Day Out

'I live in East Dulwich, London and every Sunday morning I cycle up to the old Victorian swimming pool in Forest Hill. I like to be the first in. After I'm a bit puffed out I'll go and feed the ducks and geese in Dulwich Park, getting rid of all my rotten bread. I didn't use to be into fitness, but I've found that having a fitness routine helps me organise my day. I like going tap-dancing at the municipal class in Rotherhithe. You don't feel at all intimidated because it's not aimed at professionals, just shop assistants and normal people like that. I practice at home on the kitchen floor.

If I go to the pictures, I'll go to the first show on Sunday morning at one of the big cinemas in Leicester Square - it's too difficult parking otherwise. Generally I enjoy pottering around the local shops in Dulwich. They're all threatened by the supermarkets so it's important to support them. There are some great delis in Lordship Lane, SE22. I'd get a take-away from the White Swan Chinese Restaurant in Lordship Lane (081-693 2318) but for a slap-up meal I'd recommend The Bibendum restaurant, 81 Fulham Rd SW3 (071-581 5817) in the old Michelin building.

I have a small cottage in Folkestone on the cliff tops, which looks out towards an old bandstand. I love walking along the cliff and harbour - there's a bench every 100 yards. I always go to the Tavernetta (0303 254 955), a great Italian place, when I'm there. I don't normally go out in the afternoon if I've got a show in the evening, but afterwards I might go to Searcy's brasserie (071-588 3008), the Barbican's own restaurant on the seventh floor. It's amazingly good but very few people seem to know about it.'

Brenda Blethyn stars in the RSC production of Alan Ayckbourn's 'Wildest Dreams' in rep at the Pit, Silk Street, London EC2 (071-638 88910)

(Photograph omitted)