15 mood-boosting things to do in lockdown in Liverpool

2021’s got off to a bit of a rocky start, but we can still make the most of all the good stuff that Liverpool has going for it all year round as well as some of the great things that have started up in lockdown.

The next few weeks are going to be more of that mix we’ve all got used to: finding things to do while you’re warm inside and getting out for some exercise and fresh air – and, if you’re working or schooling the kids from home, taking a laptop break.

Here are 15 mood-boosting ideas to cheer us up and help get us through …

Tackle lockdown one pastry at a time

We’ve had a go at homemade banana bread, but sometimes you just want to leave it to the experts. Wild Loaf bakery, which was in Hardman Yard, has switched online for now so you can get its gorgeous pastries, sourdough and doughnuts delivered to home. The online shop is getting restocked on Monday Jan 11, so get ready. More info here.

Squirrel spotting in the park

Picture – Knowsley Safari

Liverpool’s parks are beautiful in every season, and in January you get to see all the green shoots starting to come up for spring which is enough to make anyone feel more optimistic about things. The squirrels are out in force too, and usually pretty tame – take some unsalted, unsweetened nuts in your pocket and they’ll soon be your best mate!

Go to an exhibition – without leaving the sofa

A model of Liverpool Castle – Museum of Liverpool

Even though museums and galleries are closed at the moment, you can still have a virtual wander. National Museums Liverpool has virtual 3D tours of some exhibitions, including its collection of full-size dinosaur skeletons which kids will love. Or if you’re feeling nostalgic for a look at the city as it used to be, head to Open Eye Gallery’s website where you can take a virtual tour of L- A City Through Its People which brings together three fantastic exhibitions of images showing Liverpool from the 50s to now. 

Live music from the Cavern

Live music venues don’t come much more iconic than The Cavern Club, and even though you can’t actually be at a gig, they’ve set up the next best thing. The Beat Goes On … Line live streams from Liverpool, seven days a week from 12pm to 10pm so you can tune in, get involved and support local artists. Watch live here.

Get the garden ready for spring

Unlike the first big lockdown, garden centres have been allowed to stay open this time so you can have a browse, get some advice and get your garden or yarden all ready for spring and summer in time to really make the most of it. Show the independents some love and the experts there will happily share their tips for planting.

Love tea and cocktails – how about both?

LEAF’s Winter Aperol Spritz

Honestly, who doesn’t love tea, and cocktails (if you’re not doing dry January)? If you fancy combining the two – and it’s lockdown after all – then Leaf’s got you covered. We’re missing days and nights on Bold Street and Smithdown, but until they’re back you can order Leaf’s cocktails online, including Elderflower Marteani and Blood Orange Margarita, all made with their own tea blends.

Order yours here.

Watch Bongo’s Got Talent

Ant & Dec might have ITV all sewn up, but in Liverpool you can’t beat Johnny Bongo and now he’s back to bring some Bongo’s mayhem to lockdown again. Bongo’s Got Talent is this Saturday, live from the bungalow from 8pm on Twitch (WWW.TWITCH.COM/BONGOSBINGO) and if you’re quick there’s still time to get in your video entries showing your talent for a chance to win prizes including a Henry Hoover, a giant fluffy unicorn and cash.

Take a DIY tour of the Baltic’s street art

How many of these spots have you been to in the @baltictriangle? ?️ pic.twitter.com/H79Q3KFhfv

— The Guide Liverpool (@TheGuideLpool) April 8, 2020

The Baltic Triangle is full of surprises everywhere you look – there’s street art all over, and if you keep wandering around you’ll stumble across plenty. Grab a takeaway coffee from Coffee & Fandisha or 92 Degrees and see how many you can find. Paul Curtis’s Liver Bird Wings on Jamaica Street is the perfect place to start, then see if you can tick off the Abbey Road zebra crossing, Jurgen Klopp, Stephen Hawking, five Everton legends, a few Banksy-inspired ones and a gorgeous blue Liver Bird among others.

Treat yourself to a fancy dinner delivered

Lots of Liverpool restaurants have created delivery at home boxes during lockdown so you can have a go at making some of your favourites yourself. If you want top notch Chinese then you can get Luban food shipped to home, and the Art School at Home and Elite Bistro at Home will help you pretend your dining table’s a posh restaurant.

Walk or cycle by the river

Not only does the river always have a calming effect, it’s free, which is even better. Wrap up because it feels a few degrees colder on the waterfront, but if you time it right the sunsets are amazing, so it’s the perfect place to clear your head and get a bit of exercise.

Turn up the anthems and turn your living room into a dancefloor

House raves and live streams have been a big thing from Liverpool DJs during lockdown. Keep a look out for those and if you feel like a night of massive anthems and old school floor fillers to get you up off the sofa, head to In Demand radio on Saturday night for The Reminisce Radio Show with Steve Cocky from 8pm, the likes of Liam Hincks and Dave Graham on Friday and on Sunday this week our very own Jay Hynd is on 2-4pm with tonnes of uplifting anthems for your weekend.

Make some head space with a feelgood yoga session

Yoga and meditation are a perfect way to destress after a day of trying to connect to the wifi or getting the kids to do their school work. Yin Yan in Liverpool has shifted its classes online and they have them morning, lunchtime or evenings so you can find one that fits in with whatever else you’ve got to do.  You could do it on your own or do a virtual class with mates. More info here.

Do a home DIY project

DIY might sound too much like hard-work, and not that mood-lifting, but it can actually give you a big boost to turn something that was a bit shabby into something gorgeous whether it’s a whole room or just a piece of furniture. Craig Phillips and his wife Laura started Mr & Mrs DIY which basically shares tips and tricks for how to do it right without all the stress of a botch job. Their videos are on YouTube and Facebook.

Relax with a bestseller

Reading has been another lifeline in lockdown because you can’t beat escaping the madness by disappearing into a great book. Liverpool city libraries has thousands of ebooks, audio books and comics available to download. All you need to do is set yourself up online with a library card and then you can get started. More info here.

Solve a virtual mystery or escape challenge

Whether you fancy brushing up your sleuthing skills with a murder mystery at home or trying your hand at an escape room, there’s loads of Liverpool-based online experiences and activities, tours and talks to sign up for here.