virtual things to do© Photo: iStock

11 virtual things to do at home to entertain you if you're isolating

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Updated: August 12, 2021

We're becoming used to staying indoors more and more since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. 

RELATED: Bored at home? 34 productive things you can do to keep yourself entertained

Are you currently isolating and feeling like you exhausted all of your entertainment options? Fear not, there are still plenty of fun virtual events out there you likely haven't tried yet.

We've rounded up some exciting online things to do to fill your days even if you can't leave the house, from watching a good movie to learning a new skill. Now the question is, which to try first?

Play an Escape Room...at home

Who said you couldn't play an escape room from the comfort of your own home? Grab your friends, family or roommate (up to 8 players) and try four online escape rooms including CSI Stranglehold, Sherlock Holmes, Mansion Impossible and Mainstage Mayhem. Using a series of audio and video files, your team will have to work against the clock to solve a series of puzzles.

WHEN: Whenever

For more information visit virginexperiencedays.co.uk  

Try your hand at a new recipe

Why not pass the time by trying out a tasty new dish? Whether you're after vegetarian, vegan, meat or fish meals, there's plenty of recipes to try online. Plus, foodie lovers can get a free 30-day trial to Results Wellness Lifestyle, the fitness and wellness app founded by former TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh. Only available this January, you can get to access over 600+ recipes on the app, as well as join live cookalongs!

WHEN: Whenever

For more information visit resultswellnesslifestyle.com/pages/hello

Hone your photography skills

Lots of people are getting creative amid the lockdown, whether it's trying new recipes in the kitchen or using a paint-by-numbers kit. If you've always wanted to learn photography then Nikon School Online has a number of free classes you can try online - we've got our eye on the 'Photographing Children and Pets' tutorial. And if you're successful, you can proudly show off your photos around your house. 

WHEN: Any time

For more information visit nikonevents.com

Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition

Credit: Instagram/Natural History Museum. Mouse photo by Sam Rowley.

If you didn't find the time to visit the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum before lockdown hit, then you can still catch up on the gorgeous artwork online. With everything from fighting mice on the London Underground to antelopes wading through snow, it's sure to make you feel like you're out of the house.

WHEN: Any time

For more information visit nhm.ac.uk

MORE: Having a birthday in lockdown at home? Quarantine birthday ideas and how to make it fun

Indulge in some homemade truffles 

Chocolate cheers everyone up, right? Instead of buying a pack on your next supermarket trip, take part in a live chocolate making masterclass from the team at MyChocolate.

The 1-hour experience will teach you the secrets to great ganache, piping techniques, flavouring tips and how to decorate your masterpieces.

WHEN: Book a time

For more information visit virginexperiencedays.co.uk

Cocktail class

With everyone learning new skills at the moment, why not try cocktail-making? Goat in Chelsea is holding virtual classes every Friday which focus on one spirit each week. During the 90-minute class, owner Steve will demonstrate how to make four cocktails and answer any questions - and there is no limit on the number of adults from one household can join!

WHEN: Fridays from 7:30 pm

For more information visit goatchelsea.com

Take part in an online workout

Pioneers of this new endurance based workout, Karve is a London studio that is due to open on Kensington High Street in early 2021. Whilst we stay indoors this winter, the new fitness brand born in lockdown has cleverly adapted their offering online with the recent launch of their On Demand online programme of workouts. 

WHEN: Book a time

Sign up here and gain access to their 7 day free trial here karve.club/on-demand

Bring the cinema to you

WATCH: The Mulan trailer

You may have already exhausted Netflix, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the cinema experience from home. Amazon offers a number of new movie releases you can rent or buy from £9.99, such as Mulan. The live-action adaptation of the classic Disney film sees a fearless young woman disguise herself as a man and serve in the Imperial Army. Pop on some popcorn and turn the lights off and you've got an at-home cinema experience!

WHEN: Any time

For more information visit amazon.co.uk

READ: How to bake posh chocolate chip cookies to make lockdown a whole lot better

Host an online beer party

Beer-lovers listen up! Airbnb is offering a 90-minute online tasting party where you can join others who share your passion for beer from the comfort of your own home. Beard and Bald will walk guests through British beer rituals and tell stories about famous legendary drinkers – all while sipping on a cold pint.

WHEN: Book a time

For more information visit airbnb.co.uk

Enjoy a virtual pamper session

If you can't get out to the salon and are wanting your roots touching up, then check out revolutionary haircare brand eSalon. They offer a custom-made hair colour package sent to your door, with everything needed to dye your hair to a salon-quality standard. What's more, you also get access to licensed colourists. Your hair will be made summer-ready too with eSalon's latest products, the frizz-fighting Velvet Primer and the Triple Prep styling cream. 

WHEN: Any time

For more information visit eSalon.co.uk

Try a virtual sushi-making class 

Thinking of ways to spice up your socially-distanced evenings? The Avenue Cookery School in south London regularly hosts Live Online Private Sushi Workshops. The 1.5-hour long class is available to groups of all sizes and they deliver the core ingredients straight to your door. Your private tutorial with an experienced sushi chef will talk you through a fun, detailed demonstration while sharing useful tips and tricks of the trade - so you'll be a pro in no time at all! 

WHEN: Book a time

For more information visit theavenuecookeryschool.com

READ: 12 best quarantini cocktail kits and sets for your home happy hours

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