Going for a day out with your older relatives can be a lovely way to make the most of the time you spend together, especially if you do not live nearby. We know however that a day out can also pose its challenges – especially if your relative can find it hard to manage sites that aren’t suited to older people.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best days out for you and your family to enjoy, all of which are suitable for older people and those with reduced mobility. Equally importantly, they’re all guaranteed to be a fun day out for all the family. If you’re looking for more things to do with your relatives, you might want to look at our guide to the best Cultural Days Out in Essex.
Southend Pier
Southend Pier holds the enviable record of being the longest pleasure pier in the world! There are events and performances all year round in the Great Pavilion, and you can stop for some food or drink at either the Salt Cafe or the Pier tearoom. There is also a mini golf course, ensuring fun for all the family. Above anything else though, there is the gorgeous view out across the ocean.
The Pier is suitable for all ages and both the walkway and Pier trains have disabled access.
Parking
There are a number of car parks nearby, including those with Blue Badge spaces.
Guide Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome.
Wheelchair and Scooter Hire
If you need a wheelchair, you can hire one from the Visitor Information Centre by calling them in advance on 01702 215620.
Prices
Over 60s are admitted half-price, for whichever ticket they purchase. Ticket are no more than £3.80 for over-60s, and no more than £7.60 for adults.
Opening Times
Opening times are seasonal:
Summer Season (29th July – September 30th): Open from 10:15am until 9:00pm.
Autumn Season (30th September – November 3rd): Open from 10:15am until 6:00pm.
Winter Season: (4th November – March 26th): Open 10:15am until 6:00pm Wednesday to Sunday only.
Contact
Telephone: 01702 215620
Email: vic@southend.gov.uk
Chelmsford Museum
Chelmsford Museum is set in a large Victorian house, and contains exhibitions detailing the story and history of the local area in Essex. As well as this, the museum has an impressive collection of fossils, galleries of British wildlife and an active beehive! It also hosts the Museum of the Essex Regiment, looking at the history of the Essex Regiment and the Essex Yeomanry. A great day out for anyone interested in nature, military, or the story of Chelmsford itself.
The main approach to the museum is on a smooth surface. There is level access throughout the museum and lifts to all floors, making it fully wheelchair-accessible.
Parking
Free parking is available for blue-badge holders.
Guide Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome.
Wheelchair and Scooter Hire
Awaiting response
Visual and Hearing Aids
A portable induction loop and transaction aids can be borrowed from the welcome desk. Tactile and interactive displays are available throughout the museum.
Prices
Admission is free!
Opening Times
Open from 10:00 – 17:00 Monday to Saturday, and from 13:00 – 16:00 on Sundays.
Contact
Visit Website
Telephone: 01245 605700
Email: museums@chelmsford.gov.uk
Audley End House and Gardens
Audley End House is a gorgeous early 17th-century country house outside Saffron Walden. Though it is smaller now than it once was, at its peak it was almost a palace, and renowned as one of the finest Jacobean residencies in the country. More recently, it has been used for scenes in the hit historical drama The Crown.
On your day out you can explore the mansion and grounds, including the intimate dressing rooms and 18th century chapel. You can also enjoy their exhibits on Victorian servant life, and take food and drinks in the Servant’s Hall Tea Room.
Sadly, there is no access the first floor in the house without negotiating stairs.
Parking
There is a car park at the house, including 5 disabled parking bays.
Guide Dogs
Guide Dogs are welcome.
Wheelchair and Scooter Hire
Wheelchairs can be hired free of charge.
Visual and Hearing Aids
British Sign Language tours are available.
Prices
Admission costs £17.10 for over-65s.
Opening Times
17 Feb – 23 Feb: Daily 10am-4pm
29 Mar – 3 Nov: Daily 10am-6pm
4 Nov – 31 Mar: Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
Contact
Visit Website
Telephone: 01799 522842
Email: audleyendhouse@english-heritage.org.uk
Hylands Estate
The Hylands estate is made up of Hylands House – a distinctive neo-classical villa – and the surrounding Hylands Park. The house is Grade II listed. Within the park there are formal Victorian Gardens and ancient woodlands that are accessible as well as an award winning accessible children’s Adventure Playground – a good place to take the grandchildren!
You should also keep your eyes peeled for the seasonal events hosted in both the house and the park. There is also a very popular farmers market which can be combined with your afternoon out with your relatives.
The house is fully accessible, with a lift to all floors except the clock tower. There are paved paths right across the park, so if your loved one uses a wheelchair or other mobility aids, they can still enjoy the scenery around this stately home.
Parking
There is designated parking for people with disabilities, close to the house.
Guide Dogs
Guide dogs are permitted within Hylands House.
Wheelchair and Scooter Hire
There are wheelchairs that can be borrowed within the House.
Visual and Hearing Aids
There are induction loops that can be used within the House that are available when they run tours.
Prices
Free!
Opening Times
Hylands Park is open every day of the year free of charge. Gates open at 7:30am, and close at:
April – 8pm
May – 9pm
June – 10pm
Contact
Visit Website
Telephone: 01245 605500
Email: hylands@chelmsford.gov.uk
Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo first opened its doors in 1963 and has grown and expanded to the fantastic and varied zoo that you can visit today. There are over 260 species for you and your family to see, including rare birds, primates and big cats, many of which are endangered in the wild. The zoo is a fantastic day out for all the family, and guaranteed fun whether you are with just your parents, or on a day out with some children too.
Colchester Zoo is hilly and the terrain can be difficult to navigate for some disabled visitors. The zoo helpfully provide a guide to the easiest to navigate routes for visitors in wheelchairs or scooters.
Parking
Parking areas are available for blue badge holders.
Guide Dogs
Assistance dogs are allowed on site.
Wheelchair and Scooter Hire
Manual wheelchair and mobility scooters are available to hire.
Visual and Hearing Aids
Audio information tours are available. Staff have a pad and pen to communicate with deaf visitors. there is also a ‘sensory explanation trail’ to help visitors explore the zoo.
Prices
Seniors (60+) tickets cost between £10 and £13.59 depending on ticket type. Guests with disabilities pay between from £5 and £7.65.
Opening Times
The zoo is open from 9:30am to 4:30pm every day of the week.
Contact
Visit Website
Telephone: 01206 331292
