Leicester – An elderly guide

Nestled in the heart of England, Leicester is one of the oldest cities in England. With plenty of historical landmarks to explore, close-knit community centres and welcoming senior social clubs, there’s no shortage of activities for the elderly in Leicester.

Senior social groups in Leicester

It’s always a great idea to get involved with local social groups, especially as we age. Regular meet-ups can do wonders for elderly people’s mental well-being and physical health, providing opportunities to meet new people and feel a part of the community. Below we feature some of the senior social groups in Leicester that are designed with the elderly community in mind. Located in and around the Leicester area, these welcoming, friendly groups encourage seniors to socialise, learn new skills, enjoy hobbies, and make new friends.

Men & Women in Sheds

This Leicester shed, located in Loughborough, is the perfect location for anyone looking to make new friends and learn a new skill. Here, you can learn about wood and metalwork, using reclaimed wood, shared tools, and practical skills. Call 01509 211603 or email charnwoodshed@ageukleics.org.uk for more information.

Re-engage

These social gatherings are for small groups of people over the age of 75. With tea parties on Sunday afternoons, Re-engage is also increasing its activity portfolio to include gentle physical exercises and other social activities. Located in Leicester City, Blaby and Enderby, there are volunteers available to provide transportation to and from events. Contact Tracy Parr at tracy.parr@reengage.org.uk or call at 01522 306565.

Choose How You Move

Enjoy weekly strolls in your local area! Choose How You Move is a great way to stay active and meet new people. The walks available are suitable for those of all ages, and some groups are specifically aimed at those who currently do little or no exercise, such as the Live Well Walk More group. Click here to learn more about the groups available, and click this link to see what Leicester walking events are happening in your area.

Age UK Lunch Club at Earl Shilton

Enjoy good company and a wholesome, freshly cooked lunch with this Age UK lunch club. This friendly and warm environment offers main courses for £5.50 and pudding for an extra £1.50. To join, check out the lunchtime menu, and book your place, call 01455 847666 before 11 am on the day.

Clarence House Activity groups

In the heart of Leicester city, you’ll find Clarence House, Age UK’s community resource centre. This cenre is jam-packed with activities and events for those over 55 years old to enjoy. Some regular activity groups you can expect include:

• Yoga
• Bingo
• Tai Chi
• Line Dancing
• Seated Exercises
• Ballroom dancing
• Get Walking, Keep Walking Group
• Friday socials

Writers Group

This group meets at the Clarence House in Leicester on Wednesdays from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. The price is £2.50 per session.

Activities for the elderly in Leicester

Leicester has plenty to offer its elderly community, from beautiful parks to fascinating museums and historical landmarks. Below, find some of the best activities in Leicester that are perfect for seniors.

Accessible museums and historical landmarks in Leicester

Leicester Cathedral

Located in Leicester’s medieval Old Town, Leicester Cathedral is surrounded by gardens and built on the site of an ancient Roman temple. This Gothic church contains the last resting place of King Richard III (famously discovered beneath a nearby car park). Here, you can expect a ramped entrance for visitors with wheelchairs or other mobility devices, an accessible toilet, and a hearing (induction) loop.

King Richard III Visitor Centre

The King Richard III Visitor Centre is dedicated to the famous discovery of the long-lost burial place of this famous monarch. Offering visitors an in-depth look into Richard III’s historical life, it’s a perfect day out for history fanatics! For visitors who may struggle with mobility issues or require a wheelchair, you can read all the information you need in the King Richard III Visitor Centre accessibility guide, which you can find on this page.

National Space Centre

Conveniently located in Leicester, you can discover a plethora of space-age technology in this iconic National Space Centre. Inside, you will find six galleries, including the UK’s largest planetarium and a Rocket Tower. There is plenty of disabled parking available and wheelchairs are available on loan to visitors. The planetarium also allows for up to six wheelchairs.

Abbey Pumping Station

This free-entry Victorian museum is easily spotted by its 150-foot chimney, and it contains a series of exhibits that walk visitors through fascinating British history. Expect collections of industrial, technological and scientific items relating to Leicester. There are free wheelchairs available for hire and the galleries are free-flowing and generally uncrowded.

Leicester Guildhall Museum

Known as Leicester’s oldest building – this hall has been in use for nearly 630 years, as a banquet hall, theatre, library, town hall, and now a museum. The museum is free for general entry with a suggested £2 donation. Leicester Guildhall is accessible on the ground floor for wheelchair users, with entrance doors that are automatic and a ramp into the museum reception. Keep in mind that the entrance leading to the Museum is cobbled.

Attenborough Arts Centre

The University of Leicester’s Attenborough Arts Centre is a perfect location for art and culture lovers. This centre hosts three exciting exhibitions each and every year and is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Here, you can also expect an accessible toilet, free tickets for carers, and relaxed performances tailored for those who would benefit from a more relaxed and calming environment.

Great Central Railway

This is the UK’s only double-track, main-line heritage railway, and it’s the only place in the world where full-size steam engines can be seen passing each other. These steam engines were mainly replaced in the late sixties, making it the perfect location for those with fond memories of simpler times and for those who would like to reminisce. Keep in mind that the building was not built with accessibility in mind, but wheelchair-accessible platforms have been added as well as ramps as needed.

Leicester Market

Leicester Market is one of the country’s oldest market squares, established over 700 years ago. This is the perfect spot for a fun day out and a great spot to do your shopping. From a great range of deli items and fresh, organic meats to fresh fruit, vegetables, and household goods – Leicester Market stalls have it all.

Parks and green spaces in Leicester

Abbey Park

Split by the River Soar, Abbey Park is a gorgeous green space that offers a lovely break away from the noisy city. This park also holds several features that are perfect for elderly visitors, from a sensory garden to a miniature railway. There is also Pet’s Corner in the summer and a lavender maze.

Bradgate Park

Bradgate is an excellent place for seniors to spend the afternoon, spread over 850 acres and brimming with nature. It is the only medieval deer park in the East Midlands, containing some of the oldest rocks in the country. Here, you can explore the ‘Old John’, a folly located on the park’s tallest hill, or visit Bradgate House, a famous 16th-century home. Take a leisurely walk through the park on a Springtime Wildlife Walk.

Community transport in Leicester

Getting around Leicester can be a challenge, especially for elderly and mobility-impaired individuals. Luckily, the city offers a range of community transport services that are accessible, affordable, and reliable. Whether you need help getting to a medical appointment, social event, or shopping trip, there are options available to help you stay connected and engaged in your local community.

Dial-a-Ride

This service provides accessible transport for people who find buses and other public transportation too difficult. Dial-a-Ride will collect you from your home, allowing you to take a companion, and provide you with about two hours at your destination. All buses are equipped with passenger lifts, ensuring an easy boarding process for all. Drivers are also available to assist you on and off the bus. To register or make a booking, call 0116 454 0902.

Age UK’s community transport service

Age UK offers door-to-door, wheelchair-accessible transport for older people in Leicester, helping them maintain their independence. These wheelchair-accessible vehicles are based mainly in the city area but can accommodate as far as Rutland. All vehicles are driven by a trained driver. For full details of the charges and booking, contact 0116 222 0561 or email transport@ageukleics.org.uk.

Commbus

This service is specifically for those who live in Blaby District but will serve areas such as Braunstone Town, Cosby, Croft, Countesthorpe, Enderby, Glen Parva, Huncote, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester Forest East, Littlethorpe, Narborough, St Johns, Sapcote, Sharnford, Stoney Stanton, Thurlaston and Whetstone. This service provides transportation every day, for the elderly and for anyone with a disability or limited mobility.

Leicester Shopmobility

Leicester Shopmobility offers free loans of mobility equipment to those with mobility issues visiting the city centre. This includes scooters, powerchairs, and power and manual wheelchairs. The staff there will provide instructions, and pre-booking is recommended. Membership is free, and two proofs of identity are required.

Equipment use is restricted to the city centre bordered by the inner ring road, with exceptions for hospital appointments at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. Contact them by clicking this link.

For those looking for permanent care for their loved one, our live-in care options in Leicester enable seniors to remain independent and comfortable in their own homes, while staying connected to their local community. For more information about elderly live-in care at home read our detailed guide; What is live in care? .

Our experienced carers soon become a companion and friend. To find out more information, simply get in touch with our friendly and experienced care team for more information.