Bank holidays and weekends might be a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the time off.
We’ve taken some traditional bank holiday activities and added a FutureLearn twist so that you, your family, housemates or otherwise can keep busy inside together this long weekend.
Take a trip to the cinema
Write your own film
You won’t be able to go and see a film this weekend, so why not learn to write one?
Put your screenwriting hat on and learn from experts at the University of East Anglia on their course An Introduction to Screenwriting, and write your first screenplay.
Plus, when you’re finished, why not ask your family or housemates to audition for the leading roles?
Not into writing? Check out other new hobby ideas.
Visit Sudbury Hall
Learn about the life and legacy of Jane Austen
You won’t be able to walk in the footsteps of Mr Darcy this weekend (Sudbury Hall was used as the shooting location for the Long Gallery which portrayed Pemberley in the BBC series of Pride and Prejudice). But you can learn all about the fascinating life and legacy of Jane Austen with experts at the University of Southampton.
Explore other social history courses here.
Take a city break
For those with cancelled flights, all is not lost.
Explore the architecture and history of Rome through a 3D digital model of the ancient city, with this free online course from the University of Reading. You’ll get to experience history and culture without the hordes of tourists and the city break exhaustion.
When (not) in Rome, check out other cultures, start learning a new language, or even plan your next trip abroad with this collection of holidays and travel courses.
See a play at the Globe
Delve into the life and works of William Shakespeare
Theatres may be closed for the foreseeable, but you can still get your culture fix with the British Council’s course.
Explore and discuss the universal themes Shakespeare addressed in his work with your friends and family, and examine which of his plays are most relevant to our world today. Anyone doth protest?
If you love art, fiction and culture, take a look at our collection of courses to boost your creativity.
Hold a murder mystery dinner party
Solve a crime using nothing but eyewitness evidence
Fancy yourself as the next best detective inspector?
Join The Open University’s course and sharpen your investigative skills in good time for your next murder mystery event! Why not encourage your friends, household and family to take part, and see who can crack the case the fastest?
True crime lovers, rejoice. Find more criminology and forensics courses here.
Visit a family member
Learn how to trace your family tree
Always wanted to find out where your family name originated, and who your ancestors are? Get an introduction to the study of genealogy with this online course for beginners and enthusiasts alike, made by experts at the University of Strathclyde.
Want to dig deeper? Discover your roots with more online courses on culture and identity.
Go for a drink with your significant other
Learn how science is changing the future of reproduction
If you’re unable to meet with friends or that special someone in your life this weekend, learn about how technology is changing the way we reproduce with UCL’s online course Making Babies in the 21st Century.
You can tell them all about what you’ve learnt when you see them again!
Or, discover more online courses on understanding our world.
Travel to the moon
Explore the moons of our solar system from home
We might have pushed it with this one but for those of you who don’t wouldn’t be able to take a casual trip to the moon, you can always take a tour of the solar system whilst staying safe and comfortable at home.
Dehydrated snacks not included – but we wouldn’t recommend them anyway.
If you’re still stuck for ideas, check out our boredom buster courses to entertain, inform, and teach you new things.
For even more tips, check out our list of 50 free things to do in lockdown.
If you’re embracing this as a time to slow down or you’d like to explore techniques to help with mental health, we’ve got courses led by experts in mindfulness and wellbeing to help you understand, adjust and incorporate ways to adapt to the new normal.
However you spend it, we hope you enjoy your bank holiday weekend and stay safe and well.
