What Are the Best Outdoor Activities for Older Adults in Taunton & West Somerset?

As we enjoy the arrival of June, there’s no better time to explore the outdoors, especially for older adults who benefit from home care. So, what are the best outdoor activities for older adults in Taunton and West Somerset? The answer often lies in the simple pleasures: a picnic in a quiet park, painting beneath a shady tree, or sharing a conversation over tea in a garden café. These senior-friendly experiences are not only accessible and low-pressure, they can bring moments of calm, connection, and joy to older adults who may need a little extra support to spend time outdoors.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, and it’s lovely to see our clients making the most of the sunshine. This weekend, one of our wonderful clients enjoyed a joyful trip out with a member of our Care Team — a heartwarming reminder of how quality care at home can empower older adults to stay active, connected, and safe. Whether it’s a slice of cake at a local café or a short stroll in the sunshine, these little moments often bring the biggest smiles. Because at Home Instead, we believe it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. 

1. Dining Al Fresco: Picnics, Barbecues and Café Culture

Taunton and its surrounding areas have no shortage of parks, picnic spots and quiet garden cafés. For older adults, these settings are perfect for relaxed conversation and light refreshments.

• Vivary Park, Taunton – Ideal for a morning picnic or sandwich lunch. It features accessible paths, beautiful flowerbeds, and seating in both shaded and sunny areas.

• French Weir Park – A peaceful riverside spot with picnic tables, café access, and nearby toilets.

• Local cafés with outdoor seating – Many spots near Taunton town centre now offer garden tables or pavement seating, making them great options for accompanied visits.

Care Pro Social Evening

In June, we launched a brand-new series of Care Pro social evenings organised by our Care Professionals and supported by the office team—and June gave us not one, but two fantastic get-togethers!

These relaxed get-togethers gave our Care Pros and office staff a chance to unwind, connect, and celebrate the incredible work they do every day in supporting our clients. It was a fantastic way to show our appreciation and strengthen the bonds within our Home Instead family.

2. Art in the Open: Landscape Painting and Creative Crafts

Creative hobbies like sketching or painting outdoors allow older adults to enjoy nature without the need for strenuous activity.

• Hestercombe Gardens – Offers not only beautiful landscaped gardens but plenty of seating where older adults can sketch or paint. Wide paths and mobility scooter hire make this location particularly inclusive.

• Taunton Castle Grounds – With gentle surroundings and views of heritage buildings, it’s a lovely place to sit and try a watercolour painting session.

• Home garden painting – For those unable to travel far, a sunny patio or windowsill offers all the inspiration needed. Painting bird boxes or flowerpots can be just as enjoyable.

3. Gentle Walks and Scenic Viewing

Many older adults enjoy the quiet companionship of a walk, especially when supported by a caregiver or family member. It doesn’t have to be far; even a few hundred yards can be meaningful.

• Taunton and Bridgwater Canal – Flat, well-maintained paths make this route ideal for wheelchairs, walkers, and slow ambles. Look out for ducks, boats, and the occasional heron.

• Sheppy’s Cider Farm and Orchards – Although best known for cider, Sheppy’s is also a charming place for a gentle walk among trees and blossoms, with accessible paths and a ground-floor café.

• Local memory walks – Walk and Talk schemes in Somerset pair volunteers with older adults for regular, short walks in local parks.

4. Steam Trains and Vintage Travel

Some outings offer enjoyment without the need for walking. The West Somerset Railway offers a beautiful countryside experience for those who enjoy watching the world pass by.

• West Somerset Railway – Steam trains run from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, passing through coastal and countryside scenes. Ideal for older adults who may be nostalgic about rail travel or who enjoy structured day trips with rest stops.

Carers can assist with boarding and refreshments, while accessible seating is usually available with advance notice.

5. Outdoor Companionship and Support

At Home Instead Taunton & West Somerset, we know that being outdoors is often better when someone friendly is by your side. Our companionship-led support includes:

• One-to-one visits tailored to individual interests

• Help getting to and from parks, cafés or family BBQs

• Encouragement to resume hobbies like gardening or sketching

• Light preparation for outdoor meals or picnics at home

📞 To learn more about our companionship services, call 01823 211121.
📍 Comeytrowe Centre, Pitts Close, Taunton, TA1 4TY

Even when staying close to home, outdoor activity can start right outside the front door.

• Garden BBQs – Help older adults host or join a small barbecue with family or friends. With help preparing and serving food, it can be an enjoyable summer ritual.

• Chair-based outdoor classes – Flexercise sessions can be moved outside during warmer months, ideal for improving mobility in a safe way.

• Birdwatching or flower spotting – A bird feeder or planted flower pot on a patio can encourage observation and conversation.
  

Our popular ‘What’s on Where’ guide is a collection of local events and activities for elderly people, including those living with dementia, their families and caregivers– to help you discover new events, meet new people, and make the most of what’s happening in and around Taunton and West Somerset this summer. If you would like to find out more, you can download the free PDF or pop into our office in the Comeytrowe Centre for a copy.