18 Comments
User's avatar
Kate Harvey's avatar

Sounds like such a lovely day Hannah. I had a mid week afternoon in London with a friend on Wednesday, it felt like an act of rebellion! I want to do it more often!

Hannah Ashe's avatar

Then we must rebel more often Kate! Your mid week afternoon sounds brilliant too.

Sarah Manley's avatar

Thank you for the mention! I love a day alone. I used to work around the corner from Bermondsey Street, and remember it before it became the hotspot it is now! I agree that it’s great and some excellent restaurants!

The Hotel Continental in Whitstable is a great location or we have been to The Rose in Deal a few times now.

Hannah Ashe's avatar

You’re so welcome - I really enjoyed reading your piece.

Whitstable would be nice but it might be a bit close to our on-hold life plans right now! The Rose in Deal is definitely going to go on the list - thank you x

Sarah Manley's avatar

Deal has great art and lovely walks down to Walmer and beyond!

Lucy Hearne Keane's avatar

Sounds like my kind of solo day out and about in London. As you know I do this occasionally. Visiting the West Cork Literature Festival recently was one such trip. And I have been to Dublin twice this year. You have lots of options for train journeys to the coast from London. Maybe make a list of things you want to experience before you pick a suitable place.

Hannah Ashe's avatar

Thanks Lucy, this is a good plan. I’ve got a few things on the list which will help to narrow it down 🌊

Betty Carlson's avatar

I also love time alone doing whatever I want. And somehow, what I wanted to do alone right now coincided with my idea for writing a Substack publication. There is nothing like organizing my time in a town exactly as I please. Do keep up your Hannah days!

Hannah Ashe's avatar

I’m glad you manage to find time for doing things alone too, Betty.

Your postcard is going to go in the post tomorrow ☺️

Betty Carlson's avatar

Nice!

Rachael Penn's avatar

I love the idea of this!! And blocking it out in the calendar like you said means no excuses.

As for a hotel by the sea, I love the Mecure in Paignton. It’s a bit of a run down sea side town but I just love it there. Some lovely little gems and if you go for a sea view room it has the best views.

Hannah Ashe's avatar

Thanks so much Rachael! I will have a look at that. I think I could get to Paignton by train so this is ideal!

Emy @Jepréfèrelire's avatar

What a lovely day Hannah! Always nice to discover other places to visit when in London. The F&T Museum, as well as the roof garden were already on my list but your words made them move up !

Also, I don’t know how it happened but I saw this morning that I was unsubscribed from your publication, I must have clicked on the wrong button while scrolling…

anyways, always lovely to read your words 🙂

Hannah Ashe's avatar

Ah thanks Emy! I read your London post this morning and was nodding along at so many of the places you went to and noting the ones I haven’t been to and should! I love reading about London from other people’s perspectives.

I really recommend Bermondsey Street and the F&T museum for next time you’re in London ☺️ (and maybe we should meet for a cup of tea 🫖)

Yasmin Chopin's avatar

That exhibition sounds fab. I’d have loved to join you and drool at the textiles and notebooks.

Hannah Ashe's avatar

I think you would love it Yasmin! Sarah Campbell is on Instagram and often posts beautiful collages of her work. Well worth a follow (if you’re on Instagram)

Yasmin Chopin's avatar

No longer on Insta, or X, or FB. I took myself off other platforms to save my time and sanity! Love it here though.

Sarah Best's avatar

Sounds like a fabulous day, and enjoy the solo day when the new teaching year begins! I am back on Friday but I've had a lovely summer break, so can't complain 🫣 🥴