Whether you’re looking for advice on taking a day trip, holiday inspiration, or ideas for an outing everyone can enjoy, our guide is here to help you.
You never hear anyone talk about ‘The Great Indoors’ – and there’s probably a good reason for that.
After all, a healthier, more fulfilling life begins the moment you step outside your own four walls and explore the world around you. And that’s as true for those in later life as it is for everyone else.
Even if an older person can’t get around like they used to, a simple change of scenery could be exactly what they need to keep their spirits high. Even short outings for seniors can have a positive effect on both mental and physical wellbeing. Spending time outside can increase mood boosting chemicals in the brain, and provides gentle exercise to support heart and joint health.
In this guide, we’ll give you a few ideas to get you started, and talk you through the things you might need to bear in mind ahead of your trip. Plus, we’ll introduce you to a whole range of dementia-friendly options that are making trips away increasingly effortless for carers and families dealing with the condition.
Get inspired
From countryside walks to world-class museums, there are lots of great days out in Britain for those in later life.
Accessibility has improved enormously over the past couple of decades, and you’re bound to find all sorts of support to help you arrange a successful day. This means there’s no need to compromise – an older person can pick and choose the sorts of things they’ve always enjoyed doing, or wanted to do.
So where might you want to go? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Walks
There’s nothing like fresh air and a stretch of the legs to recharge your elderly relative’s batteries. A walk through tranquil countryside or to a local beach is a great way to do just that, and one the whole family can enjoy.
Even if an older person’s mobility is limited, there are lots of websites dedicated to wheelchair-friendly walks, including Accessible Countryside for Everyone, Euan’s Guide, Walks with Wheelchairs and The Outdoor Guide. You’ll also find an accessibility guide on the government’s national parks website.
Gardens
Keen gardeners might like to take a look at one of the many gardens participating in The National Open Garden Scheme (NGS). This annual event provides a great opportunity to peek into other people’s patches, and see the hard work of over 3700 people who open up their private gardens for the visiting public. You can find out the nearest gardens to you in the NGS online directory.
The National Trust also has 200 formal gardens and parks to explore around the UK, many of which host special events throughout the spring and summer. And there’ll always be a tea shop for a welcome cuppa and a piece of cake at the end of your walk.
Local markets and community events
Local events like school fetes, food markets, car boot sales, and street parties are a great way for older people to stay connected to their community, and even make new friends. Being close to home means that those who struggle with low energy or mobility can still do something a bit different, without the pressure of a full day out. To find events, keep an eye on local papers and Facebook groups. Most community events are arranged with accessibility in mind, but if in doubt contact the organisers.
Reserves and sanctuaries
The RSPB has done a lot to ensure its bird reserves across the UK are accessible. They provide full information on dedicated accessibility pages on its website, and in an illustrated, downloadable access statement for each reserve.
Support includes visitor centres with accessible toilets and cafes and dedicated Blue Badge parking bays. There are a range of short and long routes to choose from, all with wide, level paths, regular resting places and seated bird hides. You can also hire mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
For a more enclosed setting, you might want to try a local animal sanctuary or a bird centre, such as the Bird of Prey Centre in Bedfordshire. Petting zoos and farm visits are also an option, though many may not be suitable for wheelchairs and walking frames.
Heritage sites
Both the National Trust and English Heritage are custodians of some of the UK’s most beautiful buildings and grounds – and the tea shops are hard to beat.
They’ve done a lot of work to make their locations as accessible as possible, and most offer disabled toilets and visitors centres on site. But it’s important to check out your chosen building ahead of time, as some may not be fully accessible given their architecture.
You can consult accessibility maps online, or call the property ahead of time for information. And if you think you’ll make visits a regular habit, look into becoming a member of the organisations for benefits such as free entry and invitations to special events.
Tour bus trips
Many cities throughout the UK offer tour bus trips for seniors and the whole family to take in the local history and landmarks.
Operators often run a ‘hop on, hop off’ scheme, which gives you the freedom to alight and explore on foot as much or as little as you like. This can be especially reassuring for those with mobility problems, . These services can be particularly busy in summer during the holiday season, so it’s recommended to book your tickets in advance to ensure you get a seat.
Watching sports
Whatever sport an older person is into, all major venues should have support in place to cater for a diverse range of mobility needs.
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, for example, was purpose-built for the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympics, and has numerous accessible venues, including the Copper Box Arena and the London Aquatics Centre. You’ll find other great suggestions for accessible venues – from cricket grounds to football pitches – on AgeUK’s dedicated page.
Keep in mind that if they have been diagnosed with dementia, they may struggle with the noise and amount of people. But there are often smaller, local sports events which might help you meet them in the middle: smaller horse racing meets, tennis matches and local football matches, for example.
Theatre and cinema
If the arts are more their thing, you’ll find lots of opportunity to indulge their love of them.
Many performances often have special rates for older people during weekdays, making it a particularly cost-effective option. In theatres, you’ll likely have to stick to the stalls at ground level, but ask about accessibility ahead of time and they may well be able to provide disabled seating in the upper circles.
Museums and displays
There are plenty of museums to explore around the UK, from the local to the world-class.
London is full of great collections, including the British Museum, V&A and Imperial War Museum. Open-air museums are harder to come by, but with COVID-19 still a worry for some, the person you’re supporting might feel more comfortable in an outside space. Outside the M25 you’ll find the likes of Beaulieu National Motor Museum, RAF Cosford or Duxford Air Museum. All of these benefit from lots of space and good accessibility.
If they’re sight impaired, there are often large text, braille and audio tours available to enhance the experience. The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) can provide more information on this sort of thing.
Ride on a steam train
Relive the good old days with a ride on a steam train, while enjoying lunch and the sights of rural Britain. It’s a great trip for the whole family, and keeps those who need mobility support in mind. With ramps from platforms and wide passageways, these steam trains have been lovingly preserved and are a great way to see Britain.
You can find the nearest steam route near you on the Visit Britain, the UK & Ireland Heritage or Welcome To Scotland websites.
Other activities
If you’re still short of inspiration for outings and fancy exploring a bit more, The Carers Trust charity has a list of ideas to act as a starting point, while OpenBritain provides a simple way to find accessible destinations and places to stay around the UK.
