Lockdown restrictions in the UK are set to continue for at least another three weeks, but staying at home and practising social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t have fun.
Things are tough out there, but we’ve gathered our favourite indoor activities that you can turn to, including pub quizzes, musical events, live cooking lessons and more.
We know it’s not ideal, but from our sofas, there are plenty of ways to feel connected even in isolation.
1. Dior: A virtual visit on YouTube
Attracting almost 595,000 visits in the space of seven months, the Victoria & Albert Museum’s record-breaking exhibition, Dior: Designer of Dreams, can now be relived, free of charge on YouTube.
Dior has posted a one-hour video that takes us through sketches by Monsieur Dior and his successors, previously unseen objects, accessories, paintings, a cabinet of curiosities conceived as a sweeping display of colour, and much more.
Photo by: Adrien Dirand V&A/PA
2. Arte Bar online
Barcelona’s premier painting and wine studio have now launched Arte Bar online. Live, real-time classes in the comfort of your home, no matter where you are in the world.
Using Zoom, you’ll be taught step-by-step to create your version of the featured painting. Classes run on Tuesday (6 pm GMT) and Saturday (8 pm GMT) and cost €5 per household.
Photo by: Andrea Fellman
3. Speed dating
Online romance is rarely easy, but dating apps have all seen an increase in sign-ups and swiping.
So take the chance on a virtual date or join one of the many online speed dating events that’ll shake up self-distancing with the chance to chat over drinks… without even stepping foot outside.
4. Bongo’s Bingo
The team behind Bongo’s Bingo have quarantined together so they can still bring bingo joy to the masses, for free.
The team will be bringing you more bingo, more live challenges and ‘dog racing’… straight to your living room! All you need is a pen, paper and a phone. Bongo’s Bingo goes live at 8 pm on Tuesday and Saturday.
5. Pub quiz
Virtual pub quizzes are the thing of the moment and while there are countless companies jumping on the bandwagon, our favourite has to be Camden Town Brewery.
They’ve brewed up a way for us all to come together while supporting our local bartenders and entertainers – their events include pasta making, the quiz and a draw-along. All taking place on Instagram for free.
With the lights dimmed, a drink in hand and a pub quiz on your laptop, you can almost pretend it’s a typical Saturday night.
6. Royal Albert Home
The Royal Albert Hall may have closed its doors, but they continue to thrive with their new initiative, Royal Albert Home, which sees artists sharing their work from their homes to yours.
The programme is completely free, but donations are encouraged to help the Hall recover once they are able to reopen. The lineup includes KT Tunstall, Toby Thompson, opera for kids with more to be announced soon
7. Disco Yoga
Disco and yoga, two words that seemingly shouldn’t go together – but does, perfectly. Every Thursday at 8:15 pm and every Sunday at 11 am, Disco Yoga will take to Zoom to guide you through energising sequences to the sounds of disco classics. Reboot your booty, rejuvenate your mind and get ready to step back into Boogie Wonderland.
Classes are £5, so get ready to don your sequins and spandex!
8. The Cheese Truck
The chances of spag bol for dinner are running at zero to none, but if you’ve got a hankering for a cheese board, we’ve got good news for you.
The Cheese Bar are bringing their service directly to your door, delivering cheesy survival kits, with the option to add a bottle of red for an indulgent night in. Prices start from £18.50.
9. Free online cooking tutorials
Use your time indoors to hone your skills in bread-making, cake-baking and expanding your recipe repertoire.
Borough Market is streaming live cooking demonstrations via their Instagram. Each weekday at 1 pm, a chef will guide you through a tasty recipe using store cupboard staples. Additionally, bakery Bread Ahead is also offering free online tutorials on their Instagram page for anyone who wants to get their hands dirty kneading in the kitchen.