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Lockdown London Fun

Lockdown London Fun: Indoors & Out

Lockdown London Fun: Indoors & Out

LOCKDOWN NEEDN’T CONSIST OF BOARD GAMES AND BOREDOM – WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED WITH OUR UPDATED GUIDE ON KEEPING OCCUPIED

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VIRTUAL THEATRICS

One thing’s certain, it’s that we could all do with a good laugh and some timeless entertainment right now; and no Lockdown London Fun Guide would be complete without the means for a hearty laugh and streamable culture.

Luckily, the heart of London’s stand-up culture is on hand to lighten the mood from our homes. The Comedy Store will be returning on January 29 for a funny Friday special, set to be the internet’s most brutal open mic session.

National Theatre subscribers can enjoy the best of British theatre from the comfort of the sofa as the National Theatre at Home initiative continues. Nick Stafford’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s timeless novel, War Horse, remains available for family viewing, as does the National’s pantomime, Dick Whittington.

Locally, Fulham’s Finborough Theatre continues to run their #Finboroughforfree platform, with shows including the critically acclaimed Continuity available to stream on demand. West London’s Bush Theatre is following suit as it moves planned performances online, while a number of Netflix-style streaming platforms have emerged to rescue usual culture cultures from doomscrolling, from Globe Player to Digital Theatre.

Virtual Theatrics - War Horse NT Online

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COOK UP A STORM

Utilise the extra time in doors to get some warming comfort food on the go. Clear out the cupboards and get a cook-a-long going, inspired by some of our fabulous recipes. With many of us looking to progressively change our consumption habits and the frequency at which we eat meat and animal products, why not try out a plant-based alternative in aid of Veganuary!

As the broth bubbles and the tart cases brown, tuck into one of our big-name food interviews:

  • Monica Galetti on her Surrey relocation and Masterchef
  • Marcus Wareing on his Michelin-Starred eaterie and life in Wimbledon
  • Adam Byatt talks comfort food – a deliciously warming read featuring the TV chef’s home kitchen tips

There’s many more bite size food stories and recipes to be had on our food page.

Cook up a Storm: Lockdown London Fun

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WALK IT OFF

With national lockdown restrictions in place and movement outside your own area prohibited, there has never been a better time to explore some local beauty spots and walking trails; shake up your exercise routine for some Lockdown London Fun with the family outside the home.

Boost your mental and physical health with a stroll through the Surrey Hills, wander through one of south west London’s gargantuan Commons, or extend your weekend amble with a visit to a local park, picking up a coffee and a pastry from an independent retailer en-route – cafes can still for takeaways.

See here for our guide to the best local walks over winter. Pictured: Winkworth Arboretum (c) National Trust.

Tier 4 Christmas

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OUT AND ABOUT

There’s no doubt the scope for al fresco family adventure is limited, but there are options.

The National Trust continues to keep a number of its spaces open for daytime roaming within the rules, as does Kew Gardens – the buildings remain closed, although the outdoor spaces are open for those in need of some time among nature.

Out & About: Lockdown London Fun

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GET BUSY

With the office commute scrapped for many of us, and limited social options aside from a wintry stroll with a friend or family member, there’s more time ready to be utilised.

Whether it’s a habit you’ve seen drop off one new year’s resolution list onto the other, some home improvement planning or self-improvement, be it physical or mental, ahead of a re-introduction of pre-Covid normality, we’ve got inspiration in the form of our staying in listicle.

Get conversational in Italian ahead of your post-pandemic tour of the Amalfi Coast, get those conservatory plans drawn up before entertaining over the summer, impress pals with a new craft hobby, or scribble down plans for the adventure of a lifetime (soon come!).

Zoom quizzes are no doubt set to return – but why not get the family involved with The Alexandra’s virtual quiz, a free-to-participate initiative streamed across their social media channels each Monday, from 8pm.