Attractions all over the world have been forced to close due to coronavirus, but many have found a new way of reaching people – by moving their offerings online.
One London guide has done just that, by making her ‘hidden spots’ tour a virtual experience.
The news of London’s lockdown didn’t stop Katie Wignall – creator of walking tour company and blog Look Up London.
Usually, Katie takes her guests on a trip around some of the capital’s best-kept secret spots, But after the nation was urged to stay home, she was forced to suspend all tours until further notice.
But instead of completely shutting up shop, Katie moved her tours over to her Instagram page, @look_uplondon, where she filmed three livestreams – with the help of her cameraman husband.
Following these, Katie decided that it would be safest to carry out the tours from her own home.
Katie told Insider: ‘We wanted to do it from home to encourage everyone else to stay home as well.’
Instead, the tour guide got creative with some videos she’d collected over the years, as well as photos from Google Street View.
Katie then filmed herself explaining hidden spots at each location – for a unique, virtual tour.
So far she’s covered Aldgate, Mayfair, Bethnal Green, Smithfield, Trafalgar Square, Guildhall, Covent Garden, Borough and more.
Her online tours are free, but there’s an option to donate via PayPal.
She added: ‘My livelihood is doing walking tours, so it’s just been so lovely. Even people giving whatever amount of money they can.’
But Katie isn’t the only one adapting to lockdown – an Italian grandma has moved her famous pasta-making classes online, so people can take part in quarantine.
For other virtual inspiration, zoos are running livestream webcams of their animal enclosures.
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