In this article, you'll learn the following:
There’s a million different ways you can maximise your free time after work, but sometimes the hardest part is picking one - so here’s some suggestions to get the ball rolling.
During the working week, the hours between leaving the office and going to bed can often amount to very little. And whilst we’re all for an evening on the sofa after a long day, it also feels great to break up the weekly routine with a new activity. Those minds won’t stimulate themselves after all! So we’ve partnered with Secret London to bring you inspo on interesting and inspiring ways to utilise your time when the working day is done.
Learn a new language
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If we had a pound for everytime we kicked ourselves for dropping our foreign language at school, we’d probably have taken an early retirement by now. And we know many of you will feel the same. But the good news is, it’s never too late. City Lit offers classes in over 30 modern and ancient languages, both in person and online, at a range of ability levels. Designed to work around your schedule, you can start with a one day taster workshop or sign up for an intensive course. Now all you have to do is pick your language… and the world is literally your oyster.
How to get there: Catch the bus 188, 1 or 68 from Waterloo Station Tenison Way (Stop K) to Aldwych Kingsway (Stop F), and then walk 5 minutes. The address is Crown Works, 1-10 Keeley St WC2B 4BA.
Wes and Sandy’s pick of the week
South Western Railway’s winged friends, Sandy and Wes are always ready to share their top London recommendations. Sandy loves the arts, theatre and lunching with the girls, while Wes loves clubs, pubs and going to gigs with his mates. But one thing they will never disagree on is their love of getting their claws dirty. Crown Works Pottery offers a range of classes, including throwing on the wheel and handbuilding, across a range of abilities. And in addition to enjoying the therapeutic motions of sculpting that smooth silky clay, you’ll get to take home a lovely new creation to decorate your home!
How to get there: Catch the Waterloo and City line from London Waterloo to Bank, and then hop on the Central line to Bethnal Green. It's 8 minutes walking from there. The address is Crown Works, 11 Temple St, Bethnal Green, E2 6QQ.
Kick off your weekend with Friday Lates at the National Gallery
Whether you’ve got a quiet Friday night ahead, or have some time to kill before you hit the town, Friday Lates at the National Gallery are a lovely segue into your weekend. Open till 9pm every Friday, you can enjoy talks, lectures, workshops and more, many of which are totally free to attend. New and exciting events are always popping up on their programme, but some of the upcoming Friday Lates include life drawing and a Portrait of a bearded man gallery tour.
How to get there: Catch the Bakerloo line from London Waterloo to Charing Cross. The address is National Gallery, Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN.
Inspire your inner creative at Somerset House
You might already be planning a visit to Somerset House for a festive Skate Lates session. But we’d really recommend factoring in a visit to this iconic cultural hub and checking out their exhibitions, talks and workshops this autumn. Admire award-winning successes from Somerset House’s pioneering creative community, Makerversity, who work to develop innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. From inequality to climate change, this exhibition will showcase how the Makerversity lab combines design, engineering and digital practice to combat these issues with hope for a brighter future.
How to get there: Catch the bus 341 or 76 from Waterloo Station / Waterloo Road (Stop F) to Aldwych. The address is Crown Works, Somerset House, Strand WC2R 1LA.
Head to the pub, pick up the brush and paint
Finding a creative hobby to enjoy after work is a great way to develop a new skill, without requiring copious amounts of brain power. In fact, you might even find it helps you to unwind. And with SWR Reward, you can enjoy 10% off painting classes at different bars and pubs in London. Guided by a resident artist, you’ll produce your very own masterpiece - that’s bound to be the most productive post-work pint you’ve ever had!
Save money by travelling with SWR
Now you’ve discovered these wellbeing activities to try, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave.
Don't forget to check out SWR Rewards to unlock rewards when you travel with us. Enjoy discounts on any of our rewards including days out, dining deals, theatre tickets, hotel stays and much more.
