garden day out

Getting out and about is highly beneficial to all ages, but as we get older it becomes increasingly important to keep our bodies moving and our minds engaged. That’s why, when life slows down, we want to embrace the opportunity to enjoy more day trips and days out.

Whether you live with a partner, family or by yourself, the fresh surroundings and social interactions of a day trip can really help boost your wellbeing and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Besides, who doesn’t love a nice day out, spending time with the people you love, making new discoveries and memories?

Here are nine of our favourite day trip ideas for older adults to inspire you for your next day out.

  1. Explore a garden

Whether you’d like inspiration for your own garden or to simply drink in the sights and scents of beautiful surroundings, there are so many stunning public gardens to visit across the UK and most are really accessible. Explore the world’s natural beauty in a single day at the Eden Project in Cornwall, for example. Or perhaps visit one of several outstanding RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) gardens dotted across the UK.

  1. Visit a museum

If there’s one thing we Brits know how to do well, it’s a museum. With such a long, fascinating history and a huge array of cultural influences, the UK boasts some of the oldest, largest and best museums in the world. Whatever you’re into, be it Shakespeare, surfing, fashion or science, you name it, there’ll probably be a museum dedicated to it. And for the ultimate museum experience, with more than 23 galleries covering over two million years of history, we say everyone should visit the British Museum at least once in their lifetime.

  1. Go swimming

Open water, natural saltwater pools or indoor swimming, there are all sorts of places where you can enjoy the freedom of the water. Perhaps you could spend a sunny day at the lido or check your local swimming pool’s timetable for a session that suits. The many wellbeing benefits of swimming are very well documented. Research commissioned by Swim England found that “swimmers live longer [and] that regular swimming helps older people stay mentally and physically fit.” It said: “The unique properties of water make swimming perfect for people of all ages to exercise, particularly those who struggle to exercise on land.”

  1. Go to the zoo

The zoo isn’t just for kids. In fact, go on a weekday during term time and you might just find yourself in a relatively child-free sanctuary. Accessibility is generally excellent because they’re geared up for all those prams and pushchairs, so it’s a great day out even for those with reduced mobility. And if you love animals, there’s no better place to see so many species in a single day. Whether you decide to take the grandkids with you or not, we’ll leave that up to you!

  1. A day at the seaside

Visiting the coast is a joy at any time of the year, and with around 6000 miles of coastline surrounding the UK, you need never drive far before you get to a pretty seaside town or picture-perfect coastal village. Whether you’re a silver surfer, a dip-your-toe-in the water type, or simply love taking in the sea views from a deckchair, there’s little more rejuvenating than a day beside the sea. Just add fish & chips.

  1. Explore a National Trust property

We couldn’t talk about great days out without mentioning the wonderful National Trust, could we? From stunning stately homes to fascinating historical ruins, the Trust’s impressive collection of properties and outdoor spaces is constantly growing. Many sites are not only fully accessible but also (most importantly) offer a place to stop for tea and cake somewhere along your visit! There are also several exhibitions and special events held throughout the year, so it’s worth having a good browse through their website.

  1. Feed your sense of adventure

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, why not check out one of the accessible activity centres dotted around the country? Providers like the Calvert Trust and Adventure Therapy offer activities from rock climbing to sailing, with specially trained instructors and accessible facilities to enable people of any age or ability to get outdoors and try something new. They also provide all the safety gear and equipment. All you have to do is book and turn up.

  1. Enjoy a vineyard wine tasting

For something a little different, how about a vineyard tour and wine tasting? With beautiful vineyards popping up all over the country offering discovery tours and wine tasting experiences – many also providing accommodation so there’s no need to find your way home afterwards – there’s bound to be one near you. If you’re in England you can discover your closest vineyard here, or check out countrycottages.co.uk’s pick of the bunch from across the UK. This day trip idea would also make a lovely treat or gift for a special occasion.

  1. All day pub roast and a gentle stroll

Fancy a hearty roast dinner without all the cooking and washing up? Most country pubs serve up a traditional carvery or plated roast on a Sunday – all you need to do is pick your favourite. Book into one with a nice accessible walk nearby and you can work up an appetite before you eat or walk off your dinner afterwards (or both). The perfect way to round off the week.

Home sweet home

When you arrive home after your day out, what’s the first thing you usually do? Put the kettle on? Feed the dog? Settle back into your favourite chair? At the end of a long day, we can think of nothing better than enjoying a refreshing hot shower or quietly melting into a relaxing bath and reflecting on the day’s events.

Our solutions are especially suitable for elderly people with reduced mobility or disabilities. Designed to help you feel safe, comfortable and relaxed, the range includes easy-access walk-in baths, walk-in showers and wet rooms to suit your home and individual needs.