Virtual ways to explore the UK in June

Chevening

Chevening

The UK continues to get creative and bring us so many ways to enjoy our time indoors or socially distancing outdoors. Here is our round up of the some of our favourite things going on in June.

Every year, thousands of people flock to Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, to camp out for the annual summer solstice – the official start to the summer. The hot (fingers crossed) weather is coming! The event is cancelled this year, but do not fear – they have gone virtual – by live streaming the event. For more information, please look on the official Facebook page here. The live stream will start 30 minutes before sunset on Saturday, 20 June and end at sunrise (04.52) on Sunday, 21 June. Don’t worry if you can’t stay up for it – you can catch it later as they’re saving the live stream video.

 

Do you fancy watching a live stream reading group perform Shakespeare plays?! ‘The Show Must Go Online’ is a digital project to bring Shakespeare plays to the comfort of your own home. Every Wednesday at 7pm, watch live here.

 

Transport yourself to the British Museum in London – virtually – for an interactive tour. You’re able to click on artefacts, read about their history and hear more information with an audio guide.

 

Or would you prefer a singalong with Tom? Get together on Facebook live to sing old London tunes every Thursday at 8.30pm. For more information, please look here.

 

From sing-alongs to mushrooms – transport yourself into Somerset House in London and go on a virtual tour of mushrooms. As the tour description states online ‘The exhibition explores the colourful cultural legacy of the humble mushroom and their powerful potential in the planet’s survival, as innovative designers experiment with the sustainable material of mushrooms in fashion, homewares and architecture’. Increase your knowledge, get comfy and learn something new, by joining the event here.

 

From mushrooms, we whiz back to the Ice Age. Head on a virtual tour of the Ice Age to Iron Age gallery in the Great North Museum in Newcastle.

 

The outdoors:

 

Running events are a big part of UK life for a lot of people, but sadly, the majority of summer events are cancelled in 2020. However, you still have time to put your running shoes on and take part in your own running challenge! Explore a part of the country you live in through the power of your own two feet. Join The Great Run Solo, a virtual running event, and commit to running either 7km or 7miles in 7 days or 50km, 75km, 100km or 280km in 28 days, all whilst fundraising for the NHS. It costs £10 to sign up, and all money raised goes towards the NHS charities. For more information, please look here.

 

Discover the local trees around your home in London. Tree Talk encourages Londoners to explore, discover and identify the trees most local to them – all possible whilst social distancing. Share your best photos of trees using #treetalk or @treetalkuk.

 

Science/animals:

 

Would you like to scrub up on your science knowledge? Newcastle’s award-winning science museum has created a #LifeGoesOnline series with a lot of online videos, experiments and virtual events to keep all ages entertained.

 

And finally, join a virtual safari tour at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire.