Online entertainment

It’s easy to discover and get all the books you want to read, without having to go to a library or bookshop. If you have an internet connection, you can read books directly on a web browser. You can also download books to your tablet or e-reader for offline reading.  

There are websites that offer a wide range of e-books and audiobooks: 

• Project Gutenberg is an online library that offers more than 60,000 free e-books. You can find many classics and browse by author, title and language. To read online, find the book you’re interested in and click on ‘Read this book online: HTML’. Or listen to their selection of audiobooks. Before downloading a publication, you may need to check its terms of use for copyright rules. 
• Audible and Kobo offer many audiobooks from a variety of genres. Find the latest releases, bestsellers and classics, as well as original dramas and podcasts. You can listen to audiobooks through your computer, tablet, e-reader or smartphone – you’ll just need to download the app to your device. However, you’ll need to pay for audiobooks, or buy a monthly membership plan. 

If you’re a member of your local library, you may be able to borrow e-books and audiobooks from them. Visit our webpage Keeping your mind active online for more information. 

You don’t need a TV to watch programmes and films. Instead, you can use a streaming service. This uses your internet connection to play videos through a web browser or an app on your device. 

There are plenty of advantages to using a streaming service. You can: 

• watch TV shows and films whenever, wherever. Unlike watching TV, there isn’t a set time for a programme to be aired, so you can watch at a time that suits you 
• watch on a variety of devices, such as a laptop, tablet, smart TV or mobile phone 
• re-watch as many times as you like. 

There are several streaming services you can use. For example:

• Netflix is a popular website that offers a wide range of films, TV shows and documentaries. You just need an email address to sign up for an account. There is a monthly fee. 
• If you have a TV licence, you can use BBC iPlayer. Watch live programmes and the news, as well as catch up on all the BBC channels. 
• Channel 4 and ITV have their own streaming sites too: All 4 and ITV Hub. You just need an email address to create an account. They’re both free to use to catch up on programmes, although you’ll need a TV licence to watch live TV. 

If you’re aged 75 or over and you receive Pension Credit, you can get a free TV licence. If you’re blind or in residential care, you may get a discount. Visit our webpage Paying for your TV licence for more information. 

If you don't have a radio, you can use the internet to listen to radio shows and music. Most radio stations are available for free online.

You can usually download tracks onto your smartphone or tablet for offline listening, so you can listen when you’re on the go. For example:

• BBC Sounds offers a variety of radio stations, music and podcasts. Listen to live radio from regional and national stations. You can listen online on the BBC Sounds website, or download the app for free on your smartphone. 
• Spotify is an online streaming service where you can listen to music. Search for your favourite artists, create playlists and discover new songs. You can download the app on your phone or computer for free. As well as music, you can listen to podcasts.  

Visit our webpage Keeping your mind active online for more information about podcasts. 

You can search for plenty of your favourite puzzles and games on the internet. You should avoid websites that have a lot of pop-up adverts – you might accidentally click on them and some can be harmful to your computer.

• Many websites offer free crossword puzzles, such as The Guardian and Dictionary.com. You can complete them online or print them out. 
• You can also find websites to play sudoku for free, such as The NY Times and Sudoku.com. You can change the difficulty level to suit yourself. 
• If you want to play chess but don’t have someone to play with, you can play online at Chess.com. It’s free, and you can play against the computer or with another online player.

As well as enjoying entertainment at home, you can use the internet to find activities and groups you’re interested in. It’s a good way to meet new people and try out new hobbies. 

Search for events and social groups you can take part in, either online or in person. You can:

• visit Meetup.com to find social groups and activities in your area. Many groups have online events, where you can explore new hobbies, listen to talks and connect with people who share your interests
• join social groups, such as Men’s Sheds and The Women’s Institute, to find local groups in your community. They provide opportunities to meet new people and take part in activities, such as woodwork, gardening and sports. They’re usually in-person but they also offer online resources and events
• find interest groups for particular hobbies. For example, if you’re interested in singing or playing an instrument, you could search for amateur music groups at Making Music
• keep fit at home with online exercise classes. For example, Extend offers online classes for all levels of fitness, including seated and standing exercise
• watch tutorials and learn new hobbies on YouTube. Search for videos on anything you’re interested in
• learn something new by taking a class or course. Visit our webpage Keeping your mind active online for more information about online learning
• chat with other people through online forums. You can discuss all sorts of topics and interests. Visit our webpage Staying connected online for more information.