Your Bank Holiday just got better: Tech hacks for streaming, exploring and more

Everyone loves a long weekend! Whether you’re craving a cozy movie marathon, some action-packed outdoor fun, or a bit of both, there’s a tech solution to make the experience that much better. Think of this article as your cheat sheet for the best Bank Holiday ever, including streaming secrets, activity inspiration and even making sure your internet won’t slow you down.

Streaming delights

Sometimes the best Bank Holiday weekend consists of nothing more than curling up on the sofa and watching telly. If you want a change from watching the same old stuff you’ve seen a thousand times before, spice up your watchlist with these tips:

• Explore niche services: Beyond Netflix and the big names, try services like MUBI (international and indie films), Shudder (for horror fans), Cruncyhroll (an anime lover’s paradise), or Curiosity Stream (educational documentaries). Many offer free trials to help you find your new favourite genre.
• British cinema spotlight: Sites like BFI Player and Curzon Home Cinema offer a wide selection of home-grown movies and hidden gems, perfect for a lazy afternoon or rainy day in.
• Audio delights: Don’t forget podcasts and audiobooks! There’s a mind-boggling array out there, from comedy and current affairs to captivating stories for those marathon relaxation sessions. Search your favourite podcast app or try Audible for a vast audiobook library. 

Activity central

If you’re looking to get up and moving, try these activity-boosting ideas:

• Family scavenger hunts: Websites like treasuretrails.co.uk offer pre-designed hunts across the UK, with themes to suit everyone! Perfect for turning a local walk into an adventure.
• Explore your local area: Sites like Eventbrite often showcase free or cheap Bank Holiday events, from local festivals to guided walks. Who knows, you might discover something amazing on your doorstep!
• Level up your walks: If a simple stroll isn’t enough, try a themed photo walk to help you focus on your surroundings, and give you all the snaps you need for a nice memento of your day.

Activate adventure mode

Looking for more outdoor fun? These tech tools will elevate your long weekend explorations:

• Hiking and navigation apps: AllTrails, Komoot, and similar apps offer detailed trail maps, elevation data, and even offline access for when you’re off the beaten track. Look for features like route recommendations tailored for your fitness level.
• Geocaching adventures: Join the worldwide treasure hunting craze! The official Geocaching website turns finding hidden containers into a thrilling game that’s perfect for all ages.
• Stargazing: There are lots of stargazing apps to choose from, to transform your phone into a map of the constellations. Seek out spots with minimal light pollution and try the app’s augmented reality (AR) feature to superimpose stars over the real sky.
• Nature anywhere: Stuck inside due to the weather? 360° virtual tours of national parks, or even live zoo webcams, can bring a touch of the outdoors right into your living room… perfect for keeping the kids entertained on rainy days.

Need a boost?

All this streaming, exploring, and uploading those fantastic Bank Holiday pics needs a reliable connection! Make sure buffering and slowdowns don’t spoil your fun. Check what Zen packages are available in your area for superfast, stress-free broadband speeds. Upgrade to full fibre or boost your package to truly make the most of your long weekend adventures.