The adage, “with age comes wisdom” is widely known, but there is a second, lesser known version – with age comes plentiful discounts! There are a lot of cultural, accessible, fun and family-friendly activities and days out to enjoy in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, many of which offer concessionary ticket prices. Travel discounts can also make public transport more accessible to the elderly, helping them to get out as often as they wish. On this page you will find details of some of the best Discounts for the Over 60s in Cambridgeshire.
Over 60s Discounts for Travel in Cambridgeshire
Bus Travel
Once a person reaches the UK state pension age they are able to apply to a national scheme that provides free bus travel at non-peak times. Cambridgeshire is no different. To check your elderly relative meets the eligibility requirements in Cambridge, visit the county council’s website.
Cambridgeshire’s free bus pass enables the holder to:
- Free Bus travel after 9:30am on weekdays
- Free Bus travel all day on weekends and bank holidays
- 50% reduction in price at selected Dial-A-Ride services in Cambridgeshire
This includes the Park and Ride services in Cambridgeshire.
The council recommends applying 4 weeks before a person intends to use the pass, to allow for processing. To apply for a free bus pass in Cambridgeshire, go through the link below.
Train Travel
Nationwide train travel can also be reduced by using a Senior Railcard. This entitles those over 60 to a third off tickets bought either online or at a railway station. The Senior Railcard can be bought online or at most stations across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, where a customer service window or machine is available. Railcards cost £30 per year, so it is a good idea to calculate whether the savings will make buying the railcard worth it.
It is important to travel with the railcard whenever a ticket has been bought with it, as ticket inspectors will issue fines for those with discounted tickets, but who are without their railcard.
Coach Travel
Often favoured by the older generation, if coach travel is more their style, then National Express also have a Senior Coachcard scheme. As with the railcard, holders of a Coachcard are entitled to up to one third off of their ticket prices for the year. A Senior Coachcard is much less expensive than a Railcard at £12.50 per year (+ £2.50 postage).
Order a Senior Coachcard online at the National Express Website.
Blue Badge Scheme in Cambridgeshire
If your elderly relative is still driving and has a disability, this badge placed on view in their car allows them to park in reserved spaces, closer to points of interest. This reduces the distance that people with mobility issues have to travel from their car. Sometimes car spaces are offered at a reduced price, or even free.
Blue Badges are sought after things, so there are strict eligibility requirements, including the written support of a healthcare professional. However, if you do feel your elderly relative is eligible for one, visit the Cambridgeshire County Council website for more information and apply on the Government Website. Blue Badges cost £10.00.
Health & Wellbeing Discounts for the Over 60s in Cambridgeshire
Pay and Play Concession Cards - Swimming in Cambridge City
For residents in Cambridge, the Pay and Play Concession Card is a very good deal and can help keep older people swimming and taking part in pool-based, light mobility and exercise sessions. Available to the over 60s, the card entitles the holder to 50% off admission prices at swimming pools across the city including: Parkside Pools, Abbey Pools, Cherry Hinton Village Centre, King’s Hedges Learner Pool and Jesus Green. The card only costs £5 a year so is a worthwhile investment. Find out more and purchase one at any of the venues listed.
If the local gym or swimming pool is operated by Better, which all of the above are, you might also want to look into a Senior Membership. This is more expensive but entitles the holder to unlimited local gym and swimming pool access, a free personalised fitness induction and exercise advice. A membership might be a better route to go down if you intend to use the gym or swimming pool on a very regular basis.
Discounts at Opticians in Cambridgeshire
Opticians across the county offer reduced prices on selected ranges of glasses for the over 60s. The following companies all offer discounts and have stores spread throughout Cambridgeshire, in every major town and many villages. Click the links below to find your nearest store.
Over 60s Discounts for Entertainment in Cambridgeshire
Imperial War Museum
The Imperial War Museum in Duxford, as seen in Age Space’s Top 5 Accessible Days Out in Cambridgeshire, has discounted ticket prices for its over 65 guests. Tickets can be bought for the reduced cost of £23.70.
National Trust
The National Trust has a 25% off membership scheme for those over 60 who have also held National Trust Membership for the last three years. Membership entitles holders free access to many of their properties across the UK. Visit Cultural Gems for the Elderly in Cambridgeshire to find out about the many stunning and accessible National Trust estates in the county.
This scheme is an opt-in scheme and requires members to ring 03448 001 895 to get access.
Arts Picturehouse, Cambridge
Arts Picturehouse has accessible seating throughout, fully accessible toilets and easy mobility throughout the cinema. Additionally, they offer specific, accessible showings; covering audio-described showings, subtitled screening, hearing loop enhanced options and even Dementia-friendly showings. Regular showings are also offered to senior guests (60+) for a reduced price.
Arts Picturehouse also has Silver Screenings. These showings are offered at a reduced price and free tea and coffee is available for members. The films shown might be recent releases or ‘blasts from the past’ from the earlier years of cinema.
Call 0207 326 2649 or visit the Arts Picturehouse Website to find out more and to book tickets.
Vue Cinema, Cambridge
This national cinema has worked hard to make its Cambridge branch accessible and welcoming to all. There is wheelchair access throughout the cinema, with wheelchair spaces available in all the screens. Hearing loops are available at the counters and, like the other cinemas on this list, there are occasional accessible viewings including subtitled films every week and audio-descriptions on selected films.
Discounted senior (60+) tickets are available and vary in price depending on viewing time. Find out more on the Vue Cinema Website.
Cineworld, St. Neots and Ely
The Cineworlds at St Neots and Ely are fully wheelchair accessible, with access booths in select screens, guide dogs welcome and some subtitled and audio-described viewing available.
Discounted senior pricing is offered. Find your closest Cineworld Cinema.
Hungry Horse Pubs, Peterborough and Cambridgeshire
Hungry Horse Pubs proudly offer their Golden Years menu to their over 60s guests. You can pick two courses from a main and a starter or dessert for the reduced price of £4.70, with the option to add an extra course for £1.50 if you’re feeling extra peckish.
There are Hungry Horse pubs in:
- Cambridge – Milton Arms, 205 Milton Road, CB4 1XG
- Peterborough – Halycon, Atherstone Ave, PE3 9TT
Cambridge
- Where? Milton Arms, 205 Milton Road, CB4 1XG
- Visit Website
Peterborough
- Where? Halycon, Atherstone Ave, PE3 9TT
- Visit Website
