Have you ever heard of a sofa holiday? No, nor had we ‘til now, but trust us – it’s (almost) like the real thing! While we’re all confined to our homes at the moment, it doesn’t mean our love of exploring has to be forgotten.
Here’s a list of our top 8 favourite ways to explore, taste and experience the world – all from the comfort of your sofa. A sofa holiday if you will. Get those feet up, nestle into a comfy cushion, and let’s go!
Culture vulture activities to do at home
1. Take the Banksy street art tour of Bristol
The Banksy Bristol Trail app takes you around Banksy’s hometown of Bristol, to see the locations of his iconic street art. For £2.99, you’ll be one of the first to see his newest piece, Valentine, which appeared on 13 Feb 2020 just before the lockdown. Some old pieces that are now not so visible can also be viewed through the app!
2. Tour Buckingham Palace like royalty
You may think you know this quintessentially British building like the back of your hand, but have you ever wondered what goes on inside? Cucumber sandwiches at the ready, this virtual reality tour of Buckingham palace allows you to walk in the footsteps of royalty. You’ll start at the Grand Staircase before strolling through the Palace’s State Rooms. Discover how the State Rooms are used today by The Queen for official events.
3. Experience Abbey Road’s iconic crossing without the crowds
If you’ve ever been to the world’s most famous zebra crossing, you’ll know that you can barely see the black and white road markings for the hoards of people wanting to capture a Beatles-album-cover photo opportunity. Today, as people are confined to their homes, experience an almost empty Abbey Road crossing!
4. Watch theatre online
Many theatres are now showing some of their most famous performances online. They’re changing every week, with plenty to choose from. Our favourites include Fleabag with Phoebe Waller-Bridge (£4) and Funny girl with Sheridan Smith (£7.99). Why not make a night of it. Dress up, pop the Champagne and enjoy a theatre night at home.
Wine and dine from your home
5. Try a virtual wine tasting
Join a wine club such as Hedonism, and choose the wines you want to taste. You’ll be invited to take part in a virtual wine tasting conducted by sommeliers who guide you through the tasting process. If you ask us, it’s a great way to try new wines whilst learning a few new wine tasting tips to use at your next zoom dinner party!
6. Prefer something stronger?
If whiskey is more your thing, join the virtual Whiskey Festival where for £30 you’ll be sent a tasting box of 5 whiskeys to try, and invited to take part in an evening of virtual tasting with the co-founder, Becky Paskin.
7. Enjoy dishes from your favourite restaurants, at home.
Do you miss eating at your favourite restaurant? In the spirit of generosity, many restaurants are sharing the recipes to some of their most popular dishes. We’ve tried the Chicken Katsu Curry from Wagamama and can highly recommend it! If you don’t fancy traipsing to the supermarket, Patty & Bun will send all the ingredients you need to your door, complete with detailed instructions on how to make their delicious burgers.
Long haul virtual travel
8. Explore cities you’ve always wanted to go to
It may be a while before you can once again go on a real long-haul journey, but you can still explore the cities on your bucket list with these 360° tours! Feel on top of the world with this view from Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, experience the rush of Times Square in New York – without being pushed about, or get your own private view of Sydney’s Opera House.
Think of it as research for your next adventure!
