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. A day out like this can also pose a challenge, especially if your relative finds it difficult to manage sites that aren’t suited to older people.
We’ve put together this list of accessible days out in Essex for you and your family to enjoy, all of which are suitable for older people and those with reduced mobility. Of equal importance; they’re all guaranteed to be a fun day out for the whole family. For even more options of things to do with your relatives, take a look at our guide to the best Cultural Days Out in Essex.
Find a Helper for companionship and transport for trips out with Good Life Sorted
Good Life Sorted will introduce you to a local Helper to take on any tasks you might need help with from companionship to cooking, from light cleaning to running errands.
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 Royal Pavilion and you can stop for some food and drink at Lazy Jack’s Cafe, the Offshore Restaurant, 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. You can view the Pier’s full accessibility statement here.
Parking
There are a number of car parks nearby, including those with Blue Badge spaces.
Guide Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome if kept on a lead.
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 212534, subject to availability.
Prices
Prices vary depending on how you’d like to spend your day. You can follow this link to see the various options available. Over 60s are eligible for a Concession ticket, all of which are half price of their adult counterparts.
Opening Times
Opening times vary seasonally, as well as in response to weather changes. You can see the current opening times on the Pier’s website.
Contact
- Telephone: 01702 212534
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Chelmsford Museum
Chelmsford Museum is set in a large Victorian house, containing exhibitions that detail the story and history of the local area in Essex. Alongside 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. This is a great day out for anyone interested in nature, the 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
Chelmsford Museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with slopes, ramps and lifts to all floors. Seating is available around the museum, if required.
Prices
Free!
Opening Times
Opening times vary across the year. You can see the current ones through their opening times page.
Contact
- Telephone: 01245 605700
- Contact Form
- Visit Website
Audley End House and Gardens
Audley End House is a gorgeous, early 17th-century country house outside of 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.
During 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. You can view the Estate’s full accessibility statement here.
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
- Adult: £18.10
- Senior (Over 65): £16.30
- Child (5-17): £11.30
Opening Times
Contact
- Telephone: 0370 333 1181
- Visit Website
Hylands Estate
The Hylands Estate is made up of the distinctive, neo-classical villa House and the surrounding Hylands Park. 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 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.
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:
- January, November & December: 5:00pm
- February & March: 6:00pm
- April & September: 8:00pm
- May & August: 9:00pm
- June & July: 10:00pm
- October: 7:00pm
Contact
- Telephone: 01245 605500
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo first opened its doors in 1963 and has grown into 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 children too.
Colchester Zoo is hilly and the terrain can be difficult to navigate for some disabled visitors. The zoo helpfully provides a guide to the easiest routes to navigate for visitors in wheelchairs or scooters. You can view their full accessibility statement here.
Parking
Parking areas are available for blue badge holders.
Guide Dogs
Assistance dogs are allowed on site. They have a specific policy for dogs that can be viewed here.
Wheelchair and Scooter Hire
Manual wheelchair and mobility scooters are available to hire. Please email them at [email protected] in advance of your visit.
Prices
- Adult: £26.99
- Senior (60+): £26.50
- Child: £20.50
Opening Times
The zoo’s opening times vary seasonally.
Contact
- Telephone: 01206 331292
- Contact Form
- Visit Website
