If you’d have asked me months ago how I would feel about staying home all day, every day, not having to go to work – yet still being paid 80% for the privilege, and still having the remainder of my holiday allowance, I would have jumped at the chance!
The catch is though, that we literally cannot go anywhere! Bowling and the cinema are a no-go and the only food we can order is a take away. If you’re lucky enough to be living (or staying) with your partner – or hey, even a friend! – then why not try out some of these date night activities that can be done from the comfort of your own home, and whatsmore, can be done for practically nothing!
1. Have a picnic in the garden
Or on the balcony… depends on your circumstances, of course!
Why not embrace the good weather and have a picnic in the garden? It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, with the power of your imagination, you could pretend you are in a park somewhere, or by the beach, and soak up the summer rays with some snacks, music and conversation.

2. Light up the Barbie
Again, this depends if you have a garden or not! You can order a BBQ relatively cheaply online or you could pick one up in the supermarket while you do your weekly food shop (I’m pretty certain I saw some in Tesco the other day!) As convenient as they are though, I don’t recommend the disposable BBQs. From my past experience, they don’t heat up evenly, they don’t stay hot for very long and they made my food taste like lighter fluid – yuck!

3. Build a blanket fort
I actually did this today. I managed to prop up a fitted sheet above the bed (strategically held up with string and tied to the curtain pole and coat hook, LOL!) strung some battery fairy lights along the edges and filled it with cushions and a duvet. You could have a film night or a gaming session – or if you’re feeling really adventurous, take the party outdoors instead and make a tent in the garden to do some stargazing

4. Have a movie marathon
If you’ve got a few hours to spare – let’s be honest, most of us have now – why not watch all the Harry Potter, Marvel, Star Wars or Lord of the Rings movies in order? Why not make it more fun and turn it into some kind of drinking game? Eg. take a sip every time Harry says ‘wand’.

5. Exercise together
Joe Wicks is streaming PE lessons online, there are an abundance of tutorials and routines on YouTube and, let’s be honest, nearly all of us have a workout dvd on the shelf, or a wii board tucked under the sofa gathering dust. Why not spend some quality time together while benefitting your health? It can do wonders for your mood and mental health too!
Alternatively, why not learn one of the trending dance routines on TikTok? Oh na na na…

6. Set up a photoshoot session together
All you need is a tripod and a shutter remote. You can pick these up quite cheaply from Amazon. You don’t have to have a top DSLR camera either, you can get a good quality photo with a mobile phone and you can download editing apps for free, so you don’t have to be a Photoshop wizard.

7. Get cooking
There are some amazing recipes online and it’s so rewarding to be able to cook and enjoy the food you’ve both made afterwards. You could alternatively turn it into a game – perhaps something like the tv shows Ready, Steady, Cook… or Come Dine With Me?

8. Grow together
If you have a patch of soil – and if you don’t have a garden you can pick up grow bags or plant pot kits pretty cheaply – why not plant some flowers or veggies? It’s the perfect time of the year to do so
