One of the greatest things about living in London is the plethora of world-class music, museums and restaurants right on your doorstep. Sadly lockdown has caused a leisure shaped hole in many Londoner’s hearts. We’re here to help appease that feeling and help you get your fix of the very best that London has to offer – all from your living room! From virtual gallery tours to at-home restaurant meal kits, here’s how to indulge in the capital’s best offerings. 

Live it live  

Many of us are yearning for evenings spent dancing at our favourite bars, fun-filled festivals or watching a local band play at your favourite pub. While these immersive live experiences may be on hold, you can still enjoy some of London’s best musical offerings virtually. Bring a club to your living room with Glitterbox Virtual Festivals, events and DJ sets, available on YouTube and completely free to stream at your leisure. If you’re looking to make an evening of it, feel transported to New Orleans with this virtual Mardi Gras celebration on 20th February. Get a meal for two, drinks, decorations and an evening of entertainment inspired by the Deep South.  

Image: SecretLondon 

Curate the great 

Every year London plays host to some of the world’s greatest exhibitions, and (despite lockdown) 2021 is set to continue this trend. Embrace your inner David Attenborough and explore the many natural wonders of the world at the Natural History Museum with their free virtual tours. If you’re looking for a little magic to brighten up your month, why not sign up for the online version of the British Library’s free Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition. Alternatively, if you’re looking to add a pop of art to your living room, enjoy a room-by-room tour from the Tate Modern’s  Andy Warhol exhibition which can be enjoyed, with no cost at your own leisure. 

Image: artsandculture.com

Get your artistic juices flowing 

Looking for a little artistic inspiration? Admire some of history’s most iconic paintings from your armchair. Invite the likes of Henry the VIII and Madame de Pompadour into your home through the National Gallery’s virtual tour. With hundreds of paintings that can be enjoyed free of charge at a leisurely pace, this tour should be added to any Londoner’s lockdown bucket list.

If you’re feeling inspired by the likes of Van Gogh or Monet, check out the V&A’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. The museum sets weekly #LetsMakeWednesdays social challenges to help inspire your lockdown creativity. 

Image: The National Gallery Instagram 

Keep the endorphins pumping

If the “Couch to 5k” challenge isn’t quite your thing, we’ve got you covered. Dozens of the capital’s best fitness classes have moved to virtual platforms, allowing you to stream some seriously sweat-inducing workouts from your living room. Push yourself to the limit with Psycle’s live barre classes or nail your lotus pose with free yoga classes from FLY LDN. Both studios offer free IGTV classes but if you’re looking for something a little more personal, sign up as a member and get a free 7 or 14-day trial. So why not pop on your leggings and get moving.  

Image: psyclelondon.com

Enjoy your favourite food from your sofa

Gone (for the moment) is the end of week panic as you try to book a last-minute table at your favourite restaurant. Many of London’s best and brightest establishments have developed home dining kits. Say goodbye to Veganuary with the Fondue-it-Yourself kit from The Cheese Bar or tuck into a classic roast dinner with this Sunday Lunch package from Marksman Public House. With simple to follow instructions, you can now give Gordon Ramsey a run for his money, all while treating yourself to a taste of normality. 

Image: the-cheese-bar-london.com

It’s Happy Hour 

Avoid those pesky happy hour queues at the bar and sip on an afternoon tipple at home.  Shake up a storm with The Sun Tavern’s Cocktail Kits or order your drink pre-made from Kwãnt.  If you fancy yourself more of a wine connoisseur, try ‘Sustainable Wines’ Tasting with Borough Wines and refine your palate during the process. 

Image: secretlondon.com