Manchester has recently joined Lancashire and Liverpool under the tier three restrictions and we’ve had to say a goodbye to lots of things we we’re just getting used to doing again. We are no longer allowed to mix with other households, indoors or outdoors, including in private gardens. With that in mind, you may be wondering what you actually can do. Us too! So, we’ve done some research, and here are our findings.

It’s worth noting that if you’re a single occupier of a property, support bubbles are still allowed to continue. Please note that this is for guidance only. If you’re unsure on something, please check the government website, and if you’re out-and-about, remember to keep a social distance, wash your hands and cover your face.

Visit pubs and restaurants for a meal

Good news: Pubs and restaurants have been granted permission to stay open under tier three restrictions, as long as you’re getting a substantial meal. Manchester’s hospitality scene needs all the support it can get at the moment, so a visit to your local with your household is a great way to spend a rainy Manchester weekend.

Go for a workout

Whilst booking a gym class feels as competitive as getting your hands on a Glastonbury ticket at the moment, spending time in the gym is a great way to get of the house. Whether you’re studying from home, working from home, or generally spending less time out-and-about, it’s easy to feel that ‘cabin fever’ feeling. Not only does exercise do wonders for your mental and physical health, it’s a nice way to get out of the house for a few hours, without breaking any tier three rules.

Re-organise your home

The likes of Marie Kondo and Get Organised with The Home Edit have both taken Netflix by storm recently. If you haven’t already seen these shows, you need to see them! They provide the best organisational and decluttering tips. Houses up and down the country are taking the sage advice of Marie Kondo, will yours be next?

Become a houseplant expert

Spending more time at home doesn’t mean you should miss out on nature. Even in a small space houseplants will detoxify the air and add interest to your room. It’s said some houseplants can even reduce anxiety and help you achieve a good night’s sleep. Manchester city centre has a great selection of houseplant shops, some of our favourites are Venus Flowers, opposite our Oxford Street Office. Glasshouse, a pink paradise located just outside of the Whitworth Locke Hotel and Northern Flower, the Northern Quarter’s friendliest flower shop.

Zoom quizzes

Love them or hate them, Zoom quizzes are here to stay. Round up all of your friends and get social safely. Exhausted all the quiz topics from lockdown part-1? Here are some alternatives:

Pictionary – this game involves one member of the group drawing an item and the rest of the group guessing. It’s really simple, and don’t worry if you’re not a natural artist. Often, the worse the picture is, the funnier the game is. Apps like Drawzie allow you all to go head-to-head on the app, or use a random word generator and scrap paper for the old-school experience

Bingo – The bingo halls are closed but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy an old school game of bingo. One person on the team will have to draw the short straw and be the caller, but this is such a fun way to send an evening with friends.

Charades – This classic party game has seen a second resurgence this year. Take it in turns between friends to guess the film, book or TV show, using hang gestures only, no voices allowed! Whoever guesses correctly is the winner.

Go for an autumn walk

The government has recommended that you don’t leave your immediate area under tier three restrictions. Luckily in Manchester we have a huge selection of walks and parks in and around the city. We’ve put together a list of all of our favourites here.

We hope this guide has given you a little inspiration for some ways to keep busy during the tier three restrictions. Whatever you get up to, remember to follow the government guidance and keep safe.