Henley-on-Thames – A guide for the elderly
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What to do in Henley
Henley-on-Thames is one of the best places to live in the English countryside for those of all ages and abilities, with a Chiltern landscape of greed fields, wooded areas, and the historic River Thames. For seniors living in Henley there are plenty of local services, groups, activities, and events that will keep them connected and active members of their community.
In this guide, we have put together a list of resources of things to do in Henley with seniors and young adults with carers. We offer bespoke, tailored elderly live-in care across the UK and you can explore our live-in care services in Henley on Thames for more information.
What services are available to the elderly in Henley-on-Thames?
From senior social groups in Henley to accessible day trips and local pharmacies, read on for all the local Henley amenities and services available to the elderly and those with disabilities.
Social groups for seniors and adults with care needs in Henley-on-Thames
Henley Over 60s Club
This social club allows older people to connect and socialise in a warm and friendly place. They offer a wide variety of activities, from foot care to hairdressers and bingo. They are open Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm. Lunch is available for £7 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and Bingo is held on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Contact Jackie at 01491 574718 for more information.
Christ Church Lunch Club
Socialise over a tasty, home-cooked lunch at Christ Church on Thursdays from 12 to 1:30 pm. This lunch club offers tea and coffee for £1.50, the main course for £8, and dessert for £2. There is no need to book in advance, but if you would like more information, contact managers@christchurchhenley.org.uk.
Memory Matters
This memory cafe in Henley offers an opportunity for those living with dementia, their carers, and their families to meet together in a friendly atmosphere. This group meets on the third Tuesday of the month, offers refreshments, and is coordinated by dementia professionals. RSVP by contacting Melissa Spearman: 07964 038804 melissaspearman@dementiaoxfordshire.org.uk.
Bluebells Day Centre
Bluebells is an independent, local charity that offers those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia a secure, safe, and relaxed environment where they can enjoy a cooked lunch and a variety of activities – from arts and crafts and gentle exercises to singalongs and quizzes. Bluebells works with the Henley Handy Bus, and can arrange transportation. Book a free trial session by calling 07931 980 597.
Generation Games
With in-person classes available across Oxfordshire and in Henley-on-Thames, Generation Games is a great way to meet new people and improve on mobility, strength, flexibility, and balance. Generation Games provide a variety of standing and seated places, and the Henely-based classes are located in the Henley YMCA Hall and the Henley Christ Church Centre. Sessions are one hour and cost £5. Email generationgames@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk or call 01235 849403 to book a class.
The Meteor Club
Specifically aimed at adults with learning disabilities, the Meteor club meets every Thursday in Henley-on-Thames with a varied programme of activities and events. From bingo to dancing, pub games and boat trips, this friendly group is welcoming to new members and even provides local transportation to its members. Contact Libby Meachin for more: libby@meachin.co.uk.
Accessible day trips and outings for the elderly in Henley-on-Thames
River & Rowing Museum
Henley-on-Thames is best known for its annual Royal Regatta, and the River & Rowing Museum dives into Henley’s history with rowing and the river. Enjoy the quaint gift shops, fascinating exhibits, and the delicious Chocolate Cafe that overlooks the weeping willows of Mill Meadows. This Museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users, and wheelchairs are also available for visitor use. Carers are offered free entry, and you can find the accessible toilet on the ground floor. See here for more information on their accessibility.
Gentle nature walks
There are several lovely nature walks available around Henley. The Henley-on-Thames riverside walk is one of the most famous stretches along the River Thames with accessible care parking, rest areas, accessible toilets, and a snack hut for refreshments. There is also the walk from Henley-on-Thames to Lower Shiplake. This attractive walk strikes a linear path through green meadows and along the River Thames, offering gentle, level walking throughout for those of all abilities.
Henley Leisure Centre
Be it gentle swimming, relaxing in the sauna and steam room, or taking a fitness class, Henley Leisure centre is thoroughly accessible for those with wheelchairs and mobility issues. You can expect disabled toilets, ramp access, accessible changing rooms, and even a poolside hoist. They also offer Healthwise exercise GP referral programmes to help with high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and more.
Henley Markets
Henley-on-Thames has held regular markets since the 13th century, a tradition that is carried on today. Craft, charter, and farmer’s markets are held throughout the week and month. Within Henley Market Place, you can expect:
- The Charter Market – every Thursday
- The Farmers’ Market – every 2nd Saturday and 4th Thursday of the month from 8 am to 1:30 pm.
- The Craft Market – every 4th Sunday of the month from 10 am to 3 pm.
Garden centres and plant shops in Henley-on-Thames
- Toad Hall Garden & Machinery Centre – One of the largest independent garden centres in the South East with pleasant grounds, cafe, and plant selection.
- Bluebells of Henley – Family-run florist on the banks of the Thames.
- The Herb Farm – Enjoy their barn shop, Saxon Maze and Coffee Shop, and their extensive collection of herb plants and perennials.
Parks and grounds to visit in Henley-on-Thames
Henley-on-Thames has a wealth of recreation areas, green spaces and parks. These include:
- Greys Court National Trust – Visit this idyllic family home with a Cowshed Tea room, second-hand bookshop, gift shop, walled garden, and stunning scenery every season. At Greys Court, you can expect Blue Badge parking, accessible toilets, level access terrain, and more.
- Stonor Park – The grounds and manor are filled with history, art, and stunning gardens. Stonor Park is one of the oldest manor houses in England, and it is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy nature. The whole area is not wheelchair accessible, especially as the house is made up of a collection of medieval buildings. There are chairs placed at intervals for visitors to rest on as they explore.
- Mill & Marsh Meadows – This principal recreational park in Henley is located right on the Thames and upstream of Henley Bridge. Enjoy the sensory garden, wildlife walks, boundary hedges, formal flower beds, cafe, bowling club, nature conservation areas, and more.
- Gillotts Field – In the year 2000, Henley locals planted 2,000 native trees to mark the millennium, leading to a lush space for public recreation. Take gentle walks in this lovely green space as you spot wildlife and look at wildflowers and butterflies.
Local Henley-on-Thames Pharmacies
- Henley Pharmacy – on Bell Street
- Boots chemist – on Bell Street
- Tesco pharmacy – on Reading Road
- Manichem pharmacy – on Bell Street
Local hospital:
- Townlands Memorial Hospital – approximately a seven-minute walk from the Henely town centre, you can find this local hospital on York Road with wheelchair access at the main building entrance.
Community Transport Scheme
Henley HandyBus Scheme
The Henley Handibus has been serving people living in and around Henley for over 30 years. It helps people to get out and about, visit friends, go shopping locally, and go twice each month to shop in Reading. On weekdays, the Handibus will collect you from your home and transport you to Tesco, Waitrose, and even social clubs and events such as the Over 60s Social Club, the Meteor Club, and the Stroke Club Art Class. On weekends and evenings, the bus is available for outings to garden centres, afternoon teas, and coffee mornings.
There is space for 14 passengers and two wheelchairs, and the Handibus drivers will help with heavy shopping bags and trolleys and use a tail lift to make loading easy. Call Robin Popham on 01491 571974 to find out about availability.
Henley on Thames Volunteer Drivers Car Scheme
These drivers help patients get to their medical appointments. They provide transportation to Henley surgeries and Townlands hospital, all hospitals in Reading and Oxford, and some dentists and opticians as well. Book by calling 01491 572923 from 10:15 -12 Monday through Friday.
Henley Good Neighbours
Available to local seniors, Henley Good Neighbours will provide transportation to appointments as well as offer support with shopping, minor household tasks, and regular befriending. If you would like to find out more, email them here: henleygoodneighbours@yahoo.co.uk.
From exercise classes to social groups and local markets, the Henley on Thames community provides support and accessible activities for elderly locals and those with disabilities to enjoy and count on. Read about our local Henley live-in care here or make an enquiry with our team today.