Guildford – A guide for the elderly

As we age, it’s increasingly important to remain integrated with the local community to grow in both confidence and mental agility. From social lunch clubs, walking groups or days out or pursuing a hobby- The Live In Care Company has put together a Guildford guide to the elderly. Read below to explore what to do with seniors in Guildford, and discover what to enjoy in the local area.

If you’re considering looking for more permanent care at home for your elderly relative, read more about elderly live-in care in Guildford and find the perfect carer with help from our friendly care team. 

What services are available to the elderly in Guildford?

In Guildford and across Surrey, you can find plenty of services and activities for seniors and those with care needs. Within Guildford and the surrounding areas, there are also options for those with mobility issues thanks to accommodating facilities, accessible attractions and community transport schemes.

Senior Social Groups in Guildford

• Guildford U3A – Guildford University of the Third Age has over 120 groups that offer regular social meetings, fitness classes, and learning opportunities on a variety of subjects and skills – from art to zoology.
• Guildford Group of the Ramblers’ Association – Meet people, enjoy nature, and build a good amount of exercise into your schedule through this walking social group. Walk in the Surrey Hills, along riversides, and around Guildford.

• Reconnections Service – This volunteer-led service aims to help those over 65 in Guildford and Waverley to rediscover old interests and make new friends. They work with local businesses and community partners to offer a range of opportunities.
• OPAL Group at the Greeno Centre – This support group meets at the Greeno Centre. Standing for Older People Actively Living, the OPAL group provides a warm atmosphere and friendly activities for those with memory loss, health, or mobility issues – from gentle exercises to entertainment.
• Lockwood Activity Centre – This activity centre is available to older people, as well as those with disabilities and other support needs. They provide a wide range of activities and opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence, and feel better about living independently. Some activities include art, textiles, drama, dance, cooking, jewellery making, cooking and more. There are also opportunities to show off your skills through performances and exhibitions at the Guilfest, The Royal Albert Hall, the Louis Elton Gallery, and the Harvey Gallery.

Accessible day trips and outings for the elderly in Guildford

• Guildford’s Riverside Park – A lovely way to spend your time in nature, Riverside Park is a wildlife haven consisting of four habitats (meadow, open water, wetland, and woodland) spanning 30 hectares. Enjoy the views across the lake and watch for birds at the bird hide. There is a wheelchair-accessible trail that includes sections of boardwalks going across the park.
• Guildford Castle – This top Guildford destination is perfect for elderly and disabled people. Although the castle itself is not wheelchair-accessible, there is a ramp that leads halfway up the entrance where you can enjoy a lovely view over Guildford. The castle is a gentle stroll from the High Street, starting at the bottom of the street. You can explore the grounds free of cost, through paved paths that lead to low viewpoints over Guildford, lovely gardens, and even pieces of castle ruins.

• Guildford Cathedral – This historical and peaceful building is the perfect visit for elderly people. All areas are accessible to disabled visitors, with wheelchair-accessible access and wheelchair lifts. There is a disabled toilet, large print hymn books, guided tours, and a lovely cafe to relax in at the end of your trip.

Garden centres in Guildford

• RHS Wisley Garden Centre – a quality local garden centre with plenty of places for a sunny picnic. Expect wide aisles and step-free routes as this garden centre has received the Mayor’s Award for Access – nominated by those with disabilities who reside in the borough of Guildford. 
• Edwins Garden Centre, Clandon Park – located just next to a national trust property, enjoy afternoon tea at this garden centre and then enjoy a walk at the Newlands Corner and Surrey Hills. 
• Sutton Green Garden Centre  – family-owned, 15-acre garden centre with quality gardening products and a gift shop.

See a map of parks and green spaces in Guildford here.

Local Guildford hospitals

• Royal Surrey County Hospital – Public hospital
• Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital – Private hospital

Local Guildford Pharmacies

• Guildford Chemist – on Worplesdon Road 
• Tesco Pharmacy – on Ashenden Road 
• Direct Pharmacy – on Madrid Road 
• Woodbridge Pharmacy – on Aldershot Road 

Wheelchair-accessible public toilets

There are two accessible toilets that are available with no key required in Guildford. These are located at the Friary with the first found on Level 1 near Zara Home. The second is on Level 2 in the Costa Coffee. 

Other public restrooms with accessible toilets require a key through the RADAR Key system. You can pick up a RADAR Key for £3 from the Guildford Tourist Centre for unlimited access to wheelchair-accessible toilets at the Guildford Train Station and across the city.  You may need to provide identification and proof of being entitled to use these toilets.

Guildford disabled parking

There are plenty of disabled parking bays in the town car parks, and parking is free for Blue Badge holders in any Guildford Borough Council pay-and-display car park. Badge holders may also park in resident or dual-use bays without a time limit, and they may park in disabled bays for a total of three hours.  

You can find car parks with wider access disabled bays at the Bedford Road Multi Storey, Leapale Road, G Live, Millbrook, Old Police Station, and more. Click here for a map of Guildford Car parks.

Guildford Shopmobliity and scooter hire

Shopmobility is a mobility service that provides both manual and powered wheelchairs or scooters to seniors or disabled people who may need them to shop around or explore the Guildford Town Centre. Guildford Shopmobility can be found on Level 3 of Bedore Road Car Park. 

You do not have to be registered as disabled to use these services, and there will be a member of staff on hand to provide assistance and instruction on how to use your mobility vehicle. Remember to book in advance!

Community transport in Guildford

Guildford provides a variety of transportation services to residents who have mobility issues, physical or learning disabilities, long or short-term ill health,  mental health issues, and who are over 60 years old. They provide fully accessible vehicles so that anyone may use the service, as long as they book first. Learn how to register here. 

The community transportation services provided in Guildford include:

• Dial-a-Ride – This door-to-door service is available in Guildford and in key towns in the surrounding area. They provide transportation to the hospital, medical appointments, visit friends and family, go shopping, and social trips. 
• Door-to-Store – The Door-to-Store provides a more regular and guaranteed plan for those who would need a ride to do their weekly shopping. You can book a regular seat on their bus, and the service is available to anyone who is already registered with Guildford Community Transport.   

Find out more about Guildford Community Transport services by viewing their video here. 

The Guildford community is brimming with support for their elderly community to remain active and healthy members of their town. For more on how to remain independent and active as you age, see our services for live-in care in Guildford here.