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Original poster

Weekend away ALL alone - have you ever done it?

82 replies

Labtastic · 28/07/2023 20:37

DH has a hobby for which he takes a week and 2-3 weekends away over the summer. I don't have a hobby as such, or not one that I can legitimately go away for a weekend to do.

So I was thinking of taking a weekend away, in the UK, just to go and have some time just me - reading, sleeping, eating etc.

Has anyone else done this? If so where did you go/what did you do while there and was it amazing?

OP posts:
MissesMorkan · 28/07/2023 20:44

All the time. I’m puzzled as to why you think it’s in any way worthy of note?

The two most recent solo times were (1) four days as a remote Buddhist retreat centre on a silent retreat — glorious! and (2) a weekend in a tiny Airbnb cabin on a beach, where I walked, wrote and drank wine by the fire.

Do it.

Titsywoo · 28/07/2023 20:44

Yes I do it every year - I like the time alone doing exactly as I please

Original poster
Labtastic · 28/07/2023 20:45

Oh you know, usual mother/woman guilt I guess. And there being no purpose to it other than sleeping in a different place in blessed silence. Kids aren't even a difficult age - 9 and 11 - they're just so noise All The Time!

OP posts:
AbsoIutelyLovely · 28/07/2023 20:46

I went to Stratford on Avon when contemplating leaving my BF. It rained all weekend and I watched plays, ate chips and cried 😂

Titsywoo · 28/07/2023 20:47

So this year I went to London. Stayed in a central hotel. Went to a few museums, out for nice meals. I usually go to a show or play but this time did the comedy store. Spent some time in the park reading my book and some time chilling in my room.

RhinestoneCowgirl · 28/07/2023 20:48

Yes, several times. I go to an eco retreat place in Cornwall, lots of walking, yoga, pasties and pints, it's lush. I have a weekend booked for mid September, it's been a tough year and I really need it

VerityUnreasonble · 28/07/2023 20:49

I do this now and then. I like to pick a nice hotel by the sea. Walk on the beach, eat lovely food, star fish on the bed, not be woken up by anyone.

I usually choose somewhere with a nice pool / sauna etc. so I can swim but I also like to have wastefully long showers or baths. Then get all wrapped up in a fluffy robe and read a good book.

Come home feeling much more human.

Spudlover · 28/07/2023 20:50

I had a weekend in Glasgow. I shopped, ate out, took a tour bus, did the museums and took a train to Loch Lomond and had a boat trip. It was lovely!

Original poster
Labtastic · 28/07/2023 20:50

VerityUnreasonble · 28/07/2023 20:49

I do this now and then. I like to pick a nice hotel by the sea. Walk on the beach, eat lovely food, star fish on the bed, not be woken up by anyone.

I usually choose somewhere with a nice pool / sauna etc. so I can swim but I also like to have wastefully long showers or baths. Then get all wrapped up in a fluffy robe and read a good book.

Come home feeling much more human.

This sounds like heaven!

OP posts:
Original poster
Labtastic · 28/07/2023 20:51

You're all giving me good inspiration (and the motivation just to say fuck it and do it)

OP posts:
Iguessyourestuckwithme · 28/07/2023 20:58

Yep day trips, nights away, long weekends and I even buggered off for a month across the globe.

i have a list of places iwant to visit and just try to do them when i can.

where would you like to go? where excites you?

Pinkbakerscap · 28/07/2023 21:01

Yes I LOVE doing this. Most recently Oxford. Excellent museums, lovely botanical gardens, lots of quirky restaurants and gorgeous architecture. Highly recommend it x

MissesMorkan · 28/07/2023 21:02

Labtastic · 28/07/2023 20:45

Oh you know, usual mother/woman guilt I guess. And there being no purpose to it other than sleeping in a different place in blessed silence. Kids aren't even a difficult age - 9 and 11 - they're just so noise All The Time!

Well, I’m a woman and a mother too, but I don’t think irrational guilt is part of the territory. The ‘purpose’ is to be alone, to prioritise yourself, to recalibrate, to do exactly what you want when you want. The children aren’t going to die without you for a few days.

orangeyeahthatsright · 28/07/2023 21:07

I go away for a week once every year to pursue a hobby. I stay in a caravan by a lake in Norfolk, very off the beaten track. My life is very full on as are so many women's, lot of stress from caring for elderly DM so that peace and me-time are a godsend. I know I'm lucky to be able to do a whole week each time, but if I couldn't I'd definitely try to take at least a weekend every year.

Buildingthefuture · 28/07/2023 21:13

I have, a few times over the years. Where and how has been budget dependent. Once in a teeny cute cottage by the sea, in the winter. Lovely cold beach walks, back to the wood burner, wine and my book. Once in a fancy hotel in a flash town. I didn’t enjoy that so much. A few times in nice hotels, with a spa and room service. I enjoyed those. But what they all had in common was, my phone was off and for 24/48 hrs I didn’t have to think about anything important. I recommend it.

Freetodowhatiwant · 28/07/2023 21:15

I did 3 nights in Ibiza on my own last summer and it was amazing! I would be disappointed if I went away in the U.K. and the weather was crap so would be more tempted to go for the sun.

ManchesterLu · 28/07/2023 21:17

Yes! A solo city break can be amazing, just wandering, shopping, eating.. also beach breaks are fab, when the weather is there.

Niftyswiftie · 28/07/2023 21:20

I never knew this was a thing until I saw it on Mumsnet. It would be my worst nightmare and I don't know anyone that does this but if you like the sound of it then you have nothing to feel guilty for.

BCBird · 28/07/2023 21:24

I going away sfter Christmas fir 4 nights to Devin. Last couple of years hsve beren very difficult. Plan.to take books,walk along beach and eat as much crap as I.like.

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 28/07/2023 21:29

I have also been considering this recently. There's a fairly posh campsite about 45 minutes away with tiny cabins by the beach, you can get tapas and wine brought to your door. I've saved it in my favourites for the near future.

I wondered why no one has seen the need and started selling wellness for one deals with meals and a quiet room and the option to dine alone or with other customers. Probably because women feel too guilty or put their needs last so they wouldn't make much money on it.

dogsweetdog · 28/07/2023 21:30

VerityUnreasonble · 28/07/2023 20:49

I do this now and then. I like to pick a nice hotel by the sea. Walk on the beach, eat lovely food, star fish on the bed, not be woken up by anyone.

I usually choose somewhere with a nice pool / sauna etc. so I can swim but I also like to have wastefully long showers or baths. Then get all wrapped up in a fluffy robe and read a good book.

Come home feeling much more human.

Any recommendations?

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 28/07/2023 21:30

I had a solo trip to London last year. I was a bit worried about eating alone etc but absolutely loved it and can’t wait to do it again.

MotherOfSuburbia · 28/07/2023 21:36

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 28/07/2023 21:29

I have also been considering this recently. There's a fairly posh campsite about 45 minutes away with tiny cabins by the beach, you can get tapas and wine brought to your door. I've saved it in my favourites for the near future.

I wondered why no one has seen the need and started selling wellness for one deals with meals and a quiet room and the option to dine alone or with other customers. Probably because women feel too guilty or put their needs last so they wouldn't make much money on it.

Ooh - that sounds amazing! Where is it?

Champagneforeveryone · 28/07/2023 21:37

DH hates camping with a fiery passion. He's also not overly keen on long walks with the vague possibility of getting lost.

This means DDog1 and I bugger off for a couple nights once or twice a year if we can manage it. DH stays at home with DDog2, who would be up for the walking but would be clutching her pearly dog collar at the camping.

DH takes occasional weekends to visit his adult DS, but he is much more of a homebody than me and has to be nagged into going away and giving me some peace

BHRK · 28/07/2023 21:40

Yes, I take a night away in a nice hotel once or twice a year