Fresh Air as Medicine? Senior-Friendly Outdoors in West Leicestershire & Market Bosworth
Enjoy safe, senior-friendly outdoor activities in West Leicestershire & Market Bosworth this summer.
As we move through June, longer days and pleasant weather offer a perfect excuse to head outside, especially for older adults supported by home care. So, could fresh air be the best medicine? For many in West Leicestershire and Market Bosworth, the answer might be as simple as enjoying a picnic by the canal, taking part in a painting session beneath the trees, or sipping tea in a sunny café garden. These moments bring comfort, joy, and connection, all in ways that are safe, inclusive, and accessible for those who benefit from a little extra support.
Thoughtful Outdoor Options for Every Interest
At Home Instead West Leicestershire & Market Bosworth, we know that a successful outing means more than just stepping outside, it’s about matching the experience to a person’s pace, preferences, and needs. That’s why we’ve gathered a variety of gentle, enriching activities across the region, perfect for enjoying with a Care Professional or loved one this summer.
Share Your Favourite Outdoor Moments and Venues
Have you recently visited a peaceful garden café with a client? Know of a community BBQ or quiet painting session taking place in July? We’d love to hear about it. This is your space to highlight senior-friendly events, venues, or local spots where older adults have felt welcome and relaxed, whether that’s a picnic area in Ibstock, a canal-side bench in Shackerstone, or an art morning at a heritage garden.
Your insights help us showcase real experiences and tailor our content to reflect the local community. Whether it’s a joyful photo, a short story, or a simple recommendation, please share anything that could help inspire others to get outside this summer, comfortably and confidently.
A Breath of Fresh Air: Outdoor Dining, Picnics and Gentle Strolls
Enjoying a meal outdoors is a lovely way to socialise, especially in the warmer months. Whether it’s a shaded bench in a local park or a garden table at a café, it can offer a welcome change of scenery.
Bosworth Marina is a favourite for locals wanting to enjoy a quiet picnic with a canal view. The peaceful paths are accessible and ideal for wheelchairs or those using walking aids. Canal boat rides are also available, offering a slow-paced experience surrounded by countryside.
For something with a touch of history, Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park provides flat, well-maintained paths and scenic picnic areas. The 1485 Tithe Barn café is wheelchair accessible and offers light refreshments, perfect for a quiet lunch after a short stroll.
Market Bosworth Country Park is another well-suited option. With surfaced paths, open lawns and benches throughout, it’s an easy place to spend an hour or two, whether feeding ducks by the lake or sharing a flask of tea under the trees.
A Creative Afternoon: Landscape Painting and Sketching Outdoors
Painting or sketching can be both therapeutic and stimulating, and Leicestershire’s natural backdrops provide endless inspiration. For older adults who enjoy creative expression, even observing a painting session can be calming and engaging.
The Ashby Canal offers scenic water views, wildflowers, and narrowboats gliding past, an ideal setting for a bit of painting or photography. Quiet stretches near Shackerstone and Carlton are away from traffic and tend to be peaceful.
Foxton Locks, though more popular with families, also offers quieter midweek periods when the canal boats moving through the impressive lock staircase provide a charming subject to paint. The area is flat with ample seating and accessible facilities.
For a more structured outing, Belvoir Castle’s gardens can offer visual inspiration through their varied floral displays and scenic viewpoints. Caregivers accompanying older adults can help with carrying equipment or setting up a small easel or chair.
Garden Strolls and Historic Grounds
Older adults who enjoy flowers and gentle movement may find joy in a visit to heritage gardens.
The 1620s House and Garden in Donington le Heath is a peaceful location with period planting schemes, accessible pathways, and shaded spots for quiet reflection or reading. Visiting with a caregiver means you can take your time, pause when needed, and enjoy the atmosphere at a comfortable pace.
Rothley Wine Estate, while not a formal garden, welcomes visitors of all ages (including four-legged friends) to walk its grounds, enjoy a bring-your-own picnic, or join in seasonal tastings. The vineyard is flat and open, with dog-friendly policies and accessible parking.
A Gentle Ride: Steam Railways and Canal Cruises
For those who prefer seated outings, seated outings can provide the same sense of fun and escape.
The Battlefield Line Railway offers nostalgic rides in vintage carriages pulled by steam or diesel engines. The Shackerstone station is easy to access and provides facilities for those with limited mobility. Events like cream tea services and 1940s weekends offer a little something extra.
Ashby Canal cruises from Market Bosworth Marina provide a relaxing alternative to walking. With options for short taster trips or full-day hires (often including picnic breaks), it’s a relaxing way to enjoy the countryside without needing to walk far.
Wildlife Encounters and Animal Experiences
For those who enjoy nature and animals, but prefer not to walk far, several locations offer senior-accessible ways to interact with wildlife.
Tropical Birdland in Desford features wide, level paths and seating areas among exotic bird enclosures. Parrots, toucans, and owls are housed in a way that makes them easy to see up close without having to walk far.
Stonehurst Farm, though larger and more activity-based for families, has quieter areas where older adults can watch animals being fed or simply enjoy the countryside setting with a cup of tea.
Relaxation Spots: Tearooms and Scenic Cafés
Sometimes, the joy is in simply sitting somewhere pleasant with a drink and a view.
St Joseph’s Tearoom, tucked into the countryside near Whitwick, is calm and welcoming. With homemade food and tranquil surroundings, it’s ideal for those who enjoy a more low-key outing. There’s space for wheelchairs, and carers are warmly welcomed.
The Engine Yard at Belvoir Castle is a cluster of small eateries and boutiques with flat access. It’s an easy place to meet a friend, enjoy lunch, or simply browse the shops for a change of scene.
Community Programmes That Encourage Gentle Movement
There are also ongoing activities designed specifically for older adults living in the area, including those with changing mobility or long-term health needs. These are often suitable for those receiving care at home and attending with support.
- Walking Football sessions in Ashby, Measham, Castle Donington, and Ibstock
- Steady Steps programmes for balance and confidence
- Easy Movers for low-impact, supported exercise
- Seated Exercise and Activity Bingo, often held in community halls or supported living centres
- Healthy at Home digital routines for those who prefer to stay local or indoors
Local groups like Age UK and “Let’s Get Moving Outdoors” also offer accessible walking and cycling groups with social benefits.
Planning for the Weather and Access
Before heading out, it’s a good idea to:
- Check whether the location has toilets and mobility access
- Pack a folding chair, umbrella, or sun hat depending on the forecast
- Choose quieter times of day (such as mornings or weekdays)
- Bring medication, snacks, and water if needed
And remember, most local parks and heritage sites in West Leicestershire have dedicated carer provisions or companion entry schemes. Caregivers play an important role in making these moments possible, and many venues now recognise that with reduced admission or better access facilities.
Final Thoughts
Nature, creativity, wildlife, and a simple picnic in the park, these small pleasures can bring real joy and comfort to older adults, especially when supported in the right way. Whether it’s a quiet hour by the canal or an afternoon of sketching in the garden, there are plenty of opportunities in West Leicestershire and Market Bosworth to enjoy the outdoors safely and meaningfully.
With the right planning and a little help, these outings can continue to be part of everyday life, even for those receiving care at home. If you’re unsure where to start or need a helping hand to arrange suitable activities for a loved one, we’re here to support you.
At Home Instead West Leicestershire & Market Bosworth, we believe that staying active and connected to nature is not only enjoyable, it’s also important for overall wellbeing. Our care professionals are trained to provide safe, respectful, and personalised support so that older adults can keep doing the things they enjoy, in the ways that work for them.
To learn more about how we can help with companionship, outdoor activities, or planning meaningful days out, please visitwww.homeinstead.co.uk/west-leicestershire or contact us directly. We’re here to help you make the most of every moment.
Areas We Serve
Aylestone, Birstall, Braunstone, Enderby, Glenfield, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester Forest East, Narborough,Ratby, Thurmaston, Wigston
CV13 0, LE18 4, LE19 0, LE19 1, LE19 2, LE19 3, LE19 4, LE2 9, LE3 1, LE3 2, LE3 3, LE3 6, LE3 8, LE3 9, LE4 0, LE4 1, LE6 0, LE67 1, LE67 6, LE67 9, LE7 7, LE8 4, LE9 2, LE9 7, LE9 8, LE9 9
46 Boston Rd, Leicester LE4 1AA
0116 484 9613