23 May 2018
Top days out not far from Kew House Care Home
Experiencing new sights and sounds is important for anyone, but for those living in a care home such as Kew House in Wimbledon, having contact with the outside world is doubly important. We don’t want our residents to feel isolated from the local community, and as such we work hard to arrange plenty of days out and things to do, which everyone has the option of attending.
As well as our own trips, we encourage families and visitors to take residents out on a day trip if they wish. We can help with organising transportation, as well as making sure your loved one is up, ready and looking fabulous ahead of their special day out. Here are some of our favourite days out and places to visit in our local area:
A former textile mill in the parish of Merton, the building is now a wonderful crafts market and venue for theatre, music and concerts. Situated on the picturesque River Wandle, Merton Abbey Mills is a great place to browse for pottery, jewellery, books and crafts, or to pop into the riverside pub for a spot of lunch. The whole area is pedestrianised and easily accessible to those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility, and there are accessible toilets available in various locations around the site.
Needing little introduction, Kew Gardens are London’s largest UNESCO World Heritage site and the perfect place to enjoy a sunny afternoon stroll. Perfect for lovers of both landscape gardens and architecture too, there’s something for everyone here at Kew. Just half an hour from our home, Kew offers free entry to carers and has ramped access to all cafes and shops. Glasshouses, the Hive, the Treetop Walkway and Kew Palace cannot accommodate mobility scooters, but manually operated wheelchairs are available for use in each of these locations, as well as on the Kew Explorer Train which can fit one wheelchair on board.
Another attraction which needs little introduction is the wonderful Natural History Museum. From dinosaur skeletons to taxidermy dodos, volcano replicas to creepy crawlies, there’s so much to see at the museum, you’ll struggle to fit it in all into a day. Alongside the permanent exhibits are exciting temporary exhibitions such as living butterflies, wildlife photography and live shows. Disabled visitors and their carers can jump the queues and can expect wide access to the majority of the exhibits. Induction loops are fitted at information desks and at various points in the exhibits, and visually impaired visitors can make use of audio descriptions for Hintze Hall and many other permanent features.
Less than a 10 minute drive from our home is the wonderful Wimbledon stadium and its museum of tennis. The museum offers a chance to get up close to the famous championship trophies and to see equipment donated by famous players, as well as special exhibits that change throughout the year. Visitors can go and see Centre Court itself on a brief visit, or can book a full stadium tour including the BBC studios, player’s entrance and the press interview room. The museum and shop have step free access and there is a step free tour route too.
- Buddhapadipa Temple (Thai Temple)
The Buddhapadipa Temple is a Buddhist centre, and has stood in London as a little piece of Thailand since 1966. It is open to all people, regardless of religion, race or nationality, and is a wonderful way to experience a little taste of Thai culture right here in London. At under 10 minutes’ drive from our home, it’s a great place for a quick trip out to marvel at the exquisitely ornate nature of Buddhist temples. The outside of the temple and grounds can be enjoyed in a wheelchair, but visitors will need to be able to navigate a short flight of shallow steps to visit the inside of the building.
If we’ve whet your appetite for enjoying a day out near Kew House, why not plan a trip with your loved one soon? Talk to our care workers for advice and support and come and enjoy our beautiful local area whenever you like!
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