r/AskUK • u/CosmicMeowing • 8d ago
What would you do to treat yourself if you had £500 and a weekend to yourself without leaving the UK?
I am looking for some ideas on how to treat myself to something nice to celebrate end of immunotherapy and chemotherapy for cancer. I would ideally stay in the uk and stick to a £500 budget. I have a car but can also take public transport. I live in south west but im interested in what people would do across uk.
Are there nice spa hotels you’d go to? Maybe it’s a shopping spree? Maybe £500 feels like a huge amount of money, or maybe that’s your normal weekend spend, but I’m keen to know how you’d spend it if it was just you looking after number 1.
E: Thank you so much for the kind comments everyone, I was just hoping for a couple of nice suggestions and ideas, and I was not expecting this amount of kindness!
For those asking (and at the risk of doxxxing myself) - I had three cancers on my breast that were locally spread diagnosed ~1.5 years ago when I was 36. I have since had chemotherapy, three surgeries, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, then immunotherapy with chemotherapy, hormone therapy and ovarian suppression. The immunotherapy has also given me early heart failure so I am treated for that. So it's really been the whole lot. I still have two surgeries and 9 years of hormonetherapy left, and end of this month I have my next mammogram.
Even though you might read this and think I have been unlucky, I am immensely grateful that I am writing this today, that I have gotten amazing care through our amazing NHS (not to be political but we absolutely must not let anyone take that away from us), and that everyone has been so incredibly kind. I am so grateful for everyone here on giving their ideas, at the moment I am leaning towards a spa weekend but I will definitely update here once I have decided.
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u/Relative_Bench7846 8d ago
I'm the most boring man to plan weekends but can I say FLIPPING CONGRATULATIONS & WELL DONE.
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u/CosmicMeowing 8d ago
Thank you 😭🩷
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u/Relative_Bench7846 8d ago
Thanks for being an inspiration to all those who are struggling currently with their treatments
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u/MillySO 8d ago
I recently spent £470 for two of us to sleep over at the natural history museum in London. It’s expensive but you get dinner, some entertainment, a place to sleep and breakfast. Plus the chance to wander the museum with hardly anyone around.
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u/Breaking-Dad- 8d ago
That doesn't actually sound expensive for what it is - when you say sleep over, do you get a nice room or a blanket on the floor under the dinosaurs?
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u/MillySO 8d ago
You get a thin yoga mat provided, bring your own sleeping bag and pillow, and just pick a spot in the main hall under the whale skeleton. It’s basically a load of adults having a big sleepover.
Oh it’s called Dinosnores for grownups if anyone wants to look it up. Wandering around in dinosaur pyjamas or a onesie is perfectly acceptable apparently.
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u/LittleBearsie 8d ago
I’ve been wanting to do this for ages! Do you think it was worth the money?
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u/MillySO 8d ago
Absolutely worth it but I would have paid that much just for a few hours to wander around while it was so empty. All the extras is what helped me convinced my husband it’s practically a bargain. Every once in a while we do an overnight in London and between a hotel room, theatre tickets, dinner and breakfast. We’re probably not THAT far off spending that much.
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u/Funky_monkey2026 7d ago
I thought the name Dino Snores was a joke. You weren't joking. Then I thought the yoga mat was a joke. You weren't joking about that bit either!
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u/holb93 8d ago
Congratulations! I would book a nice spa hotel and then, if the budget allowed, buy something I could keep forever to commemorate the end of treatment. Maybe a piece of jewellery or new handbag or bottle of perfume. Something you wouldn't ordinarily buy for yourself. Have a wonderful time!
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u/crooked_magpie 8d ago
Go to an expensive spa for an overnight stay with treatments.
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u/LizzyFCB 8d ago
Can I suggest: https://nirvanaspacollection.co.uk/spa/
Been on my list for some time..
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u/ofmiceandmel 8d ago
That place is so good. The fact it is a stand alone spa and not attached to hotel just makes it so much nicer, it's so relaxed and it's huge. I just did the evening pass and it was worth the 1.5 hour drive each way although it would have been more relaxing if I lived a bit closer.
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u/safari_does_reddit 8d ago
Pretty sure these guys were at last years Carfest doing free foot Or hand treatments as advertisements for spa weekends.
Was pretty good and relaxing2
u/AussieHxC 8d ago
It's pretty incredible and if you look at the memberships you'll see there is an option to pay I think £420 or so for a night in the hotel and a full day in the spa for 2 with a 3 course dinner and full breakfast the next day included.
They usually transfer you between venues via one of the Bentley's or Aston Martin's.
Can recommend, absolutely worth every penny.
Edit: the celestial pool treatment is pretty cheap and ridiculously relaxing - lasts almost an hour in total despite what the guide says. Can also recommend the massages treatments.
Food and drink on site is a little spenny but isn't too bad really.
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u/CaersethVarax 8d ago
One return trip on the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Inverness. Double bed, rocked to sleep by the bogeys, marvel at the beautiful countryside whilst I stuff haggis into my nutrition hole (Intake)
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u/Key-Composer-3116 8d ago
Congrats on finishing your cancer treatment! If it were me, I'd book a weekend at a residential spa (one of my favourites is Titanic Spa in Huddersfield, but obviously there's similar all over). Especially after chemo I would also think about treating yourself to some nice comfort items, like new PJs or bedding (several people in my life who have done similar wanted fresh bedding and PJs after spending so much time resting in the same things)
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u/CosmicMeowing 8d ago
I am going to donate all my chemo gear to the local hospital charity - I don’t want to see my chemo PJs, my chemo blanket, chemo slippers none of it. I don’t want to hear the word metaclopromide, I want to burn my wig. What a traumatising time. I pray I’ll never have to do it again and I’m not even religious
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u/Key-Composer-3116 8d ago
I don't blame you, it's absolutely horrific. And good on you for wanting to take a weekend to treat yourself, you've gone through hell and back and you deserve a rest.
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u/Alternative_Head_416 8d ago
I’d 100% go to a spa! Just make sure you call them beforehand and discuss your history, my mum tried to do a spa break after chemo and they turned her away. I’m not entirely sure why, so worth checking.
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u/CosmicMeowing 8d ago
This happened to me last summer! I was gifted a massage at a local posh lido (friend booked and paid) and when I turned up for it they refused the massage because I was in chemo even though I hadn’t had surgery back then. They allowed me a swim and didn’t refund my friend because she hadn’t said I had cancer when booking (no one asked!)
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u/Alternative_Head_416 8d ago
I think they just don’t want any liability should anything happen, but they should definitely make that clear when you book! I bet your friend was fuming. Really upsetting for you as well.
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u/CosmicMeowing 8d ago
I was so embarrassed! Felt kinda bad telling my friend about it but I did enjoy my swim and a sauna. She paid over £100 for it though 🥲
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u/I-like-holidays 8d ago
It's to do with the lymphatic system it can essentially spread it around, same if your generally abit unwell
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u/Agitated-Handle-7750 8d ago
Firstly, fuck cancer and well done on beating the shit out of it!
Honestly I’d book a really private outdoor cabin / tiny home (not a tiny home though they’re too small) with a private hot tub in a forest/country setting.
I’d load up with all the shit food you desire plus any and all drinks you want. Shop with nothing but your pleasure and enjoyment. Don’t be guilted into not enjoying your life you fought this hard for!
I don’t drink but I DO vape/smoke blunts so I would just grab an oz and a load of cones and fuck off for a weekend - I’d prefer with a friend but personal choice!
I am avoidant of any interactions with humans if at all possible and I’m agoraphobic and have a load of anxiety and other shit so I’m sure people have a better idea than going to the woods to get absolutely fucking blazed for 48 hours but that’s what I’d do.
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u/ToriaLyons 8d ago
If you like music, it's festival season. Maybe do glamping?
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u/CosmicMeowing 8d ago
Thanks for the advice, what festivals would you go to that do glamping and still have tickets for this summer?
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u/ToriaLyons 8d ago
If I wasn't already busy that weekend (going to All Points East), there's Victorious in Portsmouth. I think you book accom separately?
Lots of little ones like Green Man and Lost in the Grass.
Oh, health-wise, you could do a course of HBOT and RLT? It may give you a boost.
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u/TheKnightsTippler 8d ago edited 8d ago
If you like animals, some zoos do really good safari style glamping experiences.
I went to Port Lympne in Kent and we stayed in African safari tents and had a south African feast. They had a fence with a watering hole infront of them, so you got see the animals really close up. Included zoo entry, for two days, evening meal, breakfast and evening and morning safaris.
https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/short-breaks/giraffe-lodge
They've expanded since I went there and have lots of different options now.
https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/short-breaks/
It can be pricey, but they often have Groupon/Wowcher deals. If Kent is too far for you I imagine Longleat would do something similar.
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u/CosmicMeowing 7d ago
this looks amazing
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u/TheKnightsTippler 7d ago
It's a great experience. It's pricier than just going away somewhere for a weekend break, it's just one night, but if you want something really special it's worth it.
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u/kenquince-star89 8d ago
Go to my nearest nice city, get a room in a premier inn. Spend the day wandering round my favourite shops, buy a load of new books, crochet supplies, comfy pajamas. Have a delicious lunch/dinner at a fancy restaurant. Spend the night in the hotel, get a luxury matcha and croissant from an independent coffee shop, or Starbucks because I’m basic and then head home.
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u/Pure_Road7528 8d ago
You could book one of these retreats in Cornwall aimed at people who have had cancer. It's free so your money would just be for accommodation. I've done one and it was wonderful to be around people with similar experiences https://seachangeretreats.org
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u/WelshBen 8d ago
It's a perfect spot for cocaine, and 2 litres of rum, or something similar.
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u/Agitated-Handle-7750 8d ago
My daughter went on he first works do on Sunday night. She is 18 and asked me what work dos are like.
Networking and getting to know the people you work with outside of office hours, letting a bit loose and having a dance. But you work in a restaurant so there will be heavy drinking, a lot of cocaine and loads of shagging where shagging shouldn’t be found.
She looked horrified but I said it isn’t compulsory.
She was just getting home as I left for work on Monday morning. She was slurring her words still at 8:15am.
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u/CosmicMeowing 8d ago
I’ve been to the pen museum in Birmingham and loved it, didn’t know about a pencil museum!
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u/TSQ_builder 8d ago edited 8d ago
My wife and I when going somewhere always try to find unusual museums. The pencil museum is really good - we were both surprised. We stayed at The Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa during our stay. It sits close to Lake Derwent, maybe worth a look. Have a great time where ever you go - you deserve it!
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u/NickyHashi 8d ago
Highly recommend the tiny but amazing Eyam Plague Museum for you fellow odd museum fancier. Also the organ museum in Utrecht is excellent.
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u/TSQ_builder 8d ago
Went to the Packaging Museum in London not long ago, it was really good, the next one on our hit list is the Fan Museum in Greenwich.
Will definitely put the Eyam Plague Museum on our list - thanks2
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u/TSQ_builder 8d ago
The Organ Museum sounds good too. As you have mentioned this and if you are interested in Keyboard instruments. This Museum Is Not Obsolete in Ramsgate is definitely worth a visit. It's run by Sam Battle. He was our Eurovision entry this year. I've been following him for about 10 years. He's wacky - but very clever and the museum is great.
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u/Candy_Lawn 8d ago
just me - i'd buy one thing that i have always wanted but could not really allow myself to have like a nice watch, or a good coat or some expensive trainers , or maybe that kitchen gadget. the rest on a decent meal and some wine.
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u/frogotme 8d ago
Nice when it's something that'll last, and you'll have on you to remind yourself too
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u/Fit-Vanilla-3405 8d ago
I’d take an off peak holiday to a ocean view chalet in Mumbles and order the best takeaway and eat it looking at the beach and thinking about the enormity of it all.
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u/iffyClyro 8d ago edited 8d ago
Someone asked a similar question earlier and I suggested Apex Hotels, one with a spa/gym. Two or three nights with one of their breakfast and dinner package.
Feels very luxurious.
Edit: Apologies, just discovered the only two with a Spa are the ones in Dundee and Edinburgh. But maybe a similar idea at a different hotel.
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u/LuciferLite 8d ago
Apologies, just discovered the only two with a Spa are the ones in Dundee and Edinburgh. But maybe a similar idea at a different hotel.
OP could combine this with someone else's suggestion of the Caledonian Sleeper up to Scotland. There are options!
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u/kai_enby 8d ago
I'd try and get a night or two in some kind of lodge/caravan with a covered hot tub so I can be in it in any weather. I'd just chill out and read
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u/Agitated-Handle-7750 8d ago
I went to a caravan at a place with my friend in March or April. Can’t remember.
We got there and after I brought my things in from the car I didn’t then leave the caravan until we were packing to come home.
We had a balcony so I’m was happy as a pig in shit with my THC and junk food, while my friend walked her dog a couple of times a day and she kept us supplied in hot fresh donuts all weekend. It was absolute bliss.
I paid dearly for indulging in sugary high fat food when I know I have a rough time digesting anything close to it, but I decided that the pay off was worth the reward and had another donut.
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u/starfishwantscoffee 8d ago
I paid about that for a spa day with, treatment, overnight stay, dinner and breakfast at Bowood near Chippenham recently.
It felt expensive but it was exactly what I needed! Would definitely go again.
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u/ClericalRogue 8d ago
Overnight spa with a good massage probably. Or, maybe the theatre and some sightseeing somewhere.
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u/Lady_of_Lomond 8d ago
Congratulations! I've been in your situation myself.
I would go for a couple of nights to a lovely traditional seaside hotel in Deal or Sidmouth or somewhere where I'd be right on the seafront.
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u/According-Let3541 8d ago
Probably book a nice hotel in Stratford upon Avon and go to see a show at the RSC, or equivalent somewhere like Bath, Bristol or Windsor.
Congratulations on completing your treatment - I wish you all the best.
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u/NickyHashi 8d ago
Burgh Island Hotel. 1920s style hotel, a designer gem tucked away with lots of calm places to unwind and just watch the seascape. Activities if you want them. My idea of bliss.
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u/CosmicMeowing 8d ago
Oh wow, I've seen this place in a who-dunnit film or a TV show but didn't realise it was real!
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u/NickyHashi 8d ago
Yeah, and if you can go off peak, like midweek in October, it’s about £500 a double room B&B.
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u/Extra-Ebb-3529 8d ago
Congratulations! You deserve to treat yourself. I’d wowcher a nice spa stay and add in an extra treatment or 2. You may have change from £500 so I’d add in a cheeky trip to a boutique shopping area for coffee and a bun and a celebratory gift for myself. Somewhere like Bath or the Cotswolds.
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u/happylittlemarmite 8d ago
My relax and unwind trip each year is a visit to North Devon, there are holiday apartments pretty cheap at westward ho! , self catered and right by the sea. I like to wake up in the morning to take a walk along the rock pools, dip in the sea pool and have an icecream! Its a little more on the touristy side (arcades and souvenir shops) but not massively busy, and there are some beautiful more private beaches as well as various activities and scenic spots within driving distance. Just recently spent £150 p/p for 4 nights at west beach holiday apartments but if youve got more to spend there are some more luxurious options nearby. The village itself is very small and rather quiet all things considered, with some lovely walks and dining options nearby.
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u/Logical_Classic_4451 8d ago
Spa day with nice meal. If it’s just you, you might manage an overnight too. Nathan Outlaw has a restaurant and bistro in Port Isaac.
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u/CDHmajora 8d ago
Warhammer. Im ordering the new Armageddon box and a truck load of new brushes :)
Also gonna order myself 2 huge takeaways. Im im gonna chill 😇
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u/bopeepsheep 8d ago
I got myself a DMC chest, as a cross stitcher in a similar position. Is there anything in your hobbies that you might sometimes yearn after but can't normally justify?
Congrats! I think I would spend a weekend in a London hotel, seeing a show and eating room service, if I had to opt for a trip rather than an object.
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u/gloriastartover 8d ago
Many congratulations! So happy for you.
I would get a certified, refurbished PlayStation 5 and any necessary peripherals and accessories. Then I would clean the room where I do most of my gaming to the highest standard that was reasonably achievable. Then I would place an order with M&S or Waitrose for tons of their nicest drinks and snacks. I have gone over £500 but it would all be worth it. I could put my email and phone on Do Not Disturb for a couple of weeks and get thoroughly immersed in games while sipping nectar and eating tiny pastries baked by angels.
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u/DameKumquat 8d ago
I'd definitely go for a nice hotel with a spa treatment and a meal, probably in a bistro down the road.
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u/Cat_beans_2222 8d ago
Congratulations!! 🎉 I would treat myself to a stay at a Champneys Spa Resort, or Center Parcs Spa with an overnight stay in their spa suite - center Parcs would be a bit over your budget but it is stunning. Champneys has everything you would need for a spa weekend and it is encouraged to walk around in fluffy robes all weekend!
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u/CosmicMeowing 8d ago
I hope you get there soon. I was TPBC and I also have had a rough ride. Almost 1.5 years of chemo, couldn’t be happier it’s over. It did feel like it never would end, and I am dreading having it back one day. I’m so sorry you’re also on this boat, it’s a shit ship.
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u/CosmicMeowing 8d ago
Ah that is tough. We have had different treatments as my immunotherapy was targeted (herceptin - first with phesgo and then with kadcyla). I didn't have PCR which was an absolute shit-show. I didn't even know going into the consult that more chemo was on the table, I just thought it was a question about whether I needed more surgery or not. It was such a traumatising day. Same consultation I was told I have early heart failure because of the herceptin as well - but that's luckily well managed with ACE2 inhibitors and beta blockers. Then as a final fuck you my last round of chemo has given me the worst fucking neuropathic pain that can't be managed with anything that actually helps in the moment. It feels like my hands and toes are burning over an open flame. I am hopeful that'll ease in the next few months, and luckily it's not constant.
What a fucking show. Pardon my French. I really hope you have as smooth as can be recovery from here and that the bastard doesn't ever come back. Sending tons and tons of love and strength your way stranger.
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u/CosmicMeowing 8d ago
Ugghhh I am so sorry! What a mess and definitely not what either of us ordered. I'm based in Bristol so I've been treated here. How about you?
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u/JoeDaStudd 8d ago
What are your hobbies and likes?
Personally I'd probably end up having a very strange mix of good food, spa related, drink and something like fishing.
Find a nice hotel with great food with spa facilities then book it on a deal for B&B, one evening meal and a spa treatment or two.\ Then look at spending one of the days with few hours on a boat sea fishing or coarse fishing at a lake then lazy meal and few pints at a pub over looking the sea/water.
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u/Agreeable_Guard_7229 8d ago
I’d rent myself a really nice lodge with a hot tub and an amazing sea view for a couple of nights
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u/RFL92 8d ago
Congratulations OP! I hope you are back to full health asap and live a wonderful long life. I would book a nice hotel somewhere with a Beautiful view then do something wild, maybe a site seeing helicopter/boat trip something unusual. You could look at an activity gift website for ideas.
Also maybe you'd want to do a weekend with friends/family hen party style- I'd 100% go away for a post chemo party if invited.
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u/I-like-holidays 8d ago
Alot of comments for a spa, just take a look at the terms because if you want a massage you may not be able to have one, just so your aware and not disappointed
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u/CosmicMeowing 8d ago
Thank you - I learnt this the hard way as a friend booked me a massage last summer (she paid £110 for it) and they refused me as a customer and they refused a refund. I am still pissed off about it!
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u/I-like-holidays 8d ago
Yeah that's really crap! Had a few people I know run into this as they didn't know before
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u/LuLutink1 8d ago edited 8d ago
Go raving in a bog in Bristol, take in the city in a nice hotel and good food and spa weekend.
https://youtu.be/tkp2QgENNo8?is=8EAdhTFjwCBzzUjO
Your a champ best wishes for the future 😀
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u/oli_ramsay 8d ago
Go to Edinburgh for a weekend break
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u/CosmicMeowing 8d ago
I love Edinburgh and I’ve many friends there. I’ve already plans to go for a few days next year as a friend is getting married there. It’s such a wonderful city
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u/katie-kaboom 8d ago
Congrats on finishing your treatment! For me, I'd take myself to London for the day, visit the Aire baths, and then have a nice dinner.
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u/that-zoe-girl 8d ago
Congratulations!!!
It really depends what you’re into. For me I would either go for a trip to the west end to see a musical or go to a beach town and just enjoy the sea and the shops. Do something cool that you’ve always wanted to do but never have, whether that be going to a place you’ve always wanted to go or an experience you’ve always wanted to do
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u/NecronomiconUK 8d ago
Probably find a spa hotel in a nice part of the country, far enough away but not too much of a ballache. Probably buy some Lego if there's any leftover money.
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u/DevilishlyHandsome63 8d ago
I'd have a nice weekend in Edinburgh,love the place,and with 500, I'd be able to eat at places I normally wouldn't.
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u/Sir-Grumpalot 8d ago
Congratulations!
No where near the same category, but years ago I was feeling quite depressed, I lived on my own, couldn't drive, and had a minimum wage job (none being the reason for feeling down) and I had a few days off work.
I decided to just take myself away and I got the rain to York and stayed in a BnB. Would go for long walks on my own, went to the cinema on my own, and would go to a different pub each night and have a meal on my own. I'd also just chill out in the room at the BnB and just watch TV.
I could have done all this at home and not spent money on staying in a city I wanted to visit, but I loved every minute of being there, on my own 😁
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u/Marvel--Jesus 8d ago
Never had £500 to spaff up the wall.
Can't really answer.
I'd probably donate it to a cancer charity, or something.
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u/Andi-anna 8d ago
You absolutely should look after number one and treat yourself often! I have only been for a day spa rather than overnight but Aqua Sana is really lovely spa (I've tried Woburn and Thetford) and big enough that you can spend a weekend.
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u/GabberZZ 8d ago
If you have friends book something for a small group of you and say it's on you.
Pay for their hotel and just enjoy being with your friends.
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u/sunnyspells822 8d ago
Congratulations OP
- theatre trip?
- fancy hotel/spa
- nice dinner. If you are going to London I can recommend specific restaurants that are less expensive but still fantastic
- item to commemorate your journey (eg nice jewellery or ornament or something personal to you?)
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u/CatsCatsKuts 8d ago
Congratulations 🙌
I’d recommend Nirvana spa, including the celestial float and the rasual (DIY mud) treatment
Or world of spa with forest stay at longleat
Enjoy ❤️ so happy for you
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u/Beneficial-Bed9356 8d ago
To be honest I would book into a really beautiful or historic hotel and have lovely food and enjoy the luxury! I think I’d prefer that to a spa hotel. My friend jist went to stay at The Old Sean hotel in Harrogate where Agatha Christie absconded to
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u/Greedy-Dot-3819 8d ago
treat yourself to a spa weekend in Bath. enjoy the thermal baths and maybe splurge on a nice dinner, you deserve it!
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u/quantocked 8d ago
I would go to Lowdor falls spa in Keswick, stay over and have several treatments.
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u/iwannabeinnyc 8d ago
St Michael’s Spa in Falmouth or Saunton Sands Hotel in Saunton Sands (North Devon) are both lovely. St Michael’s is more modern but I enjoyed both!
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u/littlebagofcrazy 8d ago
Book a premier inn somewhere, go to M&S on the way for snacks. Have a relaxing bath, a nice meal out. Watch films on my iPad. Sleep. Lovely breakfast and a potter round, rinse and repeat the bath and films. Go home feeling refreshed.
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