While venturing out might not be an option this Easter weekend, it doesn’t mean you can’t visit some of the most amazing attractions from the comfort of your own home! We’ve put together a list of your favourite destinations so you can take a (virtual) trip this Easter weekend. Discover the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace or have an online stroll around the Lake District. Here’s our top 8 attraction hotspots we think you should immerse yourself in this Easter:
Buckingham Palace
Normally playing centre stage to moments of national celebration, from Jubilees and weddings to welcoming tens of thousands of people through its gates each year for Investitures, Garden Parties, Audiences and other events. It’s not normal for Buckingham palace to be so quiet! So now is your chance to explore. Travel down the ornate Grand Staircase into the White Drawing room which is home to many treasures or head straight to the iconic throne room. Once done in the palace there’s also chance to explore recent exhibitions such as Prince and Patron, which gives you the opportunity to see Prince Charles’ favourite art.
Website: www.royal.uk/virtual-tours-buckingham-palace
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a worldwide landmark and is visited by many, but have you ever seen it at night? English Heritage now give you the opportunity to do this with the Skyscape tool. Watch as the sun sets, and the stars come out on this World Heritage site or if you’re an early riser join as the sun rises. Missed one of them? No problem the tool allows you view the past 24 hours so you can re-live as many sunsets and sunrises as you like!
Website: www.stonehengeskyscape.co.uk
Lake District
The Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful areas that many flock to in this lovely weather, but to stay safe and still enjoy the beauty, there has been several cameras set up so you can enjoy the views without visiting the area. Watch birds fly over Windermere lake or watch the water gently run under Ullswater’s Pooley Bridge pier.
Website: www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/webcams-videos-and-photos/webcams
Natural History Museum
Need a virtual school trip to pass the time whilst home-schooling? The Natural History Museum has your back! With 14 online exhibitions covering things like Butterflies and Moths to The Hidden World of the Tank Room, you and your little ones are bound to learn something new! There’s also a short film about the pioneering Museum research that takes place, as well as the chance to navigate the galleries using 360 cameras.
Website: artsandculture.google.com/partner/natural-history-museum
The British Museum
Celebrate all that’s great about the world with a virtual trip to The British Museum! This interactive timeline with items from as far back at 5000 BC and covers all the continents of the world as well as a number of topics such as Art & Design and Power & Identity.
Website: britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/
Victoria and Albert museum
Want to spend time looking at some beautiful art & design? Look no further the V&A has you covered. You can rummage through as many collections as you like and not be told off! Our favourite is the photography collection, which is now one of the largest and most important in the world! Did you know the V&A’s first director, Henry Cole, was an amateur photographer himself and a great supporter of the art of photography, and actually began the collection in 1856 which is the same year the museum was established.
Website: www.vam.ac.uk/collections?type=featured
Edinburgh Zoo
Wondering what the animals at the Zoo are doing whilst its closed? Edinburgh Zoo has the answer with their live webcams of various animals. Watch Yang Guang the panda eat his bamboo lunch or see the penguins huddling around their nests!
Website: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/webcams
Hidcote Manor Gardens
Need some inspiration for your own garden at home? Why not take a tour of Hidcote gardens and see how it’s done! From the stunning views through the heart of the old garden, to the exotic species in the plant house there’s plenty to discover.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote/features/hidcotevirtual-tours
Written by Julia