Staycation ideas needed

[WordleAway]

I’m a woman in my early 70’s with caring responsibilities for my older DH who has mid-stage dementia but who can be left alone for a few hours. Usually my diary is pretty full with things I need to do as well as small social things like dog walks with friends, which I love.

But, next week I have 4 free days with nothing booked so have decided to give myself permission to have a bit of free time and do “me” things. I can’t leave DH overnight, but would love some original ideas for things I can do to give myself a physical and mental break during my mini staycation. My main hobby is photography, so have a photo day at a local NT location as an option but would welcome other ideas. Thank you for your help.

Do you mind saying where you live?

I think it's hard to give suggestions without an area - going on the Settle to Carlisle train journey isn't going to be a useful suggestion if you live in Dorset, for example.

Go to a theatre matinee? Cinema? Art gallery? Museum?

If it's a physical and mental break I'd focus on those.
What kind of physical? Do you need to really stretch and use your muscles (suggestion = hiking) or do you need to ease muscles sore from bending (suggestion = swimming/spa)?
And what relaxes you mentally? Nature? Lazy charity shop shopping? Learning something new?

Do you have a bike? Quiet lanes or woodland nearby.

When I want some piece I take my bike out early and cycle the local farm tracks. I see all manner of wildlife, get some exercise and fresh air. It's like being 12 again. 🙂

Country pub lunch with a friend, or visit the V&A - my favourite museum. I don't know how close you are to London.

A pamper session - manicure, pedicure, head massage. Or go for a swim..

Could you get up at dawn and go to the coast, have breakfast overlooking a harbour?

Facial.
Delicious leisurely lunch with wine.
Gallery / museum.
Photography or other one day class - I did a fabulous perfume workshop in London.

It's puffin season if you are anywhere near puffins.

Canoeing if up to that.

Steam train if you have any around.

There might be some gardens open.

The best “me time” is stuff you like doing. Try to include some nature as that’s really beneficial.

Beach
Forests
Physical activity
boat rides
lecture/talk
visiting a city for the day

Let us know what area and we can give you some ideas.

I love how your post is related to your username @MsPengiuns. It’s really cute that they’re always on your mind. 🙂🐧

Vague location would be handy

@Katykaty11 I’m in the East Midlands, just south of Derby, so pretty central.

At last! Someone who knows what a staycation actually is!

Kedleston Hall?

How about matinee theatre show? Derby Theatre has Kiss me Quickstep.

Peak District-y things? Chatsowrth, obviously, also Haddon Hall (?).

If you put your location into the NT website it’ll tell you what’s nearby.

Day trip to Birmingham? Lovely art galleries, could hop in a cab to the Botanic Gardens.

Some lovely ideas here. Thank you all. Sadly the coast is a bit of a stretch for a day trip (about 2.5 hours away) but not been to Birmingham for years so that’s an option, and NT properties are a good call. Actually looking forward to it now … 😁

We are on holiday in Peak District this week. Had a really lovely day at Chatsworth today
Also had great day at Gladstone pottery

Thank you @JingsMahBucket Love anything black, white and orange or tabby.

Hope you find something nice to do @WordleAway