Making Family Visits Easier: Accessible Kirkby-in-Ashfield Amenities Near Lowmoor

When visiting loved ones at Lowmoor Nursing Home in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, combining your visit with a trip to local amenities can create enjoyable shared experiences beyond the care home environment. 

Kirkby-in-Ashfield offers several accessible options that are perfectly suited for residents with varying mobility needs. Here’s our practical guide to making the most of your family visits.

Nearby Cafés for a Special Treat

Portland Square Café

Distance from Lowmoor: 0.4 miles (8-minute walk or 2-minute drive) 

Why it works: This spacious café features wide entrances and level access throughout, making it ideal for wheelchair users. Their friendly staff are always happy to accommodate care home residents and can arrange suitable seating in advance. 

Tip: Their afternoon tea is excellent value and can be shared between two people. Call ahead to reserve a ground floor table by the window. Contact: 01623 756321

The Garden Kitchen at Notcutts Garden Centre

Distance from Lowmoor: 1.2 miles (5-minute drive) 

Why it works: With plenty of disabled parking, wide aisles, and fully accessible facilities, Notcutts is perfect for a relaxed visit. The café offers table service and plenty of space between tables for wheelchairs or walking frames. 

Tip: Visit on weekdays before 11am to avoid busy periods. Their scones are freshly baked each morning and highly recommended! Contact: 01623 759123

Accessible Shopping

Morrisons Supermarket

Distance from Lowmoor: 0.6 miles (3-minute drive) 

Why it works: This large supermarket offers mobility scooters/wheelchairs for customer use, wide aisles, and a café with accessible seating. Many residents enjoy browsing the aisles and selecting a few favourite treats. 

Tip: The café often has quieter areas at the back where you can enjoy a more peaceful experience. Contact: 01623 752982

Kirkby Town Centre

Distance from Lowmoor: 0.7 miles (15-minute walk or 3-minute drive) 

Why it works: The pedestrianised town centre features level access to most shops, several benches for resting, and accessible public toilets. Many shops have staff who are familiar with Lowmoor residents and provide excellent service. 

Tip: Ellis’s Bakery makes wonderful cakes that many of our residents particularly enjoy – perfect for bringing back to share during your visit.

Peaceful Outdoor Spaces

Kingsway Park

Distance from Lowmoor: 0.5 miles (10-minute walk or 2-minute drive) 

Why it works: This well-maintained park features paved, level paths ideal for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Several accessible benches are positioned throughout the park, making it easy to stop and rest. 

Tip: The duck pond area is particularly peaceful and has a covered seating area – perfect for less predictable British weather!

Portland Park

Distance from Lowmoor: 0.8 miles (4-minute drive) 

Why it works: With designated disabled parking bays close to the entrance, this park offers beautiful sensory gardens with raised beds that wheelchair users can get close to. The paths are wide and well-maintained. 

Tip: There’s a small sensory garden with fragrant plants that many of our residents with dementia find particularly engaging and calming.

Planning Your Outing

Transport Options

If you don’t have your own vehicle, there are several accessible transport options available:

• Local Taxis: Both A1 Taxis (01623 754321) and Kirkby Cabs (01623 757000) have wheelchair-accessible vehicles, but please book in advance.
• Care Home Transport: For planned outings, Lowmoor can sometimes arrange transport using our accessible minibus. Please speak to the Home Manager at least one week in advance.

Practical Tips

• Timing: Mid-morning (10am-11:30am) or mid-afternoon (2pm-4pm) are often good times for outings, when most residents are at their most alert and energetic.
• Weather Considerations: Always bring an extra layer and umbrella, even on seemingly fine days. Kirkby-in-Ashfield weather can be unpredictable!
• Facilities: Always check ahead regarding accessible toilets – our reception team can advise on the most suitable locations.
• Medical Needs: Remember to inform care home staff of your plans, so they can advise regarding medication timing or specific care needs.

Staff Support

Our Lowmoor team is happy to help arrange outings with residents:

• Discuss your plans with our Activities Coordinator who can recommend suitable venues based on your loved one’s specific needs and interests
• Request a ‘day out pack’ which includes any necessary medications, emergency contact information, and practical items like wipes and spare clothing
• Ask about the best timing for your outing based on your loved one’s routine and energy levels

Making the Most of Your Visit

Remember that for many residents, simply being out of the care home environment can be stimulating enough. Short, successful trips often work better than ambitious outings that might cause fatigue or stress.

Our residents particularly appreciate:

• Watching the world go by from a café window
• Feeding the ducks at Kingsway Park
• Visiting familiar local shops they used to frequent
• Simply sitting in the fresh air on a pleasant day

If you’d like more personalised recommendations for your loved one, please speak to Jo or Khia, our Activities Coordinators, who know our residents’ preferences and abilities well.

We hope this guide helps you plan enjoyable outings with your loved one. Creating these shared experiences outside the care home environment can provide wonderful memories and conversation topics for future visits.

For further information or to discuss specific requirements for your loved one, please contact Lowmoor Nursing Home on 01623 752 288.