Days out for your elderly loved one in England

Our guide to finding the right place to take your elderly loved one

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite places close to Cranleigh and Horsham that are accessible to those in their later years or people with mobility issues. Many of the places below are also dementia friendly and can offer additional support to visitors with dementia and their carers or companions. You can also check out our top tips for days out for loved ones with dementia.

Wisley Gardens

Based in Surrey, RHS Garden Wisley, the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society and one of the great gardens of the world.

Reasons we like it:

• The gardens are accessible and there is a recommended wheelchair route through the garden available from the entrance.
• Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire is available, but may require reservations in advance of your visit.
• Get advice and inspiration for your own garden and learn about their renowned plant collections, ideal for garden enthusiasts of all levels.
• An ideal place to spend time with family and friends to relax among beautiful surroundings.
• They offer a range of events, courses, workshops and tours.
• Treat yourself to delicious food made from fresh, seasonal produce in their restaurant and cafés.
• Visit RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science, a state-of-the-art science building surrounded by three spectacular gardens that embrace the latest ideas in horticulture.

Bocketts Farm Park

A working family farm set in the beautiful Surrey countryside. A great day out for animal lovers of all ages.

Reasons we like it:

• Makes for a brilliantly exciting day out for the entire family.
• A large majority of the park is accessible for all, with wide flat areas undercover in their main barns and animal barns.
• They offer free entry for carers.
• Plenty of accessible parking is available and there is an accessible toilet.
• You can phone ahead to arrange the loan of a wheelchair.
• They have an on-site tea room and a coffee shop offering range of homemade meals, sandwiches and cakes, as well as vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options.

The Bluebell Railway

Travel through 11 miles of glorious Sussex scenery behind a steam engine and visit their railway museum at Platform 2, Sheffield Park station.

Reasons we like it:

• Learn about the history and science of the industrial age, experience the thrill of getting up close to a working steam locomotive.
• Steam trains run between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, stopping at Horsted Keynes and Kingscote, with free car parking at Sheffield Park and Horsted Keynes.
• The Bluebell Railway welcomes everyone on its Heritage Steam service operated throughout the year. However, some types of mobility scooters cannot be carried. Contact them to find out more.
• They admit a carer free of charge.
• Specially adapted vehicles allow wheelchair access are available on certain trains, and all stations have ramps which connect between the train and the platform.
• Assistance dogs are welcome on their trains, and in their restaurants, museums and exhibition.
• They offer a variety of different events, including collectors fairs, stylish breakfasts, lunches or afternoon teas onboard, murder mysteries and much more.

Wakehurst Park

Explore the wild botanic garden at the heart of Sussex, with over 500 acres of diverse landscape and plants from across the globe.

Reasons we like it:

• The Stables Kitchen, the Stables Pantry and the Seeds café serve up flavourful dishes using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
• There are many gravel and hard surface paths around the gardens and there is level and ramped access to the Visitor Centre.
• Registered assistance dogs are welcome in the gardens.
• Free entry for essential carers, personal assistants or support workers.
• There are standard and all-terrain wheelchairs as well as mobility scooters available to borrow.
• There are accessible/blue badge parking parking spaces next to the Visitor Centre.
•  You can download their accessibility map here.
  

Nymans

A National Trust site with an extensive yet intimate Grade II listed garden set around a romantic house and ruins.

Reasons we like it:

• All-terrain wheelchairs available for use in the gardens and standard wheelchairs are available for house and garden.
• There are accessible toilets.
• Mobility parking near entrance.
• You can bring one or two carers or companions in for free.
• There is a café serving a range of refreshments with indoor and outdoor seating
• Second-hand books are available to purchase at the former Potting Shed,
• A large shop and plant centre stocked with locally sourced artisanal products, home accessories and plants.

About Us

Bright Care is a private care provider offering  tailored care and companionship to the elderly in the peaceful comfort of their own home. Get in touch to talk to our dedicated care team and discover what’s possible for those you love.