What would you do for an afternoon in your nearby city

[ihavetwelvehorsesathome]

Local area is feeling a bit small and samey so thinking about jumping on a train and checking out nearby areas.

Would a walk around the city centre with a stop for coffee and cake be enough to keep me occupied for an afternoon?

Does anyone else do this and if so, what do you do in the nearby areas to while away the time.

OP I don’t mean to be impertinent, but are you ok?

You sound so … disconnected. And almost trapped.

Charity shops. Doesn't even have to be a city as most towns have some.

Jesus it's really not that deep.

I have spent several years reading young children and not having much time to myself. I don't have the time or energy to put into a real hobby and thought I could just explore a bit on the odd afternoon that I need to now start carving out for myself. I'm kind of starting from scratch in terms of a bit of freedom.

I appreciate your concern and the kind way you expressed the same.

What’s your nearest city @ihavetwelvehorsesathome ? I would say if you’re going for a wander in a city have a google for a bit of history on the city first, or find a nice walking route. Depending on the city and the size of it etc you could pick one area to look at.

This is.... an overreach.

Our toddler is similarly bored of a wander around the local town so I took him to the city to see an aquarium this week. Was that a cry for help?

Sounds great op. Google 'things to do in ...' and 'free things to do in...' and you'll find loads to do.

Have a look to see if there is a walking tour you could join. I used to live in Edinburgh, and one time took a free walking tour of the Royal Mile during the festival. It was incredible how much I learned and how much I missed when I normally focused on walking to my destination rather than looking up.

OP one lovely thing to do, regardless of one’s own religious background, is to find out when Evensong happens (probably weekly) at the Cathedral. It’s a glorious sound and provides a wondrously calming hour. And is free to attend. Some Cathedrals also offer free organ recitals, sometime at midday.

If you’re keen on music then investigate your nearest conservatoire. They’ll have a regular timetable of free or almost free concerts performed by students. (As well as big name professionals, whose concerts may or may not be sold out on the day.)

Pre-pandemic it was almost impossible to wander through shops like Harvey Nichols / Selfridges / smart delis / wine or whisky specialists without stumbling over free tastings. But I’ve scarcely stepped into a shop recently so don’t know if they’re still happening.

For coffee and people watching, the university area of a city is always rewarding. Especially the cafes attached to galleries, theatres, concert halls. And it’s always worthwhile seeking out free poetry readings too. Always entertaining conversations to eavesdrop on or join in with.

Yeah that's what nearby towns are for aren't they?

Seems an odd question to ask?

My closest city is London (live in the suburbs) so probably doesn't count as somewhere to get a coffee and walk around.

But I can't be alone in that most weekends that we don't have plans we'll head into London or a nearby town with a shopping centre/park etc (plenty to choose from) and have a look in the shops and grab lunch or a coffee etc?