7 fun winter activities with your new blanket

A blanket is just the start! Read on for cosy activities to make the most of the winter season, from breakfast in bed to building a blanket fort. When the days are dark and cold, these indoor rainy-day activities will generate fun, laughter and warm feelings inside and out.

Build a blanket fort

If you haven’t made a blanket fort since you were a kid, you’re missing out! What better way to hide from the cold weather than inside a cosy den? All you need to do is pull together a selection of structural supports (chairs, broom handles, lamp stands) and a pile of sheets, duvets and blankets and have fun building. Add sparkly fairy lights, comfy cushions and you have the perfect hideaway to read, watch TV or simply snuggle with someone you love. Find blanket fort inspiration on Pinterest.

cosy tabletop scene with friends together

Hygge is about enjoying simple, cosy activities with good friends during the dark winter months. Image: Map of Joy

Practice “hygge”

Hard to explain and even harder to pronounce, the Danish word "hygge" (pronounced "hoo-gah") translates roughly as ‘cosiness’ but is far more than that. Hygge is an approach to wellbeing that helps Danes through the dark days of winter by creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with cherished people. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Cosying up with a loved one for a movie – that’s hygge, too. And there's nothing more hygge than sitting around with friends and family, discussing the big and small things in life. Perhaps hygge explains why the Danes are some of the happiest people in the world?

breakfast in bed scene with tray of pancakes and light blue wool blanket

What better use for a cosy blanket than wrapping up for breakfast in bed? This Duck Egg Blue Herringbone throw is from The British Blanket Company

Make breakfast in bed

Don’t hurry when it’s raining outside, book yourself some me-time to enjoy breakfast in bed. Wrap one of our small wool throws around your shoulders (they’re designed to be the perfect size) and start that new book you’ve been saving. A proper breakfast in bed tray is a worthwhile investment to make the experience really special. For tasty breakfast in bed ideas, our Breakfast and Brunch Recipes Pinterest board has delicious options to try.

cosy movie night scene with yellow sofa and navy blue wool blanket

Netflix + blankets = a match made in heaven! Find the Navy Blue Herringbone throw at The British Blanket Company

Host a movie night

When darkness falls early in winter, settling in for an afternoon film is the perfect way to pass the time. There are some great films on Netflix in January 2022. I enjoyed the new movie Don’t Look Up, an offbeat comedy with a stellar cast, and will definitely be re-watching an old favourite, Silver Linings Playbook. There’s also the Cats movie (yes, that Cats movie) which must be worth a watch to see if it really is that bad! Netflix + blankets = a match made in heaven, so cuddle up and tune in. There are more tips in this guide to hosting a cosy movie night.

red poodle wrapped in a blue and grey wool blanket from The British Blanket Company

Our resident blanket tester Scout is always ready to give new designs the paws-up!

Bond with your pets

Have you indulged in our #petsinblankets hashtag on Instagram? If you love cute snuggly animals (and who doesn’t) what are you waiting for? Photographing your own pet is a great way to bond with them on rainy winter day indoors. We have a useful blog post filled with practical pet photography techniques to help you learn how to take better photos of your pet. Don’t forget to post your photos on Instagram using #petsinblankets so we can see them!

autumn picnic basket with green wool blanket thermos flask and red mug

A winter picnic can be just as enjoyable as a summer one, provided you have the right equipment. A waterproof backed picnic rug and hot drinks are essentials.

Enjoy a winter picnic

Picnics are not just for summer! Whether you bundle up in a warm scarf and head outdoors with your trusty waterproof picnic blanket or host an indoor picnic on the carpet, this classic activity is sociable and fun. Head to our winter picnic guide to discover some favourite picnic spots in the UK and the best winter picnic food to bring. You’ll also find discounts on waterproof picnic blankets in our New Year Sale.

couple wrapped in a blanket stargazing on a hillside

Six of the UK's National Parks have special dark skies status, which means they are especially good for stargazing. Image: Marie Claire

Try stargazing

Clear winter skies are perfect for stargazing, so this is a great time to give it a try. A cloudless night and a rural location are best, as light pollution will limit the stars you can see. We recommend Go Stargazing UK or the S tar Walk App, which explain the different constellations and stars you can see in the sky above. You’ll find more stargazing advice here – remember to take wool blankets and scarves to keep warm while you watch the glittering night sky.

Don’t forget, there’s still time to get a beautiful blanket at a discounted price in our New Year Sale. Some designs have already sold out, so don’t delay in ordering your favourite. There are pure wool blankets, merino wool throws, soft scarves and luxury picnic rugs, all with 15% off for a limited time. Shop The British Blanket Company Sale now!