{"id":30,"date":"2026-09-29T18:03:50","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T17:03:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/blog\/?p=30"},"modified":"2026-09-29T18:03:50","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T17:03:50","slug":"no-plans-this-weekend-21-things-to-do-instead-of-sitting-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/blog\/lifestyle\/no-plans-this-weekend-21-things-to-do-instead-of-sitting-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"No Plans This Weekend? 21 Things to Do Instead of Sitting at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The weekend arrives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You have finished work, there are no appointments in the diary and nobody has messaged asking if you fancy doing something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At first, having absolutely nothing planned can sound brilliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then Saturday afternoon arrives and you realise you have spent three hours scrolling through your phone wondering what everybody else is doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If that sounds familiar, you are certainly not the only one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having a quiet weekend does not mean you need to spend the whole thing sitting indoors. There are plenty of <strong>things to do alone at the weekend<\/strong>, and some of them might even introduce you to new places, hobbies and people along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are 21 ideas worth trying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Explore Somewhere Local You Have Never Visited<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not need to travel across the country to have a day out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of us have places surprisingly close to home that we have never properly explored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Search for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>local parks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>nature reserves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>historic buildings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>markets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>riverside walks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>independent shopping areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>nearby villages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pick somewhere you have never visited and give yourself a couple of hours to wander around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might be surprised by what is sitting almost on your doorstep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Go for Coffee Somewhere New<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is something strangely refreshing about sitting in a caf\u00e9 you have never visited before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take a book, listen to a podcast or simply sit somewhere with a coffee and watch the world go by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Independent caf\u00e9s can also be a good way to discover what is happening locally because many display posters advertising classes, events and community groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Take Yourself Out for Breakfast<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Going for breakfast alone can feel much easier than going to a restaurant alone in the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Find somewhere that does a good breakfast, leave the house early and start your weekend properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might discover that doing things by yourself is much less awkward than you imagined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Find a Local Walking Route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walking is one of the easiest ways to get out of the house without needing much planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look for routes around:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>local parks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>canals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>woodland<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>rivers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>lakes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>countryside trails<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can listen to music or a podcast while you walk, or simply enjoy having some time away from screens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Visit a Local Market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Markets are perfect when you want to go somewhere without needing a specific activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can browse food stalls, handmade products, antiques or local businesses without feeling like you need to stay for hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Food markets are particularly good because you can make lunch part of the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Go to the Cinema<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cinema might be one of the easiest activities to do alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the film starts, nobody is talking anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose something you genuinely want to see rather than waiting for somebody else to be interested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may quickly realise that you have been missing films simply because your friends did not fancy watching them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Start a Personal Weekend Project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every weekend needs to involve going somewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose something you have been meaning to do and turn it into a project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It could be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>reorganising a room<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>building something<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>starting a website<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sorting old photographs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>creating a garden area<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>learning basic photography<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>finally finishing a book<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The important thing is choosing something that feels satisfying rather than another chore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Try Geocaching<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Geocaching is essentially a giant outdoor treasure hunt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People hide small containers in locations around the world and record their coordinates online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You then use your phone or GPS to find them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are likely to be plenty hidden surprisingly close to where you live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is a good excuse to explore somewhere new while having an actual objective rather than simply wandering around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Visit a Museum or Gallery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Museums and galleries are another activity that works extremely well when you are alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can spend as much or as little time as you want looking at something without worrying about whether the person you are with is bored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many museums around the UK are also free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Discover a New Hobby<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A free weekend is a good opportunity to try something you have always been curious about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>photography<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>drawing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>cooking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gardening<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gaming<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>cycling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>running<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>fishing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>crafts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>learning an instrument<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not need to immediately invest hundreds of pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try something simple first and see whether you actually enjoy it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. Find a Local Event<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are events happening in towns and cities every weekend that most people never hear about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Search for things like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>food festivals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>comedy nights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>live music<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>exhibitions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>community fairs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>car shows<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>craft markets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sports events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>outdoor cinema<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might discover that your area has far more happening than you realised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">12. Visit Somewhere You Normally Drive Past<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most people have one of these places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You drive past it regularly and think:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI should go there sometime.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then you never do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This weekend, go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It could be a garden centre, park, restaurant, historic building or walking trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes the easiest ideas are the places we have been ignoring for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">13. Learn to Cook Something Completely New<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of making your usual dinner, choose something you have never cooked before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Find a recipe that looks interesting, buy the ingredients and make an evening of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try a dish from a country whose food you rarely cook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if it goes slightly wrong, you have still done something different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">14. Go for a Long Drive With No Particular Destination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pick a direction and explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You could stop when you see somewhere interesting, find somewhere for lunch or discover a town you have never visited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Obviously, plan sensibly and make sure you know roughly where you are going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But not every trip needs a detailed itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">15. Photograph Your Local Area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not need an expensive camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your phone is more than enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Give yourself a challenge to photograph ten interesting things around your local area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Street art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interesting buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sunsets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You start noticing things you normally walk straight past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">16. Visit a Bookshop or Library<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you are not a huge reader, libraries and bookshops can be surprisingly relaxing places to spend an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Browse something completely outside your usual interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might find a new hobby, subject or author you had never considered before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">17. Try a Fitness Class<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gyms and leisure centres often run classes where people simply turn up and join in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It could be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>yoga<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>spinning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>boxing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>circuits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>swimming<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>climbing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>martial arts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You get something productive from your weekend and there is also a social element without the pressure of having to introduce yourself to everybody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">18. Volunteer for Something Local<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you regularly find yourself wondering what to do at weekends, volunteering can be a brilliant option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Local charities, animal organisations, community projects and events often need extra help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You get out of the house, contribute to something worthwhile and naturally spend time around other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">19. Join a Local Activity Instead of Waiting for an Invitation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the easiest traps to fall into is waiting for somebody else to organise your social life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, look for something already happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That might be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a walking group<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>board game night<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>running club<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>football group<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>photography walk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pub quiz<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>book club<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not necessarily need to know anybody before you arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everybody had a first visit at some point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">20. Message Someone You Have Not Seen in a While<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes the simplest weekend plan is sitting in your contacts already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Think about somebody you used to enjoy spending time with but have gradually lost touch with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Send them a message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not need a dramatic reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Something as simple as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt&#8217;s been ages. Fancy grabbing a coffee sometime?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">can restart a friendship that had simply gone quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">21. Find Somebody Nearby Who Also Wants to Do Something<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is another possibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might not actually want to spend the weekend alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The problem might simply be that the people you normally know are busy, live too far away or are not interested in the same things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are plenty of people in exactly the same position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Somebody near you might also be looking for a walking buddy, someone to grab coffee with, a <a href=\"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/\">gaming friend<\/a> or somebody to go to a local event with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/\">Friends Nearby<\/a> is designed to help people across the UK discover others locally who are genuinely looking for friendship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can find people based on location and shared interests, start chatting and see whether there is something you would both like to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no need to force anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes a weekend plan starts with nothing more complicated than:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFancy a coffee?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stop Waiting for the Perfect Plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the biggest reasons weekends disappear is because we wait for something exciting to happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes you have to create the plan yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not need a huge group of friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not need an expensive day out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And you definitely do not need every weekend to look impressive on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pick one thing from this list and do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The worst that happens is you discover it is not for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best that happens?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You find a new favourite place, discover a hobby, meet somebody interesting or simply have a much better weekend than the one you would have spent sitting on the sofa.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The weekend arrives. You have finished work, there are no appointments in the diary and nobody &hellip; <a title=\"No Plans This Weekend? 21 Things to Do Instead of Sitting at Home\" class=\"hm-read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/blog\/lifestyle\/no-plans-this-weekend-21-things-to-do-instead-of-sitting-at-home\/\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">No Plans This Weekend? 21 Things to Do Instead of Sitting at Home<\/span>Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":31,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[84],"tags":[83,82,79,77,73,70,76,78,71,75,81,74,80,72],"class_list":["post-30","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","tag-activities-to-do-alone","tag-how-to-spend-a-weekend-alone","tag-local-activities-near-me","tag-solo-activities-uk","tag-things-to-do-alone","tag-things-to-do-alone-at-the-weekend","tag-things-to-do-by-yourself","tag-things-to-do-locally","tag-things-to-do-this-weekend","tag-things-to-do-when-bored","tag-things-to-do-when-you-have-no-plans","tag-weekend-activities","tag-weekend-ideas","tag-what-to-do-at-the-weekend"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32,"href":"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30\/revisions\/32"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/friendsnearby.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}