Getting Out and About in Swindon This Autumn

As the days grow shorter, it can be tempting to stay indoors. But a change of scenery, a familiar place or a conversation over a cup of tea can give someone something to look forward to. Getting out can be especially meaningful for older people who live alone or are finding it harder to keep up with their usual activities.

An outing does not have to be long or ambitious. A gentle stroll, a visit to a local café or an afternoon at a community group can all be enjoyable ways to spend time together. The best choice is one that suits the person’s interests, energy and confidence- and autumn in Swindon offers plenty of possibilities.

Swindon has a lovely mix of events this September and October. For anyone who enjoys being outdoors, Heritage Apple Day at Lydiard Park on 26 September offers a chance to explore the Walled Garden, discover its historic apple varieties and enjoy the autumn atmosphere. Those who prefer local history might enjoy a guided tour of Lydiard House followed by cream tea.

There are also welcoming ways to spend time with others. Age UK Wiltshire’s Fitness & Friendship Club combines gentle activities with games and conversation. At the Companions Café in Haydon Wick, people living with dementia and their families or carers can meet over tea in a relaxed setting.

Whether you fancy a one-off outing or a regular group, the events below offer plenty of places to start.

• Saturday 19 September: Working Lives in Bloom at Christ Church, Old Town. Enjoy a flower festival and discover stories from Swindon’s past, from 1-4 pm.

• Tuesday 22 September: Age UK Wiltshire’s Fitness & Friendship Club at Central Community Centre. Gentle seated activities, games and time to chat, from 2-4 pm.

• Tuesday 22 September: 60+ community drop-in at Old Town Co-op. Meet local organisations and find out about activities and support in the area, from 10 am-2 pm.

• Wednesday 23 or 30 September: Guided tour of Lydiard House, with the option to enjoy a cream tea afterwards. Tours start at 2 pm and booking is required.

• Wednesday 23 to Sunday 27 September: Heritage apple art exhibition at Lydiard Park’s Coach House Activity Centre. Free entry, from 11 am-3 pm.

• Thursday 24 September: Companions Café at Haydon Wick Parish Council Offices. A free, friendly gathering for people living with dementia and their families or carers, from 10 am-noon.

• Saturday 26 September: Heritage Apple Day at Lydiard Park. Explore the Walled Garden, discover heritage apples and enjoy creative activities, from 11 am-4 pm. Entry is free.

• Tuesday 6 and 20 October: Age UK Wiltshire’s Fitness & Friendship Club at Central Community Centre, from 2–4 pm.

• Wednesday 7 October: Autumn Paint & Sip at Lydiard Park Hotel. A creative autumn outing; see the organiser’s page for booking details.

• Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 October: Rogues and Rascals Week at Lydiard House Museum. Discover intriguing stories from the house’s history. Guided tours, with optional cream tea, are available on selected dates.

• Thursday 22 October: Companions Café at Haydon Wick Parish Council Offices, from 10 am-noon. This date follows the café’s published fourth Thursday schedule.