7 Things to Do For Elderly People in Nottingham
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One of the largest cities in the Midlands region, Nottingham's rich culture and industrial history mean that it has a lot on offer for older folks. From tours and nature walks to historical places, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
With an extensive tram system and one of the largest bus networks in the UK, the fun is easy to get to in Nottingham. Concessionary travel passes are even available for senior citizens, which allow you to ride for free at most times.
If you’re new to the area or are contemplating a move, you may be looking for guidance on activities to try. Here, Lottie helps by sharing our favourite things to do for the elderly in Nottingham.
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1. Learn About Notts Folklore at the Robin Hood Statue
Nottingham is perhaps most famous as the setting for the stories of Robin Hood. In English folklore, the mythical outlaw came from the city and it was here that he stole from the rich to give to the poor.
This tale has become known around the world, having been made into Hollywood films and TV shows. Nottingham has marked the legend’s significance with a seven foot tall statue of the archer, surrounded by smaller effigies of his band of Merry Men.
Erected in 1952, the statues can be found just outside Nottingham Castle. They are supported with plaques that explain the significance of each character and their background.
2. Explore History at Nottingham Castle
The learning available at Nottingham Castle doesn’t end with Robin Hood. Built over a thousand years ago, the fort was originally a wooden motte-and-bailey style construction and has grown over time to become the vast stone building we see today.
Since its creation in Norman times, Nottingham Castle has been important in many moments of English history, such as the War of the Roses and the Civil War. You can discover this long past by visiting and touring the site.
There’s also a wonderful gift shop, which sells memorabilia and educational materials.
You should book in advance, to ensure your place.
3. Take the Route 35 Self-Guided Bus Tour
From mediaeval town to the industrial revolution, Nottingham has been an important English city for hundreds of years. History Bus 35 has been established in collaboration with a local historian so that people can learn more about this fascinating past.
You can hop on and off like any normal bus, except this one travels by many of Nottingham’s most significant landmarks. Using the specially designed travel guide, you can learn a little about each of these sites and even choose which to get off and explore at.
A ticket providing all-day travel, including reboardings, costs just £4.40. This means route 35 is both an interesting and cost-effective way to learn more about Nottingham.
We’re here to help you find the right Nottingham care home for you or your loved one. You can request a free list of care homes from our care experts, who will then share homes matching your budget and type of care needed. You can also search for a Nottingham care home through our easy-to-use directory.
4. Enjoy the Arts at Nottingham Playhouse
Also home to a thriving arts scene, Notts is the perfect place for an elderly person wanting to connect with culture. You should start at the Nottingham Playhouse, which offers specific sessions for the over 50s, as well as staging acclaimed productions.
Either attend as a spectator, by purchasing tickets for a show, or as a participant. The Playhouse’s classes include a wide range of creative skills, from writing to performance.
These courses can be tried before confirming your place, as a free taster session is offered for new starters. It’s a great way to get involved and continue developing your skills as a retiree.
5. Visit Wollaton Hall and Deer Park
Wollaton Hall is a Grade I listed Elizabethan building, first constructed for the Willoughby family in the 1580s.
It’s now home to one of the largest natural history museums in the UK. There are fascinating collections, dedicated to everything from insects to geology.
Additionally, the grounds of the Hall are open to the public. Here, you can observe roaming deers, which have lived on the land since the 14th century!
Tickets to visit the Hall and Deer Park can be purchased online and are available at a concession price for people over 65.
6. Attend a Nottingham Lunch Club for Elderly People
Experiencing feelings of isolation is a common problem amongst elderly people, so it’s vital that you stay social and maintain strong friendships as you age. Joining a lunch club can make this easier, especially if you are new to an area.
The Nottingham City Council hosts many of these clubs, which provide a cooked lunch followed by recreational time. This may involve games, such as cards, or time for chatting to other attendants.
These clubs are most often managed by volunteers and generally run at least two days per week. Information about the services available in your area can be found through Nottingham City Council.
7. Take in Nature at Nottingham Arboretum
Founded in 1852, Nottingham Arboretum is the city’s oldest park. Trees from the original planting remain in the space to this day!
The landscaped park is well maintained, featuring a wide range of beautiful flowers and trees. It’s the perfect place to get a little closer to nature, especially in the summer.
It’s even said that the gardens were the inspiration for Peter Pan. The book’s author, J.M. Barrie, lived in Nottingham when writing about Neverland and the inspiration can still be seen today.
The park is easily accessible because it’s connected by Nottingham’s tram network. It’s also free to visit, opening at 8 am on weekdays and 9 am on weekends.
Finding a Care Home in Nottingham
Nottingham’s many attractions might mean that you feel it’s the right place for you to retire. If so, you may want to research the available care homes in the area.
Lottie can help you to find care homes vetted by experts in Notts. For further information, visit Lottie’s best care homes in Nottingham, or see two of our top picks here:
We’re on a mission to support individuals and their loved ones throughout each stage of their later living journey. For more information, check out everything Lottie has to offer.
