Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

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:
pictoosh · 28/07/2023 21:40

Yes. have done two solo camping trips with my bike this summer so far, loved every minute. I did what I liked, where I liked, when I liked. Bliss.

reluctantbrit · 28/07/2023 21:42

For years I saw my work trips as time away just for me. I normally had at least late afternoons for myself and in some cases even a weekend.

But I also went away on my own to Edinburgh and with two friends to Bath. This year I will go to Florence in September.

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 28/07/2023 21:48

I do this several times a year. For full disclosure, I live on my own anyway but love going to a lovely hotel for a few nights. I’m happy to eat alone in restaurants and generally just mooch around pleasing myself. I do go away with friends too but I really cherish my lone breaks.

rootsandwings89 · 28/07/2023 22:02

Never done this but always wanted to!

My kids are 6 and 18 months, how old were your children when you did this?

Hbh17 · 28/07/2023 22:03

Do this often - multiple times a year, usually London. I can't see why anyone would think it's odd - it's one of my all time favourite things. So, OP, pick a place that interests you, either in your home country or abroad, and get it booked!

mastertomsmum · 28/07/2023 22:06

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

This sounds wonderful - love to know whereabouts

CoQ10 · 28/07/2023 22:07

Hbh17 · 28/07/2023 22:03

Do this often - multiple times a year, usually London. I can't see why anyone would think it's odd - it's one of my all time favourite things. So, OP, pick a place that interests you, either in your home country or abroad, and get it booked!

Where do you stay?

NoraLuka · 28/07/2023 22:07

I have never done this but it sounds so nice. I’d want a beach, art supplies, books and my laptop so I could write.

PrudenceDictates · 28/07/2023 22:09

I did a couple of years ago, Port Isaac Cornwall. Walked, lounged about enjoying the view, ate in pubs, read.... bliss!

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 28/07/2023 22:10

Yes go to the glass house retreat

AuntieMarys · 28/07/2023 22:10

Mine are in their 20s now but I had a couple of weekends away a year from when they were about a year old. Went to NYC for 5 days when youngest was 8 months.

Tilllly · 28/07/2023 22:15

Do it
You won't regret it

mastertomsmum · 28/07/2023 22:16

Used to do this before my DC was born and when the DH was away for work. Usually not too far away and based around an art exhibition booking. Just planned a trip in March 2020 and, um, well …

Post COVID I’ve had one night when both DC and DH were away. No night out away but I did go to RA summer exhib

Shoesonthefloor · 28/07/2023 22:19

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.

Why would it be your worst nightmare? Intrigued

AuntMarch · 28/07/2023 22:19

I haven't yet, but I will!
I do get every other weekend "off" when DC is with dad, but inevitably spend it either catching up with friends, or doing the bugger (I meant bigger, but the typo fits) home-jobs. I will treat myself eventually to some time truly to myself.

I know someone who goes for a night at just a nearby hotel every 2 or 3 months - just for a full night's sleep and recharge! Doesn't leave the room so doesn't take a phone (easily contacted via hotel reception if necessary), just a book and room service.

AnnaNims · 28/07/2023 22:21

No. I can’t imagine doing this.

Don’t see anything wrong with it if that’s your thing, but I would be bored and lonely.

Whattheduck · 28/07/2023 22:22

My mum has a lovely caravan in Norfolk so I often go by myself for the weekend
Lovely walks ,nice food ,few drinks,read,watch tv,watch the sunset at the beach which is a 5 minute walk away and just do as I please.

MiniCooperLover · 28/07/2023 22:25

God yes but I make sure it's a minimum of 3 nights (preferably 4) and I go to Greece for a sea view in

Wittow · 28/07/2023 22:25

Yes. Harrogate is nice. Solo Turkish Bath and Betty's tea rooms visit. 👌

RhinestoneCowgirl · 28/07/2023 22:32

@mastertomsmum it's called Cotna Eco Retreat, it's a few miles from St Austell Cornwall

Dustybell · 28/07/2023 22:35

I am going on holiday on my own to Spain in September first time on my own and am looking forward to the peace and quiet and of course the sun but am slightly nervous any hints or tips would be appreciated thanks.

MissingMoominMamma · 28/07/2023 22:35

I do it quite often, but I take the dog.

Sometimes I take a tent; sometimes the camper van; and once I stayed in an hotel.

It’s lovely!

Original poster
Labtastic · 28/07/2023 22:36

Such a great range of things people spend their alone time doing, thank you so much for all the replies! They have made my mind up for me and I'm going to start planning something right now.

OP posts:
justanothermummma · 28/07/2023 22:37

This. Sounds. Amazing.

I know what's on my Christmas list! A weekend away - alone with books, wine and cute shops - yesss!

PrinceHaz · 28/07/2023 22:39

I went to Paris alone as my daughter didn’t want to come and I didn’t want to waste the money I’d spent. I walked all day just pleasing myself looking at what I wanted to. I love eating but one day I was so engrossed in wandering all over that I forgot to get lunch. I didn’t feel embarrassed eating alone, waiters were very polite.

I regularly got to London alone. I’ll stay in a hotel alone by meet up with old friends each night.

Swipe left for the next trending thread