Holidays abroad can be great fun. However, there’s no denying the expense and organisation that goes into planning an exotic getaway. If you’re looking to save on time, money, and organisation, there’s nothing better than one of these UK day trips. There’ll be no queuing at the airport, worrying about insurance, transferring money into different currencies, or learning key phrases in a different language. For elderly people, a holiday abroad might not be practical for any number of reasons. It could be mobility issues making it difficult to travel or financial worries getting in the way. Whatever the reason, taking a day trip with loved ones could be the answer.
Best UK Day Trips
Perhaps the best thing about UK day trips is that there is truly something for everybody, which makes it the perfect event to bring everyone together. If you’re struggling to find ideas suitable for all ages – including your elderly parents – then we’ve got some suggestions you might like.
Museums
Museums are the perfect low-cost option for UK day trips, as many are free to enter or offer concessions for children and over-60s. The mental stimulation a museum offers is great for people of all ages. Your elderly parents may even have ties to the time of history within some of the museums. Remember to keep an eye out for any special exhibitions they may be holding. One might just be about something your loved one is passionate about.
Though museums are great fun for all the family, here are some things to consider when taking your elderly parents:
- Is the museum easy to get around? Your elderly parents may enjoy the museum experience, but there could be a lot of walking involved. Make sure you factor in time for short breaks. Consider whether there is a museum café where you can stop for some lunch or a cup of tea.
- Are there lots of stairs? It’s a good idea to check if there are different floors to the museum. Most places should have provisions for those with limited mobility. Check the museum’s website or give them a call to double check before you go.
- Are the toilets easily accessible? This is an important factor for people of all ages, but especially important for older people who might take medication or have medical conditions that mean they need quick access to the bathroom.
- Is there a guided tour? Although most museums have descriptions near the exhibits, many can be small and hard to read. Find out if the museum you’re visiting has a tour or self-guided tour which you and your elderly parents could follow. Some may even provide audio tours through headsets.
National Trust
The National Trust was founded in the 1800s and has become one of the UK’s largest charities, looking after historic properties, stately homes, gardens, and parkland across the country. The National Trust has more than 200 beautiful gardens to explore up and down Britain, including flower gardens and landscape parks. With so much to see, there are countless UK day trips to be had. They’re the perfect place for you and your elderly parents to enjoy a relaxing day out.
Historic stately homes can be a nice excursion for the older generation, while the gardens and surroundings might appeal more to the youngsters, giving the children room to play. The National Trust website has a helpful feature where you can search by location and view all of the National Trust property and land local to that area. They also offer a discounted membership to seniors.
A Day At The Beach
Britain’s beaches might not be the warmest in the world, but they are among the most popular UK day trips. A day at the seaside is always a relaxing experience for people of all ages. The sound of the lapping waves, freshly made doughnuts, or an ice cream on the pier; what’s not to like? Your elderly loved one may have fond memories of the beach from their childhood. Why not visit that very same beach for some nostalgia and take the grandchildren along to make new memories?
If you’re visiting a beach it’s best to stick to one with a good set of amenities such as a pier, cafés, toilets, and some shops to wander in. For a little bit of luxury, you could even hire a beach hut for the day.
Visit Family & Friends
This is a simple and affordable day trip for you to enjoy with your elderly parents. If you’re lucky enough to have family and friends spread across the UK, why not take a day trip to visit them? Catching up with old friends and family can be a real joy, especially if it’s been a long time since you’ve seen each other. It also gives you the opportunity to explore the local surroundings and make a day trip out of the visit.
If your visit involves making a long journey, be sure to plan your travel carefully in advance. If you go by public transport, look out for cheap tickets for elderly passengers and make sure to leave yourself enough time between connections. Travel by car may be most convenient, but might not be the most comfortable if your elderly parents live with any medical conditions. Consider trying a coach or train. Some coach companies offer large discounts to the elderly and include regular stops and a toilet on board.
Afternoon Tea
Going out for afternoon tea is a lovely way to spend some quality time with your parents while enjoying some amazing food. This activity usually lasts a couple of hours, so may be the perfect short excursion if your relatives get tired quite easily. Afternoon tea is an increasingly popular activity for people of all ages. Therefore, more and more cafés and restaurants are offering afternoon tea packages. Enjoy dainty sandwiches, delicious scones, and proper English tea to wash it down – if you’re feeling decadent, switch the tea for champagne!
There are places all across the UK which offer afternoon tea. What’s more, most allow you to buy an afternoon tea gift card which makes a great Birthday or Christmas gift. If you’re not sure where to go, see this list of recommendations from BBC Good Food.
Something A Little Different
Maybe your elderly parents are more the adventurous type. If so, why not try something different that they may not expect? Depending on their fitness levels, mobility, and sense of adventure, you could try any of the following UK day trips:
- Theme park – Not for the faint-hearted, but if your elderly parents enjoy a thrill then somewhere like Alton Towers could be right up their street. Alton Towers also includes some beautiful gardens, perfect for taking a break from the thrills.
- Wine tasting or trip to a distillery – If your loved one is partial to a tipple, why not take them wine tasting or on a trip to a distillery? Be sure to drink in moderation, and check that any medication is okay to be taken with alcohol.
- Day at the races – Take a trip to your local racecourse to enjoy some races. Make an event of it and dress up in your best clothes for a touch of glamour. Newmarket race course regularly holds events and concerts after the day’s racing, so make sure you investigate what’s on.
- Trip to London – The capital has so much to offer, from museums to West End shows. There’s bound to be something to suit all ages. Perhaps visit a museum, go for afternoon tea, or visit Madame Tussaud’s.
Take Care On Your Day Trips
Whatever you decide to do on your day trips, it’s important to stay safe and plan your journey in advance. Take things at a gentle pace to make sure everyone can keep up and enjoy themselves.
When your elderly loved ones aren’t out and about, help them stay safe at home with a Careline Alarm. This life-saving pendant offers them 24/7 support from our Care Team. Alternatively, for added protection during a day trip, you should consider our GPS Alarm. If you would like more information or have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our helpful team on 0800 030 8777. Alternatively, you can send us an email to info@careline.co.uk. Order a Careline personal alarm online and receive free next-day delivery.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 11th January 2024 to reflect current information.
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