9 Of The Best Activities For The Elderly In Nottingham

If you have a loved one in a care home in Nottingham, there are some brilliant days out in Nottingham for adults and children alike. The area has some fascinating industrial history, a thriving arts scene, and it’s steeped in legend, so there’s something to suit a wide range of interests. 

If you’re looking for inspiration for a day out with an older relative, check out our list of the best activities for the elderly in Nottingham and its surrounding areas.

1. Go On A Robin Hood Tour

Looking for ideas for days out in Nottingham for older adults and little ones alike? A Robin Hood tour is a great choice and a lot of fun for all the family. Plan out a self-guided tour or join one of the city’s guided ones – you might even be led around by Robin Hood himself. 

Your tour should take in Nottingham Castle and the Robin Hood statue, and you might even want to venture a little further afield to nearby Sherwood Forest – if you do, don’t miss the 1,000-year-old Major Oak tree, which is believed to have served as one of Robin Hood’s hiding places.

2. Visit Nottingham Castle

Visit the very castle fought over by Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham in the legendary tale with a visit to Nottingham Castle. A castle has been on this site since William the Conqueror ordered one to be built here in 1068.

A day out here is one of the best activities in Nottingham if you want to learn more about the city’s history over the last 1,000 years – a history that takes in Kings, outlaws, fires, and dramatic battles.

3. Step Back In Time At The National Justice Museum

If your loved one is fascinated by true crime or loves courtroom dramas, a visit to the National Justice Museum is a must. Here, you can discover the history of forensics, see local true crime stories brought to life, explore ancient cells, step inside a Victorian courtroom, and visit a Georgian gaol.

4. Indulge In Afternoon Tea

Activities for the elderly don’t get much more indulgent than afternoon tea, and Nottingham has some lovely spots where you can enjoy this classic treat, whether you’re celebrating a big birthday, a new great-grandchild, or simply taking a care home resident out for the day.

For a traditional afternoon tea experience in Nottingham, visit Josephine’s, a classic tea room that plays music from the 1920s to the 1950s to add to the atmosphere and really immerse you in the past. 

White Rabbit Teahouse is another great spot for afternoon tea – there’s a site in the city centre and another in West Bridgford. Tuck into sandwiches, mini quiches, scones, and a selection of mini cakes – add on a glass of prosecco if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

5. Immerse Yourself In History At The Nottingham Industrial Museum

The Nottingham Industrial Museum brings the city’s past to life – if you’re visiting with an elderly person, they may even remember some of the exhibits on display when they were in use. 

Explore the Steam Hall, where you can see impressive steam engines up close – a thrill for everyone from life-long train enthusiasts to young fans of Thomas the Tank Engine. There’s also a brilliant model railway on display.

Check out the Transport Gallery and the Textiles Gallery to discover more of Nottingham’s history, and step outside into the Gin Yard, where exhibits include a coal truck on wheels, and even a working blacksmiths.

6. Visit Wollaton Hall And Deer Park

Wollaton Hall was first built in the 1580s and first opened as a museum in the 1920s. With a fantastic collection of museum exhibits, including an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, a lake, formal gardens, botanical gardens, and the deer park, a visit here is one of top activities for the elderly in Nottingham if you’re looking for inspiration for a day out.

If you’ve got a movie buff in the family, they’re sure to recognise Wollaton Hall from 2012’s The Dark Knight Rises, where it doubled up as Wayne Manor, so this is a great day out for Batman fans too.

7. See A Show At One Of Nottingham’s Theatres

A trip to the theatre is always a lovely idea if you’re looking for suitable activities for the elderly. Nottingham is home to the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall, and the Nottingham Playhouse, where you can take in a matinee or enjoy a lively night out.

Choose from comedy, drama, or music acts, or see the annual pantomime at Christmas time – there’s something for everyone, and tickets to a show make a great gift idea for a special birthday.

8. Climb A Working Windmill

Just outside of Nottingham city centre, you’ll find Green’s Windmill and Science Centre, a restored 19th century working windmill, originally built by George Green, whose legacy can be explored at the on-site science centre. Green’s work eventually led to the invention of MRI scanning machines, so a visit makes a great day out in Nottingham for adults of all ages and little ones alike.

Step inside the windmill to see it in action, climb to the top of the mill tower for brilliant views across Nottingham, and buy a bag of the mill’s award-winning organic flour to take home with you. There’s also a beautiful community garden with a Victorian-style greenhouse to explore.

9. Sample Some Local Produce On A Picnic

Nottinghamshire is the home of some iconic British foods, from Stilton cheese to the Bramley apple. Stock up on some local produce at one of the city’s many delis and head for a picnic at a nearby park, or venture to the Nottingham Arboretum. This beautiful green space first opened in the 19th century, and is home to over 800 trees.

Enjoy a walk and a picnic, and ponder whether you agree with those who believe the park was the inspiration for J.M. Barrie’s Neverland – he did spend some time living in Nottingham, so it could very well be true. 

Ruddington Manor Care Home In Nottingham

If you’re thinking of moving to a care home in Nottingham yourself, or are thinking of moving an elderly relative closer to you, Ruddington Manor Care Home is situated within easy reach of the attractions and days out listed above, and provides residential, respite, nursing, and dementia care.

Our Nottingham care home features stylish, modern bedrooms, which each have en-suite wet rooms, as well as an on-site restaurant, and premium facilities including a hair salon and nail bar. We also offer a fantastic programme of activities for our care home residents, designed to support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Contact us today to arrange a visit, or if you have a question about any of our care services – we’re looking forward to hearing from you.