Beat lockdown boredom! The ultimate guide to online entertainment
The UK has been under lockdown for several weeks now, and for very good reason. We are staying at home to protect the vulnerable and the keyworkers, and while there are many parts of lockdown life that are difficult to deal with, we are very fortunate to live in a connected, online age that allows us talk to our loved ones and support each other during this difficult time.
For many of us, one of the main things to deal with during lockdown is boredom, but thanks to the creativity and ingenuity of countless people, and the wonders of the internet, there are all sorts of things we can do to stay entertained. So, to help you beat the boredom, we’ve put together a bumper guide of fun things to do online! For many of us, one of the main things to deal with during lockdown is boredom, but thanks to the creativity and ingenuity of countless people, and the wonders of the internet, there are all sorts of things we can do to stay entertained. So, to help you beat the boredom, we’ve put together a bumper guide of fun things to do online! For many of us, one of the main things to deal with during lockdown is boredom, but thanks to the creativity and ingenuity of countless people, and the wonders of the internet, there are all sorts of things we can do to stay entertained. So, to help you beat the boredom, we’ve put together a bumper guide of fun things to do online!
Film and TV
The first port of call for most of us in this crisis is film and TV, which allows us easy escapism through bingeable box sets and fantastic feature-length films. Here are a few of the places you can get your fill of brilliant film and TV:
- Netflix: The most popular streaming service, packed with great films and series, paid for through a monthly subscription for up to four screens at a time.
- Amazon Prime: Another very popular subscription service, which also offers newer releases to buy or rent (at an extra cost).
- Disney+: Launched in the UK just a couple of weeks ago, this subscription service includes nearly every Disney film and TV show, including Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.
- Now TV: A more flexible TV streaming service that has different ‘passes’ depending on whether you want to watch films, TV, kids shows or sports.
- MUBI: A streaming service for indie and arthouse films, with one new film added each day. MUBI is currently offering 3 months’ access for just £1.
- Terrestrial TV: Not all great film and TV requires a monthly subscription – many terrestrial channels are putting out brilliant programming, and even releasing highly anticipated shows early!
Culture
Whether you’re a regular theatre-goer or art-lover, or you’re keen to try something new during lockdown, here are some of the places you can find great culture online:
- National Theatre: The National Theatre is streaming several of its productions through its YouTube channel, for free. A new show is streamed live every Thursday evening and is available for 7 days afterwards if you miss it.
- The Shows Must Go On: Andrew Lloyd Webber is also taking to YouTube, streaming one of his classic musicals each week for free.
- Art galleries and museums: Many art galleries and museums around the world offer virtual, 360-degree tours that you can view from the comfort of your home. Top locations include the Vatican in Rome, the Guggenheim in Bilbao, and London’s British Museum and National Gallery. You can see a more complete list here.
- Gigs and concerts: Lockdown doesn’t have to mean the end of live music either. Many singers, bands and DJs are streaming live gigs through social media or YouTube, and you can also find streams and recordings of classical concerts too. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the best virtual venues around!
Books
There’s nothing like curling up with a good book, and we can all find particular comfort in reading right now. Here are some of the ways you can continue to get your hands on books during lockdown:
- Physical books: Bookshops may be closed, but many will still deliver if you find yourself stuck for reading material. Of course, it is smaller bookshops who will find it hardest to weather the economic storm, so if you’re in the market for physical books, seek out your local independent bookshop and order from them.
- eBooks and audiobooks: Digital versions of books offer a way to read without having to accept deliveries (useful if you’re self-isolating), so continue to support your favourite writers and buy or pre-order their books online if you can.
- Digital library services: Many libraries have digital platforms that offer access to eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and music for free, so check out your local library to see what treasure you can find!
- Project Gutenberg: This is a source of thousands of free eBooks, mostly published before the 1920s, and subsequently digitised and made available online for your reading delight.
We hope you and your loved ones are staying safe during this difficult time. If you are a business owner who needs extra support, Get Ahead VA offers all sorts of online services to keep your business running smoothly. To find out how we can help, please give Get Ahead VA a call on 01483 332220 or email us at office@getaheadva.com. We pride ourselves on being the staff you don’t see, but the difference you do.
