London at home: virtual things to do this week (18th May -24th May 2020)
With lockdown still very much on the agenda the virtual world is blowing up. Here are some of the virtual activities you need to check out this week, from the virtual Chelsea Flower show, to online poetry, to silent discos and sweaty online workout sessions.
Chelsea Flower Show
When?
Monday: Open to Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) members for an exclusive ‘first look’
Tuesday - Saturday: Open to the general public all day
#FLODown: The Chelsea Flower Show is kicking off on Monday and will feature daily videos from well-known garden designers, florists and gardening personalities, as well as lunchtime Q&A sessions with RHS advisors and other special guests. Expect family friendly activities with the ‘School Gardening Club’ and get access to behind the scenes tours of the award-winning nurseries as well as great advice on caring for your plants.
This year's virtual show will not only allow you to enjoy the usual best bits of the event, but it is also helping nurseries and other members of the horticultural industry impacted by the coronavirus. By allowing these businesses to host demonstrations and workshops, in addition to showcasing their displays and plant collections they will still have the opportunity to market their business on a huge platform. With many turning to gardening to help them get through this lockdown, this is the perfect opportunity to get inspired.
Visit their website for more information on how to get involved.
Silent Disco with #LeakeStreetLIVE
When?
Wednesday 20th May at 8am
Image: Leake Street Arches
#FLODown: #LeakeStreetLIVE isthe free online events programme run by Leake Street Arches, is partnering with Secret Sunrise -the global silent guided dance and meditation community - to host a virtual silent disco!
Tune in this Wednesday (20th May) for some much needed morning motivation and a massive rush of endorphins as you shake out those quarantine blues. The session is taking place via Zoom and will start at 8am.Guests are being encouraged to dress up and shake out their self-isolation blues.
Register at Eventbrite to join.
Among Trees Exhibition at Hayward Gallery
When?
Anytime
#FLODown: Explore nature from your home with Hayward Galleries’ magical ‘Among Trees’ exhibition. Walk through the exhibition with this incredible behind the scenes experience, featuring insights from gallery director Ralph Rugoff, and incredible footage of tree-like installations and some works that actually involve real trees.
Visit their website to start your walk through now.
Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College
When?
Anytime
Image: Old Royal Naval College
#FLODown: Known as Britain’s ‘Sistine Chapel’ The Painted Hall boasts one of the most spectacular Baroque interiors in Europe. The incredible ceiling and wall was conceived and executed by British artist Sir James Thornhill and took 19 years to complete.
The Old Royal Naval College is offering an opportunity to see the magnificent 45-metre-high (147ft) ceilings virtually. You’ll get to zoom in on the details of the dome in the Lower Hall and learn about the significance of the building to King William III and Queen Mary II.
Visit their website now for more information.
Workout with Third Space
When?
Monday – Sunday (various times)
#FLODown: Third Space is a favourite among high-flying city workers and is well-known for its unique luxury aesthetics and top-notch equipment. This luxury London health club has its membership prices starting at £165 per calendar month but they are currently offering a huge range of live classes for free, including Pulse, Vinyasa Yoga Core and HITT classes. Check out their Instagram Lives for a taste of luxury when you work out.
Visit their website to see their workout schedule.
Anno Mitsumasa at Japan House London
When?
Anytime
#FLODown: Explore the world of Anno Mitsumasa via Japan House online. Mitsumasa is know for his picture books and illustrations, and Japan House is currently presenting the opportunity to go on an interactive virtual tour of their 2019 exhibition dedicated to Anno Mitsumasa which includes 3D objects and 84 pieces of work from the artist.
Visit their website to start your tour now.
A poem a day at the National Poetry Library
When?
Anytime
#FLODown: Head to the National Poetry Library and enjoy their online large collection of moving, funny and ground-breaking poems that are all available to read online. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get some daily inspiration and tap into something other than Netflix for half an hour.
You can also explore their online catalogue of over 200,000 items to find material for reference and loan (this requires you to signing up). Visit their website for more.
Kew Gardens Tours
When?
Anytime
#FLODown: Escape to Kew Gardens and explore their botanic gardens right from your sofa. Some of the highlights include a virtual tour inside their iconic glasshouse, and with the help of their knowledgeable horticulturists you’ll learn all about the great urban rainforest and how they are taking care of the plants and their famous bees during the lockdown.
Visit their website for more.
Theatre to stream online
When?
Anytime
#FLODown: The entertainment industry might be on hold for the moment, but there are still ways to bring the theatre to your living room. From a selection of Shakespeare’s plays to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals check out our guide to theatre shows that you can stream online now.
