please empty your brain below

Keep it short, please.
And I'll come back later and tell you what I think.

Maybe you should begin to gloat having crossed the half century mark? Maybe a creme egg to celebrate and a trip to a London museum where you can relish having outlasted a variety of luminaries (which you would have ferreted out from online research). Followed by a London transit half century event (But route 50? Tube station 50?) I dunno. I can't remember anything I did on my 50th except feel kinda old.. Actually 50 was the worst of it... all the other big milestones have hurt less. So buck up in any event and carry on.
Of course there is route 50 (Croydon to Stockwell) to do...you could hire a 50 year old routemaster (think there one or two in London available) for the day.
Have you been up The Shard (properly this time ) yet DG. I know it's expensive but the view is incredible - particularly if your prediction skills are up to pinpointing a sunny day.

I would also recommend a restaurant, but I fear our tastes may be different. Perhaps Time Out should be your friend for that...

And finally, I know you're already doing a foreign trip, but have you thought about doing one of the other "direct" routes from London. - either the Dutch Flyer to Amsterdam or RailSail to Dublin? Neither are quite day trip material, but should be interesting nevertheless.
Go to Fortnum and Mason and have a £12 knickerbocker glory.
The fat duck might be closed but that doesn't mean you can't eat exceptionally well. A long wine filled lunch with family and best mate? Plenty of choice in London (Berners Tavern comes to mind) or further afield (The Hand and Flowers for example).
Disneyland
my 50th birthday was on a Bank Holiday Monday and I had a party, about 25 people attended. But that's probably not dg's sort of thing. Whatever else he does, bus route number 50 will surely feature
Let me assure readers that I will not be riding the bus to Croydon on my birthday.
Happy Birthday in advance from your farthest-flung reader.Would be happy to show you some interesting trains and stations in NZ but its proably a bit too far to come...
From Battersea heliport you could take a sightseeing flight over London with you and BestMate. (from £150 I think).
Followed by a good lunch or dinner at a London restaurant.
Take the train to Halesworth (Suffolk)and see if you can trace the route of the Southwold Railway.
Place 50 £1 bets on a series of events happening on the day and in the weeks ahead and see how the results turn out. For example, the top horse race of the day, the result of the general election (good luck with that), a "white Christmas" etc.
helicopter flight over london. amazing views. much better than the shard

http://helicopterservices.co.uk/

or take a helicopter flying lesson
Do a "DG: then and now" post with selfies from each of your birthdays starting from age 1.
Visit every church and place of worship in the City of London ending upon the roof of One New Change watching the sunset behind the Dome of St Paul's. Difficult to achieve and requires meticulous planning. Resisting spending too much time in its many historic taverns requires great fortitude and incorporating the remains of Wren's bombed churches to get the list up to 50 great skill. You will then have a hundred reasons to celebrate with a slap up dinner in one of the City's remarkable restaurants.
a day at the horse races? Lingfield is good, jump racing.

and you can go on your own, it's fun to look at the horses, place bets, see all the "characters" around a horse racing circuit.
It just a number...given more importance than it due. It no more "special" than say 27 or 63. Unless of course one somehow knew that they were to live to be 100, then guess it be a half-way mark in ones life. 68 could be taken as being "special" as one could say that they have been a "adult" for 50 years. As for it being on a Monday...well at least your 60th is on a Sunday and if you by then still a "heathly single childless Londoner" can say you done quite well perhaps.
I third the Helicopter ride, unless you are up for a sky dive.

Or, see what locations are 50 miles from London and take your fancy.

I'd suggest a day in bed eating 50 creme eggs, drinking 50 cups of tea and 50 bottles of Becks, but I suspect that's not your style.
I don't recall you've ever been up to Hitchin? Welcome to sample the artisan teas in this commuter town full of newly emigrated London hipsters (count the beards!). I'll even buy you a craft beer for the effort. Once crossrail/thameslink opens in 2018 , Hitchin will be renamed as Hoxton-on-Hiz and I'll wager we'll get a Range Rover Evoke dealership.
Pick a fear and face it. Plant a tree. Compliment a stranger. Do something your mother would have liked. Take a holiday from blogging. Shock your senses.

Challenge yourself.
Take the Sunday overnight sleeper to Fort William and wake up to the glorious Birthday scenery of the Scottish highlands as the train heads over Rannock Moor. Have a hearty breakfast in the station cafe and a quick look around; take the Citylink coach to Oban for lunch; then the train along the other most scenic line to Glasgow Queen Street walking to Central begore a Virgin train home to Euston - arriving in Bow just before midnight. Splendid - and great value on Advance Purchase even First Class.
There again you said not just a journey!
Because of the political and economic situation elsewhere in the country, there are very cheap flights available to Kiev/Kyiv from London at the moment; hotel rooms and cultural things (e.g. great classical concerts, opera, other musical theatre that you wouldn't absolutely need to understand the words of) there are also at bargain basement rates for the same reasons.

It's safe (for now), you don't need a visa, and it is an interesting and, in many places, beautiful, capital city.
As lots of your avid readers will be at work in London, why not spend the day visiting us all, I'm sure we could all fit in ten minutes showing you what we do and it could be easily organised using the power of the internet. It could be quite interesting, or quite dull if everyone's in document control, but hopefully we're an interesting bunch.
Or on any other workday that week if you'd like something more relaxing on your big day.
At last...you'll be able to start going on Saga holidays in the UK & Abroad!
I have a theory that there is some aspect of your life, DG, that you never mention in your blogs, and you never will. It may be something important, or it may be something trivial, like playing monopoly, or flower arranging, for instance. Whatever it is, if I am right, then indulge it. And then tell us absolutely nothing about it.
Maybe it's time to finally travel on the Greenford branch line.
Go for a run!
I really do sympathise. I spent my 50th birthday evening in the fjord off Oslo on a Fjord Cruise with buffet supper in August. Sounded lovely.

The trouble was even in August up there it gets jolly cold out at sea and no-one was prepared for it - except for people than ran it that had copious blankets and were handing them out. The buffet turned out so be sliced white bread and bucket loads of prawns - much appreciated by the locals but not by me. The fjords technically were fjords but not as a non-Norwegian imagines them and were in fact low lying islands in the bay.

So, my advice is to play safe and make sure you know what you are getting.

As a footnote, the week turned out to be one of the most fascinating of my life as I later met up with parents and went to see where my father was shot down in World War II (part of the plane was still there), we met up with rescuers and saw my father give an interview with the local paper at which I learnt a lot that I did not know until then. And all this I didn't really plan - it just happened and all I did was I made sure I was there.

Good luck!
Hoping to glean some ideas here myself, as 3 weeks after yours my brother, who is also "a solvent healthy single childless Londoner," celebrates his 50th as well!
I'm currently thinking of getting him some sort of Experience Day package.
Shortly after my 50th I started drumming lessons. I've played in a band for years now.
Best thing I ever did.
DG

Surely there is at least one place you've always wanted to go to but haven't and that's reachable within the limits of your one week/finances?
Or
Maybe take a flying lesson.

Ray
Drive a Routemaster and / or Bendy Bus at North Weald airfield? IIRC you do possess a car driving licence.

http://www.theexpeditional.com/experience/
The West Ruislip parly train/the Dangleway/Croydon?

Seriously, I'd suggest a Rail/Sail trip to Belfast, which is a splendid little city to wander round.
How about staying at home, in a darkened room and slowly rock back and forth while sobbing uncontrollably and mumbling about your lost youth.

At least that is my plan when I reach 50 in 9 and a half years time.
Have a great birthday, whatever you decide to do.

I'd love to know which destination you turned down!
@ Barry - I've just had my 50th birthday and while there was no wild celebration not even I rocked back and forth in the dark sobbing all the while. I tend not to get excited about birthdays so it was just another day.
You say you have already booked a solo day trip abroad, so I won't suggest another citybreak (but a European city you have not visited before or recently, such as Rome or Athens or Dublin or Amsterdam, might be fun). You also don't want to stay away, or spend time travelling on teh day itself, so that suggests somewhere in London or the Home Counties.

A helicopter flight over London sounds like an excellent idea, if you have not done that before. Could your father (or other friends or family) come too? And/or perhaps a celebratory meal in the restaurant in the Shard?
I'm with the helicopter flight or balloon flight over London - there are companies that offer afternoon tea beforehand at stately homes just outside London, then they take you on your flight. There's one that does a flyover of the Olympic Park - and yes I have been investigating these flights as my 40th is coming up rather fast. I was rather hoping that the London airship flights that took place a few years ago would reappear because that would be a wonderful way to travel.

And then dinner at The Ivy and an evening event that you need to dress up for, like Ballet or the opera.
You could announce a Central London venue the day before where you'll be for, say, 50 minutes around 5pm? Some of us might come along.

Not quite a flashmob, but you get the idea.

Aqua Shard's cocktail bar is excellent on the 34th floor, for example.
I'd recommend a helicopter trip too - I did it for my 30th, and really enjoyed it. It is, however, weather-dependent - so best to have a backup plan.
I echo the comments above about a helicopter trip. Failing that, book yourself a flying lesson. Some of them offer you the chance to fly between two outlying London airfields (e.g., Elstree -> Denham). Whatever you do, have a great day and I'm sure we all wish you a very happy birthday!
Oh I get it now...the first 50 commenters get invited to "knees-up" at a as yet undisclosed venue...phew just got my comment in on time ;)
Let us know what the mystery count is and make it go up to 1.
My suggestion for Monday 9th March: Travel up to you family in Norfolk on the weekend of Sat / Sun 7th & 8th March, train travel via Ely. Monday 9th wake up in Norfolk surrounded by family. Monday morning a Segway ride at Blickling Hall, Aylesham (http://www.baseline-promotions.co.uk/blickling-hall-segway-tours) then lunch at Galton Blackiston’s Morston Hall hotel (http://www.morstonhall.com/) leaving the afternoon for a walk – Blakeney Point perhaps to see the seals or a leisurely drive around the north Norfolk coast ending back at Norwich train station for an evening service back to London. Whatever you choose, have a great day!
Yep, taking the day and week off from work for a birthday is the kind of thing I would do, I hate people making a hullabaloo over birthdays, especially mine.
The suggestion from Nick Flowers about going to Halesworth to trace trace the route of the Southwold Railway appeals most to me, peace and quiet in the Suffolk countryside. In fact I'm in the UK that week so might give it a go. Fancy a birthday wander DG? :)
For some reason imagining you in one of those skydiving wind tunnels seems completely incongruous to me. Throw caution to the wind (ahem)...
http://www.whf.org.uk/. DG, a visit would be an amazing experience and you would have some fabulous photos to remember your special birthday.
I don't have a suggestion, I just want to be one of the select 50 who get to meet DG if that is what he goes for.
:)
Dear DG

I am also 50, later, this year [ currently unemployed, socially adrift, deeply unhappy though not suicidal... have no partner, no children and tried the going abroad for my 40th and it was very unsatisfying]

I am equally lost as to what to do - I am however attempting to write 50 short [500 words] 'morsels' to try and explain [to me, to others, to make sense] how I have arrived at this point in my life ...

I will read with interest the suggestions but once more thank you for your blog; I wish I had your drive to get out and about like you do...
Night sleeper to Fort William.

http://www.seat61.com/CaledonianSleepers.htm#.VNitkrDF-Qw
Ok, suppose you go with the helicopter trip, since it seems to be the most popular suggestion here. If you let us know the approximate time and the route, we - your grateful readers - could gather at some public open space en route and wave to any passing chopper, on the off chance that you were in it. This would allow us to show our appreciation for your efforts whilst sparing you from actually having to meet us.
How about a treasure hunt across London? Or would you find that too easy? There are companies which give you a pack of details, and they can be genuinely interesting.

Wishing you many many happy returns in advance, and thank you for all you do in making our lives better informed and more interesting!
My 50th didn't make me feel older at all. The birthday that did was the arrival of my grandson! But I don't see you having that problem, anyway.

There's some white water near you which I don't suppose you have tried yet - unless I missed a post about it, and after that I reckon you will be glad just to be alive.

Count your blessings!
Bremen, perhaps?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beck's_Brewery
Ryanair fly there from Stansted
Stay at home, feet up, beer / tea / coffee in hand, get a takeaway and catch up on films, some reading or daytime TV (no, that would be a step too far!). Even, dare I say, take a day's break from blogging - we'll forgive you just one day.

I really can't remember my 50th; presumably working and a quiet meal in the evening.

But then I am a bit of a killjoy / unsociable type!
The {arts and entertainment centre on the... er, south bank of the Thames} - just to wander around, maybe drop in to something which has spare tickets, or go on the behind-the-scenes tour if you haven't already done that one.

Whatever you do, there's no need to write about it!
How about an itinerary of 50 significant locations that were significant for some reason in each year you have been alive. For example 1965 you could visit the place of your birth then for 1966 you could go to Wembley... 1970 your first school etc. just fill in the blanks according to what interests and is significant to you.

Could make an interesting puzzle trying to identify the locations then fit all of that into a day

anyway all the best for whatever you decide to do

cheers
Michael
Collect up £50 in coins. Go all around London giving it away to good buskers, buying sandwiches for those sleeping in doorways, buying copies of the Big Issue and so on.
If you decide to do this I'll persuade your dad to give you a further £50 and you can be twice as generous.
Then you'll feel as if the day has been worthwhile and many other lives may be helped too.
How about a celebratory glass of champagne and gathering on the Dangleway...
Have a great day whatever you decide to do. Annoy other people by telling them it's your birthday,and asking them to guess your age. You have to practise these sorts of things now you're getting old. Next day you can start thinking about what to do on your 60th! Believe me time rushes by from now on. 😳😳
You have to book a tour in advance with the National Trust, but 575 Wandsworth Road is well worth a visit, if you haven't been already. The man who lived there, Khadambi Asalache, began the woodwork simply to conceal a damp patch, and I think he must have begun the 20-year project in his late forties or early fifties.
Your blog is a joy (and I love reading these suggestions).
Either an in London or out of London day.

In London: 50 Minute walk through your favourite part of London (and telling us why)

Alternatively, find out how far away you can get from London for £50 by either bus, train or plane. Though if you don't feel like travelling this could be further than you want.
My fiftieth too this year - but I guess I'm lucky in that it's a Saturday in July. I was going to undertake a significant canal boat trip, culminating with a big party at the London Canal Museum. Sadly though I've just taken the decision to cancel, largely on grounds of cost - so I'm looking out for ideas too. For DG I will very predictably suggest a London canal trip with dinner etc...
A day out in London (or elsewhere) spending exactly £50. Not a penny more, not a penny less, on travel, food, drink, entrance charges etc. And as you would undoubtedly blog about it, the need to itemise everything would make you stick exactly to the £50 limit.
You might not think your birthday is a big deal but your old man or brother may think differently. Why not go and spend the day with them in Norfolk and do something they will enjoy? In making them happy you might in turn feel better. Quiet family time :)
I understand your desire for anonymity. But if there was a way to set up a fund to provide you with the wherewithal to do something really special I'm sure you could find plenty of contributors. I feel privileged to read this blog every day for free! What would you do if money was no object?
I second Dave. I'm sure many of us feel we owe you a pint or three, even if they have to be virtual beers.
Go watch Selma at the cinema. The march took place on 09/03/1965. Then follow the route in Montgomery, Alabama precisely 50 years on.
DG

As a local resident and long time reader your 50th has provoked a comment from me. DG it is really about people and so how about you and Best Mate and partner visit the ArcelorMittal and look down on your beloved London-if you tell us what time you will be there we could use our annual pass (!!!) and do a flash-mob up on the viewing platform-we would all have to speak to each other to work out which one is you (I assume we all know your gender.) Then after the excitement how about a stroll across Victoria Park and go to 'The Empress' for lunch and you still have the evening ahead for other suggestions.
Enjoy
I also enjoy the blog DG. As I work for Google I could maybe give you a tour of our building. We do a good lunch!
Go with your best friend and his missus to the place they suggested. You never know what it will be like, but you will be with two people you love and you will have a good time whatever.
Write a list of 50 things to do that you have never done before...and try get them done in 50 days/weeks/months.
Start the celebration on the Sunday at a jazz pub?
After drinking, dancing, singing to the music you will then spend Monday at home with an enormous hang-over.
No interest? –well that’s how I celebrated my BIG birthday. Thank you Lord Napier.
Perhaps go for a bunji jump or go sky diving, you can never be too old.
Perhaps not for that day but an interesting addition to your day trips to the sea series:

http://seat61.com/London-Paris-ferry.htm#Calais_Day_Tripper
There are no surviving bus routes that were introduced 50 years ago, the closest is the 195 which was introduced on 3rd October 1965, but between September 1968 and December 1971 it was replaced by the 105.

As well as the 50 you could ride the 150, 250, 350 and 450.

The Holloway (31/01/65), Stoke Newington (11/04/65) and Victoria (26/09/65) one way systems are also 50 years old.
Whatever you do, even the last, you don't want to affect the "mystery count".
Watch out for meltdown on this site on 9th March...
I agree it's about the company, not necessarily the place or the weather.
Sometimes you can overplan bithdays, and then worry the whole day it's not living up to expectations.
BestMate gets my vote. Let him surprise you.
I'd definitely recommend the Fort William sleeper idea.

Alternatively, when did you last stay in a Youth Hostel? Some are fairly nondescript and described as "lively" - particularly the central London ones - but others have survived the YHA's meltdown a few years back when they missed the point on how to keep costs down by trying to go upmarket and went mad with en-suites and the like. There are still gems like Tanners Hatch, a cottage in the middle of a wood a few miles walk from Boxhill station with no road access; I'll leave you to do your own research on other possibilities unless you ask for more ideas. One advantage of a Youth Hostel is you don't feel out of place or trapped in your room if you arrive on your own.
Attend Election Court hearing to take part in Erlam & Others v Rahman & Williams – Proceedings.
Brunch at the Duck & Waffle and Dinner at Hawksmoor Spitalfields are quite popular options amongst my male colleagues (of a certain age) for celebratory events.
Write a post with what differences there are from DG aged 50 to when was 25...and what think differences will be when DG reaches 75. I'd call this the 25-50-75 sounds, bit like a sort-code.
have a go at doing a full network tube challenge. (It could make for a memorable - and long - birthday. Or if that's not feasible (possibly due to uselessness of Olympia trains) do a Zone 1 challenge.

Do a walk you haven't yet done - preferably urban given that it's March. Not sure if you've done the London Wall walk (playing spot the remaining plaques)? Or the Jubilee Walkway? With appropriate pub stops of course.

Abseil down the Orbit?










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