The clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in, and winter is officially here in London. This great and glorious city is never short of exciting things to do, even in the murkiest mid-winter, but if you just can’t face the blustery winds and never-ending on-again off-again rain showers, you’re not alone!
You’d think we’d be sick of it after the past few years, but staying in really is still the new going out. And thankfully, now that the digital era is in full swing, there’s plenty of stuff to check out online and offline that will keep you amused, entertained, and even thrilled during winter nights inside. Keep reading to discover our top suggestions.
Discover the World
Travelling is great when you’ve got the weather or funds to support you, but in the depths of winter, it’s not always the best time of year to pack your bags and jet off on holiday. So, why not settle in and discover the wonders of the world from the comfort of your own home? Thanks to the power of the internet, you can.
To start with something different, take a journey around the Literary World Map. This virtual bookshelf is comprised of iconic books set in pretty much every country on the planet. Anyone with even the slightest interest in books and literature should be diving straight in.
If you prefer something more adventurous, how about ticking the Aurora Borealis off your bucket list? Ok, so watching this extraordinary phenomenon via live-stream may not be quite the same as being there in person, but it’s the next best thing. Set up by Explore.com, the live camera is situated at the Churchill Nothern Studies Center in Canada, and tuning in during winter is actually the perfect time to do so.
Catch a Show or Two
Live-streaming theatre, dance, opera and music concerts is still very much a thing here in 2022. There are plenty of production companies and cultural institutions still putting out world-class content. While nothing beats the atmosphere of watching a show in person, you can certainly replicate that at home with a few creative tweaks.
In terms of what to watch this winter, as we’ve seen for several years now, The Royal Opera House, National Theatre, and major British dance companies like Rambert Dance have plenty of live-streaming options to choose from. If you missed Jodie Comer’s stunning turn in Prima Facie, for instance, you can now stream it through to spring 2023 via the NT At Home platform.
Get Your Game On
There’s something to be said for gathering your best mates in your living room, cranking up the tunes, ordering pizza and having a good old-fashioned games night. And, here in the modern world, you’re not just limited to playing the same dusty old board games – although, you really can’t beat a round of two of Trivial Pursuit.
The digital realm is a smorgasbord of fun gaming experiences. Always fancied yourself as a bit of a poker pro? Then put your skills to the test in PokerStars Casino’s Poker Club, which offers a hassle-free hangout for live poker with a built-in video chat function, so you can link up with your mates no matter where they are in the world.
You could even liven things up by hosting your own murder mystery event – which, yes, your international friends can join in with too. Utilising video conferencing programmes like Zoom and Google Hangouts, Red Herring offers immersive games that are the “best in murder mystery entertainment” – perfect for unleashing your inner Poirot or Jessica Fletcher.
Broaden your Horizons
Sure, going back to school may not be for everyone, but if you’re thinking of adding a few new qualifications to your CV or even retraining for a brand new career, the winter months are a great way to get a headstart on your learning. Plus, with all the digital courses available from remote learning providers and the UK’s most prestigious educational institutions, you won’t be short on topics to study.
