I sometimes get a nice warm fluffy towel or three out of the tumble dryer, snuggle up and either have a bit of a read or a nap.

Sadly with energy prices going the way they are my tumble drying days will be limited.

Isn’t there a McDonald’s ad where the girl parks up on a lovely harbour doing this….
I must admit my car has been a haven a few times watching the sunset

Sometimes it's great to just sit in the car munching snacks and watching the world go by!

Relaxing......top much sometimes! 🤪

@WishingICould
my Asda has the best chippy in the area next to it so …..thanks for the inspiration …🍟

I have done this at Morrisons car park. Started by me storming out after row with DH but ended up with a restful Starbucks and Mumsnet session. I calmed down, he apologised and all was well

As long as you weren’t idling your engine, I wish death by lung disease on everyone I see doing that.

I’ve done this so many times. Tell DH I’m doing a food shop, which I do but also buy extra snacks and eat them the car once I’ve done and just tell him there was traffic/long queues etc. Definitely going to try the click and collect idea!

That actually is pure genius!

My Sainsburys has a lovely quiet bit of car park with a gorgeous view, sheep included I have done this a couple of times too. Radio on, Kindle or phone, cuppa and choc...sad but blissful.

Perfectly acceptable behaviour! Sounds blissful, I’ve been known to do similar!

This.
My grandparents had a home in a tourist area and I spent lots of time with them — and several times a week my grandad would buy us two an ice cream.
We’d sit outside the store & eat it & watch the tourists.
Best time of my life.

Best naps when pregnant and struggling to sleep were in my car, in the nice supporting seat, reclined, in the shade of the trees in the far corner of Sainsbury's carpark. You go OP!

That is next-level genius stuff

So on thread we’ve got Sainsburys, Morrisons and Asda carparks covered. Maybe I’ll make it my mission to do Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose and Tesco and see which experience is the most relaxing!

There was no engine idling @Phrenologistsfinger I promise.

That sounds like heaven... I may do the same.

That sounds lovely. I've been doing a lot of driving around recently, from shop to shop just mooching, taking my time in the car. It's so lovely to find unexpected peace like that

Tescos in my case. I used to do it more often when the dc were toddler age because it was often my only respite.

There is a smaller side car park in ours and it's not unusual at all to see other people doing the same I mean it's not widespread in some odd gathering place way but you often see (mostly women ) the odd couple of cars doing the same thing.

Its an unwritten rule to leave at least a car space between you if possible.

This sounds like heaven I need to do this myself 🥰