Getting about in Cambridge
Cambridge has a fantastic public transport system which is ideal for those who do not have access to their own transport. Most of the Citi buses in Cambridge have good wheelchair accessibility with ramps and kneeling actions. There is no need for advance booking, but there is only space for one wheelchair on each bus. There is also priority seating for those who are elderly or infirm. Travel is free for those with a concessionary pass for travel after 9.30 am.
Cambridge railway station offers great links for those who want to travel a little further, and the station itself is very accessible with wide automatic doors, no steps and plenty of benches for those who cannot walk far.
There is also a Shopmobility service operating in Cambridge, which provides a range of equipment for those with mobility issues, for use within the city centre for periods of up to 2 hours. The dial-a-ride service in Cambridge is also a good choice for those who struggle to access public transport. There is a membership scheme for this service with a small fee and fares for each journey. You can get in touch with dial-a-ride in Cambridge by calling 01223 506335.
Things To Do
Cambridge has plenty of places that are perfect for a short outing. Whether an indoor location or an outdoor one is preferable, there are many great places to choose from.
Parks
If fresh air appeals, Cambridge has no shortage of parks and nature reserves that are very accessible. For those who are perhaps not as mobile as they once were wheelchair-accessible outdoor spaces are a must, with easy-to-navigate paths and plenty of resting points to enjoy the views. Wandlebury Country Park (CB22 3AE) is one such park with gentle walks and plenty of places to sit and watch the world go by. They also offer free mobility scooter hire.
Midsummer Common (CB5 8DJ) is an area of historic riverside grassland. Just outside the city centre, it lies on the banks of the river Cam with stunning views and gentle riverside paths. From this location, it is often possible to watch the university boat team practicing.
Cinemas
There is a good range of cinemas in the city. The Light Cinema (at 1a Clifton Way, Cambridge CB1 7GX) offers screenings suitable for those with sight or hearing issues, dementia-friendly screenings and all of their screens are accessible. The Arts Picturehouse (at 38-39 St Andrew’s St, Cambridge CB2 3AR) has wheelchair-friendly seating on all of their three screens and a lift to all floors. It also has screenings for those with visual impairments and dementia-friendly morning screenings. Accompanying carers can get free entry.
Community Centres
Community centres are a great place to find activities that are suitable for the elderly or simply as a place to be in the company of others, and there is no shortage of community centres in Cambridge. The Meadows Community Centre (at 299 Arbury Rd, Cambridge CB4 2JL) offers a range of activities that are perfect for those who are less mobile including quilting and watercolour painting classes. They also have a range of gentle exercise classes for those over 50, including simple chair exercises.
Other Activities
You really are never too old to learn new skills and engage in new activities. Community centres are not the only places that offer some fantastic opportunities for the elderly. Cambridge Community Arts (at 16-18 Arbury Rd, Cambridge CB4 2JQ) offers a range of courses that are run by professional musicians and artists. The classes are small and open to everyone and offer opportunities to socialise and learn something new.
Cambridge Makers (at 6 Lintech Court, Linton, CB21 4XN) is another organisation offering weekly classes and courses that are a great opportunity to get engaged with crafts and either learn new skills or keep your hands occupied with crafts you love.
Coffee shops and cafes
There is something to be said about sitting down to a nice cup of tea or coffee with friends, and as we get older, this can become something of a special treat. A chance to meet up with a friend and linger over a good pot of tea, particularly when it comes as part of a traditional afternoon tea and put the world to rights.
There is no shortage of good coffee shops and cafes in Cambridge. Whether you prefer something a little more traditional or a contemporary experience, you will find something to cater to every taste in Cambridge.
Harriett’s Tea Room on Green Steet (CB2 3JU) is a venue that prides itself on offering formal service in a very classic setting, harking back to the tea rooms of yesteryear. With waitresses in period uniforms and live piano music, the atmosphere is one in which you can relax and enjoy the freshly made food created to traditional recipes and, of course, the wide range of teas.
At just over 100 years old, Fitzbillies on Trumpington Street (CB2 1RG) is a great location to visit for homemade cake and coffee. The café with its attached bakery, is something of a Cambridge institution and the perfect place to visit for a special treat.
For those who prefer coffee to tea the perfect place to visit is Bould Brothers Café on Round Church Street (CB5 8AD). Here, they treat coffee making like a science, and attention is paid to every tiny detail that goes into the brewing process, from the quality of the beans to the volume of water and even the cup size. The modern surroundings make a vibrant place to have an outing and watch the world go by.