The county of Berkshire offers lots to do with your elderly relative. Whether interests lie in the great outdoors, history or the cinema, there is undoubtedly a cultural activity to suit your family.
You may also be interested in 5 accessible days out in Berkshire, which includes details on planning a trip to Windsor Castle with your elderly relative.
Our guide to dementia friendly initiatives in Berkshire looks at activities which are organised with the needs of those with dementia in mind.
The Best National Trust Properties in Berkshire to Visit With Elderly Relatives
Basildon Park
An 18th century house sitting in 400 acres of historic parkland and gardens. The house was de-requisitioned after the Second World War and bought back to life by Lord and Lady Iliffe. The house has a collection of fine furnishing and classic English interior.
The surrounded parkland offers glorious seasonal planting and the landscape has been designed to make the most of wonderful local views and picnic areas. There are designated spaces for children to play, a shop and a tea room.
Accessibility
There is designated disabled parking 20 yards from the ticket office. The walk to the gardens is 400 yards, and a visitor buggy is on offer. Disabled toilets are on site. Part of the grounds have slightly loose gravel.
You can see Basildon Park’s full access statement here.
Prices
- Adult: £15.00
- Child: £7.50
- Family: £37.50
- National Trust members go free
Opening Times
View Admission Times to plan your visit, as these change throughout the year.
Contact
- Address: Basildon Park, Lower Basildon, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 9NR
- Telephone: 01491 672382
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Sandham Memorial Chapel
This red brick chapel was built as a memorial to honour the fallen from the First World War. Sandham contains a unique series of large-scale murals by the acclaimed war artist, Sir Stanley Spencer. The murals reflect Spencer’s own experiences as medic during the war.
There is an exhibition area in one of the surrounding almshouses that details the history of the chapel. Outside the chapel, views stretch to Watership Down and there is an original orchard with varieties of apples and a wildflower meadow to look over. Refreshments are available at the nearby village pub.
Accessibility
Accessible parking is available for blue badge holders at the rear of the chapel. Although there is level access and ramps around most of the site, it is recommended a helper accompanies visitors with disabled access.
For the visually impaired, there are braille guides to the paintings in the chapel and for the hard of hearing, there are portable hearing loops available. Registered assistant dogs are permitted inside the chapel and exhibition.
You can see Sandham Chapel’s full access statement here.
Prices
- Adult: £9.00
- Child: £4.50
- Family: £22.50
- National Trust members go free.
Opening Times
View Admission Times to plan your visit, as these change throughout the year.
Contact
- Address: Sandham Memorial Chapel, Harts Lane, Burghclere, near Newbury, RG20 9JT
- Telephone: 01635 278394
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Silver Screenings in Berkshire
ODEON
Odeon runs Silver Cinema screenings for guests aged over 60, showing current releases timeless classics. Tickets are from £3.50 and includes tea, coffee and biscuits, served before the showing. In Berkshire, there are two Odeon cinemas, please find the websites below to book:
Bracknell
- Address: The Point, Skimped Hill Lane, Bracknell, RG12 1EN
- Telephone: 0333 014 4501
- Visit Website
Maidenhead
- Address: 42-44 King Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1DY
- Telephone: 0333 014 4501
- Visit Website
Vue
Vue offer discounted prices on all films for citizens over 60 with ID. You can browse showings and times at Vue Cinema options for Berkshire below.
Reading
- Address: Vue Reading, The Oracle, Riverside Road, Reading, RG1 2AG
- Telephone: 0345 308 4620
- Visit Website
Newbury
- Address: Vue Newbury, The Kennet Centre, Newbury, RG14 5EN
- Telephone: 0345 308 4620
- Visit Website
3 Must-Visit Museums for the Elderly in Berkshire
Museum of English Rural Life, Reading
With fascinating galleries, a beautiful garden and a vibrant shop and cafe, the museum of English Rural Life makes for a great day out. Ten galleries explore the history of countryside living and how technology and therefore life has developed over the years. The Festival of Britain wall-hanging is a particular must-see.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts different exhibitions and events, meaning there is always something new to learn about. There are plenty of activities around the site for children to enjoy.
Accessibility
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with one wheelchair available for loan. The site has two disabled parking spaces, assistance dogs are welcome and large print guides for permanent displays are available upon request.
See the Museum of Rural Life’s full access statement here.
Prices
Free (although some events will charge)!
Opening Times
- Tuesday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am - 5:00pm
These can be affected by events in the year, so please see their opening times page for more details.
Contact
- Address: The Museum of English Rural Life, 6 Redlands Rd, Reading, RG1 5EX
- Telephone: 0118 378 8660
- Email: [email protected]
- Enquiry Form
- Visit Website
Museum of Berkshire Aviation, Woodley
Berkshire’s rich contribution to aviation history is displayed and explained at the Woodley Museum. Run as a charity, the museum is located at Woodley Airfield near Reading, which was once a thriving centre of aviation production. The museum hosts reconstructions of classic aircrafts and historic records outlining historical changes.
There is an onsite cafe, picnic area and museum shop.
Accessibility
There is disabled parking near the visitors entrance. Ramps, level access and disabled toilets make the museum wheelchair accessible. Guide dogs are permitted.
Prices
- Adult: £4.00
- Senior Citizen: £3.00
- Child: £3.00
Opening Times
- Last Sunday in March to Last Sunday in October: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, 10:30am - 5:00pm
- Remainder of the year: Sundays, 12:00pm - 4:00pm; Wednesdays, 10:30am-4:00pm
Contact
- Address: Museum of Berkshire Aviation, Mohawk Way, Woodley, Reading, Berkshire, RG5 4UE, England
- Telephone: 0118 944 8089
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
West Berkshire Museum, Newbury
As the name suggests, the museum tells the story of the history of West Berkshire and how the area has developed over time. Displays detail how towns, villages, farms, industries and organisations have changed – a fascinating local history.
Throughout the year, the museum also host special exhibitions, meaning there is always something different on offer. A cafe on site serves hot drinks and a range of delicious cakes.
Accessibility
The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Ramps, lifts and disabled toilets are all installed around site. Assistance dogs are welcome.
At the nearby Newbury Library Car Park there are two spaces reserved for blue badge holders. A sensory bag is available to borrow, please enquire at the visitor reception.
For a full accessibility guide, scroll down the bottom of the Plan Your Visit page.
Prices
Free!
Opening Times
- Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Contact
- Address: West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, RG14 5AS
- Telephone: 01635 519562
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
