What to do with all your time?

westv

I can't remember, has anybody put "retirement spreadsheets" on the choice of things they do? 

Albermarle

katejo said:

westv said:

pterri said:

jennystarpepper said:

Something simple for me, as not a cyclist.  Being able to go to the beach for a walk more, weather and daylight permitting, tide times will be more accessible, not being stuck mostly to the weekends, and it's free!  

Being able to just take a trip, mid week if the weather is nice. That alone is worth retiring early if you can afford it. If you’re in the South East then the Network Rail card will pay for itself very quickly, 1/3 off rail tickets for £35 a year. 

Or, if you are over 60, the Senior Railcard gives you 1/3 off anywhere in the UK.

Yes I have the senior Railcard combined with my Oyster 60+. That's better than the Network Railcard. I intend to do more impulsive days out once retired. 

I do not know about any restrictions on Oyster Cards, but you can not use your Senior Railcard for travel within the London and South East Network during the morning peak time ( departure before 09.30 ). If you travel at these times you have to pay the full peaktime price.
Otherwise they are a great deal, especially if you get them free with Tesco clubcard vouchers !

Albermarle

Moonwolf said:

Sarahspangles said:

In one of my roles I went to London from Yorkshire for meetings every week, it’s two hours by train. Once I’m retired I'm going to see whether it’s possible with a later start to avoid peak fares. I expect we’d be shattered the next day! We did a trip with an overnight stay recently but the second day wasn’t fun after a night in a noisy hotel. With a day trip, we would just need one of us to wake up before we reached our home station.

We do that every couple of years even before being retired. Take a later train, book well in advance at the cheapest possible time, arrive in London around lunchtime. Have a late slow boozy lunch somewhere busy and people watch. Check in the hotel, go to a show.  The next day (or two) do tourist stuff, last year we took a boat from Westminster Pier to Kew. A nice meal somewhere in the evening. The next morning a museum or gallery then train home. Pre book everything for the best price.

You get less time in London so you effectively lose some of the savings. An early train out and late back would give you three days instead of 1 and two halves, but our method is less tiring.

I like London, but the hordes of tourists in certain parts at certain times can be quite overwhelming, even though I used to live there.
Recently I visited the British Museum, but it was heaving with tourists ( and school parties) and I could only manage an hour before having to leave.
Last Summer we went a Saturday matinee in the West End. When we came out the streets were just packed with people, could not find a pub that was not standing room only, and 10 minutes to get through the ticket barriers at the Tube station.
So better to go midweek and maybe avoid the hotspots.

Sarahspangles

Albermarle said:

katejo said:

westv said:

pterri said:

jennystarpepper said:

Something simple for me, as not a cyclist.  Being able to go to the beach for a walk more, weather and daylight permitting, tide times will be more accessible, not being stuck mostly to the weekends, and it's free!  

Being able to just take a trip, mid week if the weather is nice. That alone is worth retiring early if you can afford it. If you’re in the South East then the Network Rail card will pay for itself very quickly, 1/3 off rail tickets for £35 a year. 

Or, if you are over 60, the Senior Railcard gives you 1/3 off anywhere in the UK.

Yes I have the senior Railcard combined with my Oyster 60+. That's better than the Network Railcard. I intend to do more impulsive days out once retired. 

I do not know about any restrictions on Oyster Cards, but you can not use your Senior Railcard for travel within the London and South East Network during the morning peak time ( departure before 09.30 ). If you travel at these times you have to pay the full peaktime price.
Otherwise they are a great deal, especially if you get them free with Tesco clubcard vouchers !

There are slightly different rules about peak/off peak all over the country. Certainly for those using buses.

In Greater Manchester you have to reach state pension age to qualify for free travel, but when you do your pass is valid for trains and trams as well. You can get to the border faster (obligatory Yorkshire jibe)

Moonwolf

Albermarle said:

Moonwolf said:

Sarahspangles said:

In one of my roles I went to London from Yorkshire for meetings every week, it’s two hours by train. Once I’m retired I'm going to see whether it’s possible with a later start to avoid peak fares. I expect we’d be shattered the next day! We did a trip with an overnight stay recently but the second day wasn’t fun after a night in a noisy hotel. With a day trip, we would just need one of us to wake up before we reached our home station.

We do that every couple of years even before being retired. Take a later train, book well in advance at the cheapest possible time, arrive in London around lunchtime. Have a late slow boozy lunch somewhere busy and people watch. Check in the hotel, go to a show.  The next day (or two) do tourist stuff, last year we took a boat from Westminster Pier to Kew. A nice meal somewhere in the evening. The next morning a museum or gallery then train home. Pre book everything for the best price.

You get less time in London so you effectively lose some of the savings. An early train out and late back would give you three days instead of 1 and two halves, but our method is less tiring.

I like London, but the hordes of tourists in certain parts at certain times can be quite overwhelming, even though I used to live there.
Recently I visited the British Museum, but it was heaving with tourists ( and school parties) and I could only manage an hour before having to leave.
Last Summer we went a Saturday matinee in the West End. When we came out the streets were just packed with people, could not find a pub that was not standing room only, and 10 minutes to get through the ticket barriers at the Tube station.
So better to go midweek and maybe avoid the hotspots.

I agree on the hoards of tourists.  I have always loved the Natural History Museum and it was a regular treat for me in the 70s.

One think I hope to find out as a retiree is the best time to visit to avoid the worst.

We also have started going to the cinema for a late morning showing of a film towards the end of its run so it is quiet, often empty.  Then off for a meal around 1:30 to 2 when the restaurants are quiet and the discount card deals are best.

I like a trip to York but it is absolutley the best on a weekday out of season for the same reason.  We can get a train there and back very cheaply so I don't have to drive.

westv

Moonwolf said:

Albermarle said:

Moonwolf said:

Sarahspangles said:

In one of my roles I went to London from Yorkshire for meetings every week, it’s two hours by train. Once I’m retired I'm going to see whether it’s possible with a later start to avoid peak fares. I expect we’d be shattered the next day! We did a trip with an overnight stay recently but the second day wasn’t fun after a night in a noisy hotel. With a day trip, we would just need one of us to wake up before we reached our home station.

We do that every couple of years even before being retired. Take a later train, book well in advance at the cheapest possible time, arrive in London around lunchtime. Have a late slow boozy lunch somewhere busy and people watch. Check in the hotel, go to a show.  The next day (or two) do tourist stuff, last year we took a boat from Westminster Pier to Kew. A nice meal somewhere in the evening. The next morning a museum or gallery then train home. Pre book everything for the best price.

You get less time in London so you effectively lose some of the savings. An early train out and late back would give you three days instead of 1 and two halves, but our method is less tiring.

I like London, but the hordes of tourists in certain parts at certain times can be quite overwhelming, even though I used to live there.
Recently I visited the British Museum, but it was heaving with tourists ( and school parties) and I could only manage an hour before having to leave.
Last Summer we went a Saturday matinee in the West End. When we came out the streets were just packed with people, could not find a pub that was not standing room only, and 10 minutes to get through the ticket barriers at the Tube station.
So better to go midweek and maybe avoid the hotspots.

I agree on the hoards of tourists.  I have always loved the Natural History Museum and it was a regular treat for me in the 70s.

My brother and I were regulars on our own at the Science Museum and the Imperial War Museum when we were children in the 70s.

Albermarle

Moonwolf said:

Albermarle said:

Moonwolf said:

Sarahspangles said:

In one of my roles I went to London from Yorkshire for meetings every week, it’s two hours by train. Once I’m retired I'm going to see whether it’s possible with a later start to avoid peak fares. I expect we’d be shattered the next day! We did a trip with an overnight stay recently but the second day wasn’t fun after a night in a noisy hotel. With a day trip, we would just need one of us to wake up before we reached our home station.

We do that every couple of years even before being retired. Take a later train, book well in advance at the cheapest possible time, arrive in London around lunchtime. Have a late slow boozy lunch somewhere busy and people watch. Check in the hotel, go to a show.  The next day (or two) do tourist stuff, last year we took a boat from Westminster Pier to Kew. A nice meal somewhere in the evening. The next morning a museum or gallery then train home. Pre book everything for the best price.

You get less time in London so you effectively lose some of the savings. An early train out and late back would give you three days instead of 1 and two halves, but our method is less tiring.

I like London, but the hordes of tourists in certain parts at certain times can be quite overwhelming, even though I used to live there.
Recently I visited the British Museum, but it was heaving with tourists ( and school parties) and I could only manage an hour before having to leave.
Last Summer we went a Saturday matinee in the West End. When we came out the streets were just packed with people, could not find a pub that was not standing room only, and 10 minutes to get through the ticket barriers at the Tube station.
So better to go midweek and maybe avoid the hotspots.

I agree on the hoards of tourists.  I have always loved the Natural History Museum and it was a regular treat for me in the 70s.

One think I hope to find out as a retiree is the best time to visit to avoid the worst.

We also have started going to the cinema for a late morning showing of a film towards the end of its run so it is quiet, often empty.  Then off for a meal around 1:30 to 2 when the restaurants are quiet and the discount card deals are best.

I like a trip to York but it is absolutley the best on a weekday out of season for the same reason.  We can get a train there and back very cheaply so I don't have to drive.

Fully agree with this . The last time I went on a Saturday, I had not realised that this historic city was Party Central from about 13.00 onwards. Many pubs and bars with bouncers on the door, packed with young men and women on large scale drinking sessions all afternoon and into the evening. Plus a lot of tourists and shoppers as well.

Cobbler_tone

Albermarle said:

Moonwolf said:

Sarahspangles said:

In one of my roles I went to London from Yorkshire for meetings every week, it’s two hours by train. Once I’m retired I'm going to see whether it’s possible with a later start to avoid peak fares. I expect we’d be shattered the next day! We did a trip with an overnight stay recently but the second day wasn’t fun after a night in a noisy hotel. With a day trip, we would just need one of us to wake up before we reached our home station.

We do that every couple of years even before being retired. Take a later train, book well in advance at the cheapest possible time, arrive in London around lunchtime. Have a late slow boozy lunch somewhere busy and people watch. Check in the hotel, go to a show.  The next day (or two) do tourist stuff, last year we took a boat from Westminster Pier to Kew. A nice meal somewhere in the evening. The next morning a museum or gallery then train home. Pre book everything for the best price.

You get less time in London so you effectively lose some of the savings. An early train out and late back would give you three days instead of 1 and two halves, but our method is less tiring.

 could not find a pub that was not standing room only

We take the 90 minute drive to London 4/5 times a year for shows, shopping etc.
Most recently we found a seat in the corner of the tiny but fabulous and historic John Snow pub. 
The thing that I always chuckle at is the genuine need to have a drinking culture (due to the size of the pubs) of drinking outside on the pavements, even in the depths of winter. I can't think of anything worse than drinking a cold pint in minus 1 whilst balancing on the kerb....is possibly the best definition of getting old. 

Albermarle

Cobbler_tone said:

Albermarle said:

Moonwolf said:

Sarahspangles said:

In one of my roles I went to London from Yorkshire for meetings every week, it’s two hours by train. Once I’m retired I'm going to see whether it’s possible with a later start to avoid peak fares. I expect we’d be shattered the next day! We did a trip with an overnight stay recently but the second day wasn’t fun after a night in a noisy hotel. With a day trip, we would just need one of us to wake up before we reached our home station.

We do that every couple of years even before being retired. Take a later train, book well in advance at the cheapest possible time, arrive in London around lunchtime. Have a late slow boozy lunch somewhere busy and people watch. Check in the hotel, go to a show.  The next day (or two) do tourist stuff, last year we took a boat from Westminster Pier to Kew. A nice meal somewhere in the evening. The next morning a museum or gallery then train home. Pre book everything for the best price.

You get less time in London so you effectively lose some of the savings. An early train out and late back would give you three days instead of 1 and two halves, but our method is less tiring.

 could not find a pub that was not standing room only

We take the 90 minute drive to London 4/5 times a year for shows, shopping etc.
Most recently we found a seat in the corner of the tiny but fabulous and historic John Snow pub. 
The thing that I always chuckle at is the genuine need to have a drinking culture (due to the size of the pubs) of drinking outside on the pavements, even in the depths of winter. I can't think of anything worse than drinking a cold pint in minus 1 whilst balancing on the kerb....is possibly the best definition of getting old. 

One very positive point about Central London ( in my eyes anyway) is that old traditional pubs are plentiful and prosper.( perhaps not surprising at £8 a pint !) 
 In many areas of the UK pubs are either rundown/closed, or are really just more like restaurants with a bar. 

bjorn_toby_wilde

Albermarle said:

Moonwolf said:

Albermarle said:

Moonwolf said:

Sarahspangles said:

In one of my roles I went to London from Yorkshire for meetings every week, it’s two hours by train. Once I’m retired I'm going to see whether it’s possible with a later start to avoid peak fares. I expect we’d be shattered the next day! We did a trip with an overnight stay recently but the second day wasn’t fun after a night in a noisy hotel. With a day trip, we would just need one of us to wake up before we reached our home station.

We do that every couple of years even before being retired. Take a later train, book well in advance at the cheapest possible time, arrive in London around lunchtime. Have a late slow boozy lunch somewhere busy and people watch. Check in the hotel, go to a show.  The next day (or two) do tourist stuff, last year we took a boat from Westminster Pier to Kew. A nice meal somewhere in the evening. The next morning a museum or gallery then train home. Pre book everything for the best price.

You get less time in London so you effectively lose some of the savings. An early train out and late back would give you three days instead of 1 and two halves, but our method is less tiring.

I like London, but the hordes of tourists in certain parts at certain times can be quite overwhelming, even though I used to live there.
Recently I visited the British Museum, but it was heaving with tourists ( and school parties) and I could only manage an hour before having to leave.
Last Summer we went a Saturday matinee in the West End. When we came out the streets were just packed with people, could not find a pub that was not standing room only, and 10 minutes to get through the ticket barriers at the Tube station.
So better to go midweek and maybe avoid the hotspots.

I agree on the hoards of tourists.  I have always loved the Natural History Museum and it was a regular treat for me in the 70s.

One think I hope to find out as a retiree is the best time to visit to avoid the worst.

We also have started going to the cinema for a late morning showing of a film towards the end of its run so it is quiet, often empty.  Then off for a meal around 1:30 to 2 when the restaurants are quiet and the discount card deals are best.

I like a trip to York but it is absolutley the best on a weekday out of season for the same reason.  We can get a train there and back very cheaply so I don't have to drive.

Fully agree with this . The last time I went on a Saturday, I had not realised that this historic city was Party Central from about 13.00 onwards. Many pubs and bars with bouncers on the door, packed with young men and women on large scale drinking sessions all afternoon and into the evening. Plus a lot of tourists and shoppers as well.

The same applies to some cities abroad unfortunately.  We went to Amsterdam this time last year Monday to Friday. The museums weren’t packed, the bars and restaurants were fairly easy to get into and we had a great time.

On Friday lunchtime the whole atmosphere started to change as the city filled up and we walked around the corner to see a dozen chaps wearing Guinness top hats. I was glad we flew out before the weekend.

Showing my age 🤣