National Walking Month is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the health benefits that walking can offer, especially for those over 55. Walking is not just a simple way to stay active, but it is also an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, it not only boosts your mood but it can improve your overall health and wellbeing.  

Let’s start with the benefits of walking.  

If you’re not a regular at the local tennis courts or an avid marathon runner, low-impact walking is going to be one of the easiest ways to get back into exercise. 

Walking can provide a range of health benefits for those over 55, and getting outdoors near your retirement living apartment is free and easy to do. If the feeling of the sun on your face and the fresh air in your lungs still doesn’t entice you to start this healthy habit, we have pulled together 3 of the key benefits of walking that might just motivate you to head out on a walk this May. 

1. Improved Heart Health: Walking regularly can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve cardiovascular health.
2. Increased Mobility: Walking can help improve mobility and flexibility, which can be especially beneficial for older adults who may experience stiffness or joint pain. 
3. Better Mood: Walking can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall mental health and well-being.

3 Easy Walks to Try Out 

Our retirement living villages in Brighouse, Derby and Thornton Cleveleys are perfectly positioned for enjoying a variety of interesting walks. We have picked our favourite walks near each retirement living location. 

1) Alderman Lodge, Brighouse  

The Brighouse Canal Walk is a scenic route that showcases beautiful views of the Calder and Hebble Navigation Canal and the surrounding countryside. The walk begins at Brighouse Basin, which is a picturesque starting point in itself. If you fancy something light to eat before you walk, we recommend stopping at Jeremy’s at the Boathouse for some tapas and sitting on one of the outside tables. It’s a great place to people-watch as the basin is a popular spot for boaters and visitors alike, and it offers a peaceful and tranquil environment to start your walk. 

This is an easy walk (we estimate that it will take around 1.5 hours to complete) and can be cut short by simply turning around or cutting across one of the locks. To complete our full recommended walk, you need to follow the canal path towards Cooper Bridge and cross several locks before turning around and heading back the way you came. The locks offer a glimpse into the history of the canal and the industrial heritage of the area and are an impressive feat of engineering that are still used today by boats navigating the canal. 

As you walk along, you’ll be guaranteed to be entertained, there is a healthy mixture of countryside and urban landscapes, with sections passing through woodland areas and others through the more built-up areas of Brighouse. If you are lucky, you might even spot a duck, swan, or one of the other waterfowl that live on the canal! 

One of the highlights of the walk is entering the edge of the charming town of Mirfield at Cooper Bridge, which provides a handy pitstop! This area is home to several pubs and cafes, where you can stop for a coffee or a bite to eat and take a break from your walk. 

Once you have had your pitstop, you can either cross to the other side of the canal to walk back to Brighouse Basin or turn around and use the same path. The marina (at Brighouse Basin) flanks the beginning and end of the walk and is a bustling hub of activity, with boats coming and going, it offers a great place to stop and watch the world go by. 

This is an easy walk suitable for all ages and abilities, and it’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise in a beautiful and peaceful setting. 

2) Albany Lodge, Derby 

Markeaton Park Walk – This easy walk is a great way to explore the beautiful Markeaton Park in Derby. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles long and takes around 1 hour to complete. The walk offers stunning views of the park’s gardens, lake, and woodland areas and is perfect for those looking for a leisurely stroll. 

Just a 5 minute drive from Albany Lodge retirement living village sits Markeaton Park. The Markeaton Park walk is a delightful stroll that is particularly beautiful in springtime, when the trees are starting to bud, and the flowers are blooming, making it an excellent time to take in nature. 

The walk begins at the Markeaton Park car park (where you can park your car for free) and is signposted at the car park entrance. From here, the walk takes you through the park’s stunning gardens, which are in full bloom during the spring months. You’ll see a variety of colourful flowers, including tulips, daffodils, and crocuses, as well as blossoming trees such as cherry blossom and apple trees. 

If you are a nature lover, the walk is perfect for you as it takes you to the park’s lake, which is home to a variety of waterfowl, including ducks and swans (perfect to bring the Grandchildren to feed the ducks over long May bank holiday weekends). If you have some extra time, we suggest a slight detour of walking around the lake, taking in the serene and tranquil surroundings and admiring the views of the park. 

If you follow the trail, you’ll be guided to the woodland area of the park which is particularly enchanting in the spring months, with the trees starting to grow and snowdrops shooting up from the earth. The woodland area is also home to confident squirrels (who often sit on the path) so you’ll be sure to spot one. 

Whilst this walk is very short (around an hour long), if you did want to take a break during your walk, there’s a lovely café located in the park’s courtyard, which offers a range of hot and cold drinks and snacks. Alternatively, there are several picnic areas in the park where you can stop and enjoy a packed lunch or a cup of tea. 

We love this walk as it changes with the seasons, it is particularly nice to enjoy nature on weekday mornings to beat the lunch crowd and enjoy the tranquillity of the area. 

3) Royles Lodge, Thornton Cleveleys  

Thornton Cleveleys Coastal Walk – We couldn’t recommend a walk in Thornton Cleveleys that didn’t have sea views! Whilst there are many inland options (including King George’s Playing Fields that are steps away from our retirement living apartments at Royles Lodge) nothing clears out the cobwebs like fresh sea air! 

The Thornton Cleveleys Coastal Walk is a beautiful and scenic route that takes you along the Fylde Coast and offers breath-taking views of the sea and the surrounding countryside. The walk starts at Cleveleys Promenade and ends at Rossell Beach Promenade, and it is approximately 3 miles long. 

The walk is best enjoyed during low tide when you can see the vast expanse of the beach and the sea creatures that call it home. You might spot some sea birds, crabs, and other marine life in the tidal pools and exposed rocks. 

One of the highlights of the walk is the picturesque Cleveleys Beach, a beautiful stretch of golden sand that is perfect for relaxing and taking in the stunning views of the Irish Sea. The beach is a great spot for a picnic, sunbathing, or, if you could even bring your cossie for a refreshing dip in the sea during the warmer months. 

As you walk along the coast, you’ll also see the art installation, Mary’s Shell, and the iconic seafront shelters, which are a popular spot for taking a break and enjoying the view. You’ll pass through the beautiful Jubilee Gardens, where we recommend taking a moment to relax and appreciate the beautiful floral displays and the sea views. 

If you need a refreshment break during your walk, there are several cafes and pubs along the route where you can stop for a coffee, tea, or a bite to eat. Locals favourites include, The Venue, which is located on the seafront or The Queensway, which is situated just off the coastal path. 

The Thornton Cleveleys Coastal Walk is a wonderful way to get some exercise and take in the views of the Fylde Coast. With plenty of highlights along the way, it’s a great way to spend a few hours exploring this beautiful part of the country.

When you come to live with us in a luxury retirement living apartment, you are never too far away from a scenic walk. Walking is a simple and enjoyable way for those over 55 to stay active, boost their mood, and improve their overall health and well-being. So, why not take advantage of National Walking Month and try out these easy walks in Brighouse, Derby, and Thornton Cleveleys? You won’t regret it! 

The team at Burghley Retirement enjoyed the magic of World Book Day this year, thanks to the pupils at Thornton Primary School.

Pupils in Beech Class were invited to put pen to paper and write their own original stories, which were entered into a short story competition run by Burghley Retirement. Their stories were shared with the team at Royles Lodge to read and enjoy, as well as select three winners.

Ellie May Turner was crowned as the winner thanks to a fantastic story entitled ‘Why Babies Don’t Make Sense!’. Poppy Hill and Skyla Rose were chosen as the runners up with stories entitled ‘This One Girl’ and ‘The Girl Who’s Mind Went Boom!’. All three pupils were awarded a National Book Token to help them continue to enjoy their love of reading.

Declan Fishwick, Marketing Manager for Burghley Retirement Living, said “The enthusiasm and confidence from the children in telling their stories has been great fun to witness. We thoroughly enjoyed reading through each entry. We have some very talented young writers in Thornton-Cleveleys, it was hard to pick just one.”

“We want to say a big thank you to the pupils and teachers at Thornton Primary School for being so thoughtful, kind and making us part of their World Book Day celebrations. Hopefully next year we can invite them all to Royles Lodge to read to us in person!”.

If you’re approaching retirement, you’ve likely given some thought to the next chapter of your life. Will you travel? Volunteer part-time? Move closer to family?

The type of home that you choose to live in makes up a large part of that conversation.

You could remain in your current house or, for example, move to a “granny flat” at your son’s or daughter’s home. You could also move to a bungalow, decide to rent, buy a campervan or retirement community.

Where you choose to live during your retirement years is a personal choice. Many people want to live somewhere that lets them continue their lifestyle, but near all the people and activities that make life enjoyable. If that sounds like you, living in a retirement community could be just the home you seek.

A retirement community is a far cry from a nursing home, its purpose build living for over 55’s who want to live in a luxury apartment, within a safe and vibrant community. It’s the best of both worlds, not only do you own your own home and have the freedom to come and go as you please, but you also have the option of getting involved with social events with like-minded individuals.

Holidays away from home

If you plan to spend your retirement visiting exciting new places or simply booking relaxing weeks by the beach, living with us at Burghley Retirement Living could be perfect for you.

If you know that you won’t be home 365 days of the year but are mindful of security, a retirement living apartment could be the perfect solution.

Each of our retirement living communities include:

· A House Manager who is on site 5 days per week

· A personal intruder alarm

· Buildings insurance

· Electricity, heating and lighting of the communal areas

· Maintenance and management of the building and its external areas

Meaning that you can enjoy travelling without stress and worry, knowing that your home is being looked after.

Volunteering and community activities

Age UK has reported that 1.4m older adults in the UK are ‘chronically lonely’ with some people not seeing anyone from one week to the next. Living in a vibrant retirement community will mean that if you choose to take an active role in the retirement community, you will be surrounded by new friends and enjoy community activities together.

If you have a particular hobby that you would like to share with others, you can volunteer to run your own club in the community lounge. Are you a fan of Richard Osman? You could even find your own Joyce, Ibrahim, Elizabeth and Ron and set up a Thursday Night Murder club, working as sleuths to solve unsolved mysteries.

If you are used to working 9 – 5, retirement can be a shock, so clubs and volunteering can help re-establish a daily routine and ensure that you are a useful member of your community.

Family visits

If you choose to live in one of our one or two bed apartments and don’t feel that you have enough space for guests to stay, we have got you covered!

We know that downsizing can feel daunting, especially if you’re used to having lots of people over for big occasions, however, living with us means that you still can (without having to clean up after them)!

Guest suites are available if you have people coming to stay. The suites are bookable through the House Manager for a small nightly charge and it means that you don’t have to worry about the stress of having loved ones come to stay, we take care of them for you and give them a warm welcome!

Each room has an en-suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, fresh towels and clean bedlinen.

If you would like to find out more about our retirement living communities and how your new apartment could fit around your lifestyle, head to our “how it works” to find out more about making your next move. https://burghleyretirement.co.uk/how-it-works/

As the weather starts to turn, you will soon discover that the Fylde coast is more than just endless golden beaches and picturesque views. There is a lot more to explore, from events to local attractions, everything we have listed below is less than 30 minutes away from your luxury retirement flat at Royles Lodge.

Retail Therapy

Just a 30-minute bus ride away from Royles Lodge retirement living is a shopping destination you won’t want to miss if you’re planning to get some new cosy winter outfits – Affinity Outlet Shopping. It’s the perfect place for those looking to find a bargain. From Pavers to Craghoppers, Regatta to Next, there is a store for everyone.

https://affinitylancashire.com

ACU British Sand Racing Championship

On the 2nd of October, the British Sand Racing Championship will take place on St Annes Beach. This afternoon of racing will see motorbikes, sidecars and quad bikes compete against one another to be the British champion. This adrenaline-filled event is just a half an hour drive away from your over 55s apartment and is sure to be a Sunday of jam-packed fun.

https://www.visitfyldecoast.info/event/fylde-acu-british-sand-masters-2022/2022-09-17/

Visit a tearoom

There is nothing better than discovering a new place to enjoy a brew with friends. Why not take some of your new pals from your retirement living village to one of the top-rated cafes near Royles Lodge? Tiffins Tea Room is a stones through away in Marsh Mill Village and has a variety of homemade cakes to enjoy. Or you could pop into the fabulous Linden Tea Room if you fancy trying the ever-changing soup of the day.

A Tribute to the Armed Forces – “We Will Meet Again” – Stage show

On the 13th of November enjoy a celebration of wartime entertainment in Lytham St Annes.  The 1940s variety show is a light-hearted, yet respectful look at wartime entertainment. Your host is renowned 40’s vocalist Mervyn Francis, who will be joined by a comedy multi-instrumentalist, a ukulele player and of course your very own forces sweetheart.

https://www.discoverfylde.co.uk/events/a-tribute-to-the-armed-forces-well-meet-again/

Fleetwood Music and Arts Festival 2022

When you live in your retirement apartment, there will be a vibrant community around you, but if you’re naturally outgoing, why not take your chance to be part of the wider town? Get involved with the arts scene and put a date in your diary for the Fleetwood Music and Arts Festival. This annual celebration of the Arts takes place on the 19th November and involves fun competitions for amateur actors, instrumentalists and singers.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fleetwood-music-arts-festival-2022-join-us-for-our-in-person-event-tickets-215778247547?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Why wait to live in such a convenient and friendly place? Book an appointment to find your perfect apartment in Thornton-Cleveleys today.

By Maggie Wilkinson

Do you sometimes long to have a go at drawing and painting, but find the sight of a blank, white page daunting – with negative thoughts of not wanting to make a mess? Sometimes, we need to make a start in a small, gentle, and easy way, to get our creativity flowing again and to restore our confidence. Think back to when you were a child; do you remember those cold, wet playtimes when you couldn’t go out, and how cosy and enjoyable it felt to be cosseted up indoors in the warm and colouring in?

Colouring is now a really popular hobby, with fabulous books designed especially for the adult market. Grown-ups are finding immense pleasure in this relaxing craft: the contemplative peace of sitting at the table at your retirement village living and setting out the supplies; then, the simple comfort of laying down the colours, bringing the picture to life with your own handiwork. What a delightful way to spend an afternoon, perhaps with your grandchild or craft group, working on your pages together, side by side.

Before you take the plunge and buy expensive books, why not click on the links below and print yourself off a selection of free images that appeal to you?

Supplies you can use:

• Pencil crayons – these are a great medium to start with, and they vary enormously in price and quality. All the “colourists” have their favourites, and the serious devotees often have several sets. Pencil crayons are more forgiving and subtle than felt pens, with less chance of bleeding through and spoiling the drawing on the other side of the page. The Staedtler 157 SB24 Ergosoft Triangular Colouring Pencils are good, and come highly recommended by the creator of one of the loveliest series of colouring books, Johanna Basford. These are brilliant, relatively cheap, and a perfect place to start. The colours lay down very softly and are easy to layer and blend. Always lay a sheet of clean white paper under the page you’re working on, to prevent marking the underneath design.

Pencil Crayons

• Fineliners  – These are very posh felt-tip pens, brilliant for complimenting, enhancing, and highlighting your pencil work. The tips really are very fine and work well for tiny shapes, adding decorative dots, lines, and flourishes.

Fineliners

• Colouring Books – Johanna Basford has designed and produced a series of beautifully drawn colouring books. She has even drawn a very sweet and free colouring book, which you can download and print as a pdf—see the links below. Johanna offers inspiring, free online tutorials, and there’s a very friendly Facebook community who generously share their work, tips, recommendations, and ideas.

Free colouring downloads

Johanna’s Free Book, “Flourish”

Another way you can ease yourself into creating with colour is to start a journal— a small book to fill with doodles and sketches, inspired from little things you see around you whilst at your retirement community near the sea or out and about, or your thoughts. It’s fun to collect ephemera from places you visit and stick them in, embellishing by hand.

It’s truly rewarding to give yourself the time to be creative, and everyone is creative - we just forget to use it! So, why not check out these links and inspire yourself?

When you move into Royles Lodge in the seaside town of Thornton-Cleveleys you may be thinking of ways to make your brand-new apartment feel homely. We have pulled together some brilliant interior design ideas to make your fully integrated apartment feel like home from the moment that you arrive.

Storage: Each apartment comes with fitted wardrobes and a fully integrated kitchen as standard, which is extremely handy when moving in and means you have plenty of space for storage and this design maximises floor space for you to put your own spin on the retirement living apartment.

Upcycling: This is a very popular trend that is not only fun but, if you’re environmentally aware, it’s a great way to be eco-friendly. So, grab a paintbrush and give old bits of furniture a new lease of life and create something which is authentically yours.

As wardrobes are already integrated into your apartment, we would suggest upcycling a nightstand or a coffee table. Second-hand tables can be found on most marketplace websites and usually under £100. Depending on the piece you might need to simply sand away the rough edges and re-varnish the wood, or it might need an entire makeover, so why not grab a colour of your choice and make it your own? Doing this on a couple of pieces of wooden furniture can really set your apartment apart and make your home unique.

Displays: Gone are the days of displaying plates and vases, but displays can still be very on trend if you know what to display and where. For example, if you are a gin connoisseur your new over 55’s apartment could be the perfect place to display the beautiful bottles. Similar to Del Boy’s globe drinks bar (but far more classy), mini home bars are coming back in fashion. There is a wide variety of bar trolleys available at the moment and they can give your apartment a unique feel.

Drinks trolleys are not just stylish but practical too, you can place your bottles and glasses on it and put it in the open plan living space, which is perfect if you are entertaining guests. Another stylish hack is to gather some empty red wine bottles and put candlesticks in the top of them to create your very own holders, once again this is a sustainable display and that will always look great. When you entertain guests, they will be thrilled that they have the opportunity to use your own private bar!

Personal touches: When looking for retirement flats for sale in Thornton-Cleveleys you will see that all of our properties at Royles Lodge are all fully fitted with amenities, including an en-suite in the bedroom. Our modest and minimalist approach to styling means you can add exactly want to your retirement apartment make it a home. Hang personal photographs and pictures throughout your apartment to add a touch of colour and remind you of fond memories. If you want to keep your home looking minimal and sleek, we recommend using mounting tape to hang your pictures, so that they are snug to the wall’s, it is quick, easy and completely mess-free!

Jazzy flooring: Layered rugs are all the rage at the moment! Now, we know that the humble rug has always been a staple in any home, but these days you can get a rug any size with just about any pattern or picture on it so you will easily find several rug options that which will suit your aesthetic and make your retirement living apartment feel even more comfortable and cosy.

Having all of the essentials already fitted into your brand-new retirement home means that there is no need to worry about the overall layout or styling. Instead you can focus on personalisation and the little touches that will make your over 55’s apartment a peaceful haven.

It is Jubilee year! We are looking forward to this summer when communities come together to celebrate the longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. What better way to get to know your retirement living community than bringing everyone together for such a memorable event! We have some tips and ideas on how to make the celebrations one you won’t forget!  

Jubilee Cakes  

Tea is an obvious choice when it comes to celebrating everything that is great about Great Britain, but nothing goes better with a nice cuppa than a good bit of cake! Put your baking skills to the test and wow your new neighbours with some excellent decorative tips. We suggest finding a classic Victoria Sponge recipe and getting creative when it comes to icing – we recommend the BBC Good Food website for this!  

Thanks to your fully integrated kitchen in your luxury retirement apartment, you will have all the amenities to practice for a perfect Jubilee cake. Decorating the cake using some white buttercream icing will create a solid layer to create a Union Jack flag using blueberries and raspberries. This is a simple but really effective way of making a delicious treat for the day!  

 Bunting  

It wouldn’t be a Jubilee without bringing out the bunting, and decorating your home with some will really brighten up your over 55s apartment ready for the big day! Making your own bunting can be a fun thing to do with neighbours in preparation for the event especially if you and your friends have organised at the retirement community party. Popping down to your local haberdashery you’ll find all the things you need to make your own bunting. Decorate them with red white and blue to really show your patriotism and celebrate the queen’s life in a new community.  

 The ‘Street’ Party 

Getting the retirement community together for the big day will make the event special and will remind you of Jubilee celebrations of the past and help you make new memories and friends within the community. The outside communal areas would be the perfect place to set up some tables and have to opportunity to bond and make friends! Getting all the colours of the Union Jack for table decorations will really show off your love of Queen and Country – nothing is too over the top!  

Burghley Retirement Living is all about making friends and celebrating big events like the Jubilee whilst feeling a part of a community. Moving to a new area can sometimes be daunting but communal events and getting creative, be it baking or making bunting with a neighbour you should feel more comfortable in your new retirement living community. 

Before moving to Albany Lodge, you may feel worried about being lonely or not finding the right social clubs to fit into however, we have some great suggestions of community clubs nearby which will keep you active both mentally and physically.

Building a community around you and is a key part of feeling at home wherever you live, and we have some great suggestions of groups you can join, from staying fit and active to discovering a new found academic subject.

 U3A 

The University for the Third Age is a nationwide organisation which has a range of locally run interest groups, Derby is home to a huge range of different groups from learning about local history to learning to play the Ukelele! Joining a U3A group will allow you to become a part of a community with people who have the same interests as you, and have fun learning something new. It might even be the motivation you need to finally get round to starting that thing you’ve always want to learn but just never had the time to! With a number of meeting centres across Derby you won’t have to go far from your lifestyle village to attend your meetings and classes. To find out more on groups and about joining U3A click the link below, because you might just find a new passion and make friends along the way! 

https://u3asites.org.uk/derby/page/45535 

 Golf Courses and Clubs  

If you are a fan of golf and enjoy playing with your friends, Derby has a couple of great golf courses and clubs to choose from. Choosing retirement living in Derby comes with the benefit of the picturesque setting of the Derbyshire countryside. Taking up golf will mean that you are able soak it all up with a few friends and neighbours from the Albany Lodge retirement living community – making golfing a great way to spend a sunny afternoon and enjoy the company of others!  

We like to play a round at “The Derby Golf Club” as it has a range of facilities including a club lounge to enjoy a cool beverage after a few holes with your Derby retirement living neighbours. For joining information about the multiple golf courses across Derby click the link below.  

http://www.derbygolfclub.co.uk 

 History Societies  

Derby has heaps of history to uncover and investigate, plus if you want to meet likeminded history buffs, the city has some fantastic societies and groups who meet fortnightly to discuss the Derby’s rich history. Even if you are not from Derby, learning about its history might make you feel more at home, as stories from the past are shared, you might find a particular interest in a part of the history of Derby. The Derbyshire Historical Society covers everything from family history to architectural history. So whatever interests you joining a history club would be a good way to get to know the area around your new home and when you have visitors to stay, you will be able to impress them with facts you have learnt! 

Keeping Active 

For those who are passionate about staying in shape and enjoy exercise, Derby City Council run sports groups for all ages and abilities, so even if you struggle to move as fast as you once could, there is a club for you! Walking football takes the classic sport and slows it down a notch so everyone can keep up. Keeping active in later life is important and can be much more fun when done in a welcoming group, so if you were in a sports team as a youngster or if you just love the game, there is no reason not to keep up what you love in your retirement. 

 Gardening Groups  

Gardening can be an activity people do to keep calm and immerse yourself in nature, it is also extremely satisfying to see your hard work (of looking after your plants) flourish and become something beautiful. The Chellaston In Bloom group is just one example of a great local gardening club you might want to join, or if you are looking for a challenge, the Royal Horticulture Society is a brilliant group to join if you are already green fingered and handy in the garden. They work in collaboration with smaller groups like Chellaston in Bloom around the country and becoming a member allows you to have access to all of their gardens and the monthly newsletter which might give you ideas to bring to your gardening group.  

Derby has so much to offer and becoming part of a group, club or society will make you feel not only at home in your retirement living apartment but also in the city of Derby. Making friends with likeminded people who enjoy the same things as you is really important when settling in a new place. After working all your life, you deserve to dedicate your time to doing the activities you love most with the chance find new passions whilst living at Albany Lodge.  

Royles Lodge luxury retirement village is in Thornton-Cleveleys, which might be a place you’re not familiar with yet. We can assure you that with a little guidance from us and your new neighbours in the community, you will be gleefully exploring what the area has to offer in no time.   

Royles Lodge has been designed and built to feel not just like home but something much bigger, a thriving retirement community where there will be plenty of activities and socialising opportunities on the grounds and in the cafe. However, an even bigger community lies just outside our retirement apartments in Thornton-Cleveleys and there is so much to explore, including the beautiful scenery of the Fylde Coast, and the famous Marsh Mill..  

An important part of our ethos at Burghley Retirement living is to build homes in locations that give our residents options to enjoy the retirement they have earned the way they see fit.  

When we found the Royles Lodge location in Thornton-Cleveleys, we knew it was a hidden gem and we can’t wait to show you the area. Our central location ensures that there are lots of great activities on the doorstep of your Royles Lodge apartment that are all accessible by foot in under 10 minutes.  

Marsh Mill 

Just next door is the Marsh Mill which has a range of cafes, boutiques and a carvery pub! The best part is, it’s only two minutes on foot away from the luxury retirement village. You might find some gifts for a grandchild’s birthday or maybe even a nice spot to enjoy a coffee with a new neighbour. Because it is right by the retirement complex, it will soon become a familiar place for you to spend the afternoon and relax with a friend.  

If you have a pet, Marsh Mill has a beautiful windmill and park area to take the dog for a quick stroll. It has it all, it’s big enough that if you are taking care of the grandchildren at the weekend it’s big enough to go for a look around, and small enough that you can quickly pop in  for some groceries for dinner.  

On a Sunday after a long morning walk along the coast, you might find yourself craving a carvery, look no further than the Marsh Mill Tavern! They serve 5-star carveries every Sunday, and because they are  just a moment away from home, once you are full you can wander back to your luxury apartment and relax for the rest of the evening.  

Having this convenient picturesque village on your doorstep will give you the chance to have another place aside from your independent living apartment to relax and socialise with your new neighbours.  

Fylde Coast 

The Fylde Coast is home to some of Northern England’s nicest beaches and having one right on your doorstep might sound too good to be true! The closest beach to Royles Lodge is just 5 minutes so whatever the weather, the beach is just waiting for you to enjoy.  

Each month the council organise litter picking days, this is a brilliant way to help out in the community, not only the Royles Lodge community, but that of the whole town! Doing some volunteering like this will feel extremely rewarding and is a great way to make friends outside of your luxury retirement village!  

So why wait to live in such a convenient and friendly place? Book an appointment to find your perfect apartment today. 

Picture this: You and your partner spend a bright Sunday morning tending to your garden, planting flower bulbs and picking out a few pesky weeds. After that, you take a seat on your bench soaking up the spring sun, reading the newspaper with a hot drink. Admiring your luxury retirement village, you sit back and look around at what you have achieved and earnt, and it’s not long until your guests arrive for the meal of the week- your famous roast dinner. This roast has been the talk of the Albany Lodge senior retirement community and everyone wants an invite.  

 It’s almost time to put the meat in the oven so you head into your fully integrated kitchen to get started. The large kitchen space means that there is plenty of room for two of you to get preparing the best meal of the week, so whilst one of you peels the potatoes the other can start chopping the veg. If you would rather take on the prep solo then you won’t be short of feeling like a chef in your beautifully equipped kitchen. Each kitchen in our  independent living community apartments have all of the mod cons you would expect so not only do you now have the perfect space to entertain guests in your private indoor and outdoor space you also have everything you need in order to cook for those you love most. 

 When you move into Albany Lodge, Derby we will take care of everything including integrating all the mod-cons you might need to entertain guests allowing you to cook up a storm. Each kitchen in our retirement living village is fully integrated and has a modern feel to it but with enough space and light to ensure that you can bring in your own touches. The layout of the Albany Lodge kitchens should help recall memories of kitchens of the past, provide space to dance whilst cooking, and inspire creativity to test and perfect recipes in your new apartment.  

We know that entertaining is important, which is why we have designed our kitchens with you in mind, giving you the perfect opportunity to make new memories at the heart of your home. The ceramic hob is a fantastic cooking station and we have no doubt that you will use it to cook a mind-blowing cheese sauce for your famous cauliflower cheese!  

 When you enter your retirement living apartment you’ll notice the integrated electric oven is set at waist height so it’s easy to pop those roasted potatoes in, and with slip-resistant Amtico flooring, you’ll be able to move around as fast as you like without slipping and dropping the Yorkshire puddings! 

 Even if you worry about making a mess with countless pots and pans, your kitchen at Albany Lodge will have a trusty dishwasher on standby ready to clean them all. The high-quality stainless steel extractor hood will help to clear away any hot air or burnt smells if something does go slightly wrong (or the roasted carrots get a little chargrilled).  

 Living at Albany Lodge will be something to be proud of. Your guests will be able to sit in your stylish lounge and admire your state-of-the-art kitchen with a glass of wine (plus you can still chat to them if you find yourself suck in the kitchen cooking). This open plan design gives you a wider area to socialise with guests which is perfect for hosting family and friends! In your luxury retirement apartment, there is the space to enjoy hosting, entertaining and most importantly creating new memories.  

Your luxury apartment will provide you with a kitchen where you can cook up some wholesome meals and enjoy time with family, friends and maybe even your new neighbours. So why not start making those memories and book your luxury retirement apartment now to become a member of the Albany Lodge community.  

Many people dream of living by the sea their whole lives, yet only 5% of UK residents actually take the leap. At Royles Lodge, we believe that the time is now! Our brand new 

retirement village is situated in the craft village of Marsh Mills near Thornton-Cleveleys, meaning that you too could be breathing in coastal air. 

 Val and Brian D’Arcy are uprooting from Leicestershire to move to Royles Lodge and feel that living by the coast is an adventure they are excitedly anticipating. Not only will they be by the sea, but they will be lucky enough to be closer to their family. Having long distance family relationships can be difficult for more mature family members with 61% of them saying they don’t see family enough, with this in mind, the pull of relatives is an important reason for Val and Brian’s move. 

 They are looking forward to being closer to family but also excited by the prospect of their friends and neighbours from Leicestershire coming to stay in their spare room or in the guest suite at Royles Lodge. The two equal-sized ensuite bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes was part of the appeal of the development when Val and Brian were considering where to live. “The large bedrooms as well as the generous lounge with space for a dining table was a real find for us. As we are downsizing, we still do need the space and the second bedroom can double up as a second TV room as well as a guest room.” 

 One of the things they are most looking forward to is being part of a new community and they have worked with Ruth from Unique Estate Agency pouring over the floorplans to ensure they get the perfect plot. They decided on a corner apartment overlooking the carpark so they can see the comings and goings of their new neighbours. The communal lounge is also a great place to meet new friends and Val is looking forward to lending her skills as a former florist and different crafts to her new community in some of their organised events. 

 Martin Hudson, Managing Director of Torsion Care says “Burghley Retirement is the result of years of research and planning to get the right homes to the right people, in the right places. We are delighted to bring a new standard of living to the market and look forward to seeing the difference it makes to our customers.” 

 When the apartments are ready to move into in 2022, Val and Brian will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary and they cannot wait for their friends and family – old and new to be part of the festivities. 

Find out how you can make the move like Val and Brian here

By Maggie Wilkinson 

It’s always useful to have a little project up your sleeve for when the little ones come to visit and need some relaxing indoor entertainment in your retirement flat.   

Children love to do creative things, so here’s something to do on a rainy day from the comfort of your lifestyle village, without making too much mess in your lovely apartment – meet Cressida the cress head and her friends! 

Children as young as four can enjoy this project, stick-on eyes can be fun, and older children love to get creative with the detailing and character of the faces… 

To make this project, it’s good to get the preparation done ahead of time so the kids can get stuck in straight away and everything is to hand. 

Requirements: – 

• Save some eggshells, and when you crack them open, cut as neatly as you can close to the top or the bottom of the egg. Your choice will influence the shape of the final face. Wash them and let them dry out. 
• An ordinary pencil for each child and coloured pencils, or fine liner pens, felt tips; an assortment provides choice. 

• Some plastic sheeting or newspaper to protect your work surface 
• A small bowl of compost 
• A packet of cress seeds and a small saucer 
• A teaspoon for each child  
• An egg cup for each “Cress head” 

• A square of kitchen roll for each, or scraps of fabric 
• Water to moisten the compost. 
• Egg boxes if taking home 

Method: – 

Get each child to draw a face on their eggshell. It’s companionable to work alongside, as it gets them going and gives them confidence. 

When they’re happy with the features, and have doodled a bit of hair maybe, let them colour in with the pencils, or whatever they choose. 

When the colouring is dry, put half an inch of water into the shell, and show them how to nearly fill it with compost, using a teaspoon. 

 Show them how to drip water in slowly, so the compost doesn’t spill out, then firm it in carefully so as not to break the shell or spoil the art work. 

Get the kids to open the cress packet and tip the seeds onto the saucer. 

Show them how to sprinkle the seeds onto the soil virtually covering it for a thick head of hair! 

Tap another teaspoon of compost to cover the seeds, and drip on more water. 

Fold the kitchen paper or scrap of fabric into four and tuck it into the egg cup to make a decorative neckerchief. 

Park the eggshell into the egg cup, or if they are going to take them home, place them into an empty egg box for transport. 

The cress will need a careful water each day, and after four or five days on a sunny windowsill, the cress “hair” will start to grow, and the longer it gets, the more characterful and quirky the head will be. 

It’s good to use real soil because it teaches them about seeds, growing food and when it comes to hair cut time, there’s another opportunity for a secondary activity…lunch! 

How about boiling some fresh eggs to mash with a bit of mayo, and an egg and cress sandwich could be on the menu! 

Have Fun! 

By Simon Oakley 

The Thornton-Cleveleys area is an ideal place for senior living communities as you can access nature within a short distance, whether it be nature reserves, long walks or just admiring plant and animal life. Here are some locations that showcase the best of nature in the area. 

Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve 

The first location worth exploring is the Marton Mere Nature Reserve in Ormskirk because of the rich diversity it offers and the native plant life. Managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, you can find plants such as the endangered whorled caraway, golden dock, tubular water dropwort, early marsh orchids, the large-flowered hemp nettle and purple ramping fumitory, all native to the nature reserve. 

This offers a paradise for wildlife throughout the year as different species settle in the area. For example, in the spring you can see wildflowers and birds nesting whilst during summers your see insects such as butterflies and dragonflies appear. 

If you have the spare time, then why not get up and personal with the wildlife in the area. You can get involved in activities such as a canoe safari and pond dipping giving people the opportunity to see nature and wildlife up close. 

Click here for more information

Wyre Estuary Country Park 

The Wyre Estuary County Park is another good place to visit as you can experience nature in a relaxed setting. Walks and picnics are a great way to just sit and enjoy your surroundings or you can sign up with local rangers at the park to go on fun tours and gain an insight into what makes the park special.  

The country park is ideal if you enjoy watching birds in a natural environment or if you admire different tree varieties. It’s a great place to visit to just explore your environment outside of your independent living communities. 

Click here for more information

Rossall Beach 

Living at Royles Lodge means you are only minutes from the Lancashire Coast. Rossall Beach situated a mile from the Cleveleys Beach is worth a mention because of the natural landscape that allows nature to thrive. If you walk along the beach, you will experience birds flocking along the sandy beaches and marine life along the coast. There has been rumours that even seals can be seen occasionally.  

In many ways, it is perfect for a late evening walk as you can watch the sun descend along the coast at sunset.  

Click here for more information

All of these places are a great change of scenery for those living in luxury retirement villages, when friends or family come to visit why not take them for a little trip outside of your senior living communities. 

Burghley retirement living is a brilliant opportunity to take full advantage of your retirement. It gives you countless opportunities to enjoy your well earned retirement the way that it should be.

At Burghley we believe that the time you spend after retiring should be stress free with no worries hanging over your head, so with that being the case, why wait to move into your own independent living?

Burghley Retirement Living provides an environment in which you are able to stay active physically and mentally (there are even tennis courts to enjoy with your new neighbours).  

We understand that your home is a place where memories have been made throughout your life and it will be understandably hard to let go, but Burghley’s retirement apartments are fantastic places to make new memories in during this exciting next chapter of your life.

The chance to downsize and be free of the burdens of house owning makes buying your own luxury apartment a no brainer.

Having more time and money to enjoy trips is just one of the many things you’ll find you have after downsizing. Not having to deal with maintenance of a house or worrying about cutting the lawn every week will mean you’ll find that the time you have really is your time!

If you are a fan of gardening, Burghley will also offer areas that green fingered residents are able to care for, meaning that you won’t miss out on doing the things you love doing, but without the pressure.  

Burghley are offering a new type of retirement living in which you can thrive independently within beautiful surroundings close to our luxury complexes.

We have situated our luxury retirement apartments near to areas of interest because we know the importance of spending time with your loved ones and taking the grandchildren on day trips.

The freedom of using your leisure time to do activities of your choice, whilst fulfilling and rewarding may be a new concept to you, meaning the idea of being a retiree will be far from how you see yourself.

However, surrounding yourself with others who are also enjoying life after work will help you thrive in an environment where Burghley takes care of any mundane issues and worries that you may have had before life at Burghley retirement living.  

Buying a retirement living apartment can sound daunting at first, maybe even lonely to some.

However, at Burghley Retirement Living we make sure that you are given much more than a luxury retirement apartment, by creating a community with others with similar interests and attitudes to life in retirement.

Having your own private independent apartment allows you to host dinner parties for your new neighbours in your fully equipped kitchen and entertain friends and family in your luxury living areas.

Having fully accessible living designs means that your guests will be able to visit your apartment comfortably, and of course allows you to move around without any difficulty in your own home.  

So the question stands: why wait to move into your retirement living apartment?

The answer is simple, don’t wait, you deserve to experience retirement in the way you’ve always pictured. After years of working it’s time to take time for yourself and be proud of what you have achieved.

By Kirsti Randazzo

Keeping yourself busy in the colder months can be a struggle, especially if you live alone.

With the days being shorter and the cold weather keeping you inside, finding activities that bring you joy is key to beating the winter blues.

There is a hobby that is easy to start, and you probably have most of what you need available.

That hobby is scrapbooking. Not only is this a nice way to spend a chilly winter night, but the memories it brings up are priceless.

To get started with scrapbooking, you need to choose a theme.

Obviously, the theme has to go with the photos you choose. If you are doing it for yourself, maybe do your childhood, your teens, your wedding, or any period of your life you want to spend some time thinking about.

If you are doing this as a gift to a loved one, try to tell them a story with your scrapbook. Maybe you could do the journey that led you to have them in your life.

A scrapbook makes such a meaningful and special gift that can be shared for generations.

Make sure to not overwhelm yourself by starting with too many photos. Start small when it comes to scrapbooking. You can start with 30 photos for your first book.

Pick out a scrapbook at a craft store and get some fun stickers. Having a nice variety of coloured pens adds a lot of personality to your scrapbook.

If you are making a book for a family member, consider writing stories for them next to each meaningful picture. A picture is worth 1000 words on its own, but knowing the back story is extra special.

Scrapbooking your favourite trips you’ve taken can be just as good as going on one!

There are stickers on the internet for just about every place you can imagine, so don’t be afraid to get extra creative with your pages!

If you are very crafty, using paint to make headings on each page is a beautiful touch.

Layering paper under the photos looks so elegant – especially if you purchase scissors that leave a design as they cut. The more detail you use, the more fancy your book looks.

However you decide to scrapbook, make it your own and have fun with it.

If you have a group of friends nearby, host a scrapbook party!

You can have all your supplies and accessories set up and invite your friends to bring theirs over as well.

It can be a lot of fun to share paper, stickers, and memories with your friends. Make some hot chocolate for everyone and have a cosy winter scrapbook party! You could even suggest you all follow the same theme for the book you’re making.

Everything is better with friends and loved ones, scrapbooking included!

As the festive season is fast approaching, why not decorate the front of your luxury retirement apartment door with a homemade wreath?

The steps are easier than you might think with just a few tools and some festive materials you’ll be set for success!

This year could be the perfect  opportunity to practice making a wreath before teaching your Derby Retirement Living neighbours next Christmas.

We are going to give you everything you need to know about making a wire wreath to hang in your new luxury retirement living apartment.

Materials 

To make a beautiful wreath you will no doubt need some beautiful materials, whether these be foraged or bought from a local florist we have all the guidance you will need to make your wreath stand out from the rest (especially the shop bought ones). 

If you’re already local to the Derby area, you can take a short trip into Derby City Centre to “Boutique Florist” to choose your greenery for your wreath, or if you fancy doing it all yourself, why not make a day of it and go to your local park with the grandchildren to collect shrubbery and flowers to create a unique wreath that will stand out.

You may want to add some dried orange slices to your wreath so why not go to a local Derby greengrocers “A. Woodhouse” in the Markethall to get the best quality fruit? To dry these out and fill your luxury retirement apartment with festive aromas, simply slice your oranges thinly, placing them onto greaseproof paper bake at 50 degrees celsius for up to 5 hours. This will make your new home feel very festive with the smells of Christmas. 

You might also decide that you want to add crystals, gold leaf stickers or maybe some wired ribbon. 

Essentials You will Need 

• Wire or a wire frame
• Floral Wire
• Work Gloves- so to not hurt yourself whilst you’re getting creative 

• Wire Cutters- to bend and cut your frame

Instructions

Below is everything you need to know about making a wire wreath at Christmas time this year to hang in your new luxury retirement living apartment next Christmas.

Now you have all your supplies, you’re ready to get started along with grandchildren on a wintery Sunday afternoon.

Step 1: Firstly get your wire and bend it to suit your preferred shape safely using the wire cutters to do so (shaped wire is also available if you don’t feel comfortable bending the wire yourself). 

Step 2: Now take your greenery, this could be evergreen shrubbery or any greenery shrubs of your choice, and place it on a part of the main wire frame. Using your floral wire wrap the wire around the shrubbery to attach it to the frame of your wreath and do not cut the wire. Continue to do this until the frame is fully covered and tie the floral wire to the frame and cut it off when you are happy. 

Step 3: Once you have covered the wire frame it is time to add your festive dried fruits to the magnificent display which will light up your luxury retirement apartment with festive cheer. Go as wild as you like, this is all about you taking the time to try something new and works as a great activity to keep your mind creatively active. Finally to hang your wreath without making any holes you can use command strips to hang your creation up on your door or inside your apartment!

By Maggie Wilkinson

Retirement communities are a relatively new phenomenon in England, having  popped up in America, about 35 years ago. They are an absolutely marvellous new way of life for people who are retired, or thinking about retiring. 

The only criteria is that most developments have planning permission to meet the needs of over 55’s. 

The luxury retirement villages are a brilliant concept offering tremendous advantages for those who choose to live in one. They offer you a very liberating and empowering new life… 

The Benefits: 

• The immediate joy is that you no longer have to do all the costly, hard work chores of household and garden maintenance. You can forget gutter clearing, mowing, window cleaning, it’s all taken care of. You will own your own home, and pay an annual service charge which covers the cost of the maintenance of the gardens and all the resources onsite. Your time now is entirely for you to enjoy – a true reward for the hard working part of your life. 

• You will have more disposable income because won’t be paying to heat and decorate rooms you no longer need; your living space will be tailored to your exact personal requirements. Don’t think of it as downsizing – smartly think of it as choosing a property that’s an exact fit for you. 

• Over time, you can take the pleasure of making your home just how you like it, but rather than re-decorating and renovation, re-vamping and making good, it will feel more like painting a beautiful new picture, because your canvas is so fresh and brand new for you. 

• Enjoy booking the guest suite for your visiting friends and family who wish to visit you at your retirement flat, or alternatively, you may choose an apartment with an extra room for when you want to spoil your visitors. The communal lounge and coffee area, as well as the verdant grounds give you lots of airy spaces for you to entertain your guests. 

• When you move in, to your over 55 community, you will really have fine-tuned your life, including All The Stuff. All the things we accumulate, that creep in and clog up a home will be sorted and moved on, that in itself is quite a relief. The things you bring will be the special things, just what you’ve selected. De-cluttering brings calm and clarity, and you might think, hmm, now’s the time to travel perhaps, go out and see some different parts of the world. Now is your time without worrying about the garden needing watering whilst you’re away. 

• You can bring your furry friend – Burghley Retirement welcomes well-behaved pets, just drop them a note to let them know before you move in. 

• Retirement village homes are so safe, because the security is excellent. You can rest easy knowing that the House Manager is onsite all week, and that the only entry to the apartments is with a key fob. 

A retirement community, or village, works so well on many levels for people who are getting older who have much left to discover, do and enjoy, and the best thing is that this new life can be exactly what you choose. 

By Maggie Wilkinson.  

Retirement is a such a golden time, a time to reflect on not only what you want to do, but also, realising just how much you have to give. 

Grannies and Grandpas are the superheroes of this stressful world - the most wonderful asset a family can have, and now you have settled into your amazing retirement village, the grandchildren can come for days, mornings, maybe afternoons – on a regular basis, and you will be giving them the most precious gift there is. Your time.   

It’s very special for children with siblings to revel in one-to-one time with a grandparent, and now, you can offer that, and perhaps they can take turns. 

When an older person has a close relationship with a youngster, a marvellous exchange can take place; you get to see the world through their eyes, and they see it through yours! 

Both sides will love the talking, you’ll learn so much.  

Your stories and memories will make them smile, they won’t believe the way things were, back in the day, and how you got through somehow, and went on to have happy families. 

They would love to look through your photograph albums! And you will enjoy hearing them chatter about their friends and their schools, you will have a revolutionary insight into their world.  

You are an incredible gift for busy, young parents, who are probably juggling a house, jobs, pets and the children. 

You remember how that was… what a joy for them to know that they can bring the children over to you at your senior living home and know that their little one is going to be nurtured in a peaceful happy oasis with unique you.

And, the gift is returned in several ways.

They will help to keep you healthy – the germs young children come into contact with, playing, eating and touching, will actually give your immune system a boost, and help you to stay well.   

Research has also shown that spending time with grandchildren is truly rewarding, because it makes you happy, and that’s the best antidote to depression there is. 

The time you share will fill the odd gaps children experience these days, you can teach them the little life skills that schools no longer have time for, and things parents find hard to fit in.  

Little things are big things: Empower them!   

Depending on your grandchildren’s age, these can be great examples of bonding activities: 

• Teaching them how to tie their shoe-laces 

• Showing them how to lay the table (make a little posy to pretty it up) 

• Cooking, baking, preparing a salad, hulling strawberries 

• Button pictures, sew on a button, showing them how to thread buttons on string 

• Drawing and painting, colouring – always a pleasure 

• Stories, songs & poems  

• Taking photographs 

• Teaching a musical instrument 

Children naturally want to help, to be part of things, but at home there isn’t always time to indulge that, and parents often take for speed.

But you are time-rich and can enjoy showing them all sorts of things, at your leisure within your independent senior living. 

You don’t need to buy lots of expensive toys, they will be happy just to play. This is the importance of Grandparents! Lastly, don’t forget to laugh, and be daft, they really love that!

The Thornton-Cleveleys area is an ideal place for senior living communities as you can access nature within a short distance, whether it be nature reserves, long walks or just admiring plant and animal life. Here are some locations that showcase the best of nature in the area.

Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve

The first location worth exploring is the Marton Mere Nature Reserve in Ormskirk because of the rich diversity it offers and the native plant life. Managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, you can find plants such as the endangered whorled caraway, golden dock, tubular water dropwort, early marsh orchids, the large-flowered hemp nettle and purple ramping fumitory, all native to the nature reserve.

This offers a paradise for wildlife throughout the year as different species settle in the area. For example, in the spring you can see wildflowers and birds nesting whilst during summers your see insects such as butterflies and dragonflies appear.

If you have the spare time then why not get up and personal with the wildlife in the area. You can get involved in activities such as a canoe safari and pond dipping giving people the opportunity to see nature and wildlife up close.

https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/marton-mere-local-nature-reserve-43270/

Wyre Estuary Country Park

The Wyre Estuary County Park is another good place to visit as you can experience nature in a relaxed setting. Walks and picnics are a great way to just sit and enjoy your surroundings or you can sign up with local rangers at the park to go on fun tours and gain an insight into what makes the park special.

The country park is ideal if you enjoy watching birds in a natural environment or if you admire different tree varieties. It’s a great place to visit to just explore your environment outside of your independent living communities.

https://www.wyre.gov.uk/wyreestuarycountrypark

Rossall Beach

Living at Royles Lodge means you are only minutes from the Lancashire Coast. Rossall Beach situated a mile from the Cleveleys Beach is worth a mention because of the natural landscape that allows nature to thrive. If you walk along the beach, you will experience birds flocking along the sandy beaches and marine life along the coast. There has been rumours that even seals can be seen occasionally.

In many ways, it is perfect for a late evening walk as you can watch the sun descend along the coast at sunset.

https://www.visitcleveleys.co.uk/about/seafront/cleveleys-seafront-rossall-beach/

All of these places are a great change of scenery for those living in luxury retirement villages, when friends or family come to visit why not take them for a little trip outside of your senior living communities.

Author – Simon Oakley

The Thornton-Cleveleys area is an ideal place for senior living communities as you can access nature within a short distance, whether it be nature reserves, long walks or just admiring plant and animal life. Here are some locations that showcase the best of nature in the area.

Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve

The first location worth exploring is the Marton Mere Nature Reserve in Ormskirk because of the rich diversity it offers and the native plant life. Managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, you can find plants such as the endangered whorled caraway, golden dock, tubular water dropwort, early marsh orchids, the large-flowered hemp nettle and purple ramping fumitory, all native to the nature reserve.

This offers a paradise for wildlife throughout the year as different species settle in the area. For example, in the spring you can see wildflowers and birds nesting whilst during summers your see insects such as butterflies and dragonflies appear.

If you have the spare time then why not get up and personal with the wildlife in the area. You can get involved in activities such as a canoe safari and pond dipping giving people the opportunity to see nature and wildlife up close.

https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/marton-mere-local-nature-reserve-43270/

Wyre Estuary Country Park

The Wyre Estuary County Park is another good place to visit as you can experience nature in a relaxed setting. Walks and picnics are a great way to just sit and enjoy your surroundings or you can sign up with local rangers at the park to go on fun tours and gain an insight into what makes the park special.

The country park is ideal if you enjoy watching birds in a natural environment or if you admire different tree varieties. It’s a great place to visit to just explore your environment outside of your independent living communities.

https://www.wyre.gov.uk/wyreestuarycountrypark

Rossall Beach

Living at Royles Lodge means you are only minutes from the Lancashire Coast. Rossall Beach situated a mile from the Cleveleys Beach is worth a mention because of the natural landscape that allows nature to thrive. If you walk along the beach, you will experience birds flocking along the sandy beaches and marine life along the coast. There has been rumours that even seals can be seen occasionally.

In many ways, it is perfect for a late evening walk as you can watch the sun descend along the coast at sunset.

https://www.visitcleveleys.co.uk/about/seafront/cleveleys-seafront-rossall-beach/

All of these places are a great change of scenery for those living in luxury retirement villages, when friends or family come to visit why not take them for a little trip outside of your senior living communities.

Author – Simon Oakley

The Thornton-Cleveleys area is an ideal place for senior living communities as you can access nature within a short distance, whether it be nature reserves, long walks or just admiring plant and animal life. Here are some locations that showcase the best of nature in the area.

Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve

The first location worth exploring is the Marton Mere Nature Reserve in Ormskirk because of the rich diversity it offers and the native plant life. Managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, you can find plants such as the endangered whorled caraway, golden dock, tubular water dropwort, early marsh orchids, the large-flowered hemp nettle and purple ramping fumitory, all native to the nature reserve.

This offers a paradise for wildlife throughout the year as different species settle in the area. For example, in the spring you can see wildflowers and birds nesting whilst during summers your see insects such as butterflies and dragonflies appear.

If you have the spare time then why not get up and personal with the wildlife in the area. You can get involved in activities such as a canoe safari and pond dipping giving people the opportunity to see nature and wildlife up close.

https://www.visitblackpool.com/detail/marton-mere-local-nature-reserve-43270/

Wyre Estuary Country Park

The Wyre Estuary County Park is another good place to visit as you can experience nature in a relaxed setting. Walks and picnics are a great way to just sit and enjoy your surroundings or you can sign up with local rangers at the park to go on fun tours and gain an insight into what makes the park special.

The country park is ideal if you enjoy watching birds in a natural environment or if you admire different tree varieties. It’s a great place to visit to just explore your environment outside of your independent living communities.

https://www.wyre.gov.uk/wyreestuarycountrypark

Rossall Beach

Living at Royles Lodge means you are only minutes from the Lancashire Coast. Rossall Beach situated a mile from the Cleveleys Beach is worth a mention because of the natural landscape that allows nature to thrive. If you walk along the beach, you will experience birds flocking along the sandy beaches and marine life along the coast. There has been rumours that even seals can be seen occasionally.

In many ways, it is perfect for a late evening walk as you can watch the sun descend along the coast at sunset.

https://www.visitcleveleys.co.uk/about/seafront/cleveleys-seafront-rossall-beach/

All of these places are a great change of scenery for those living in luxury retirement villages, when friends or family come to visit why not take them for a little trip outside of your senior living communities.

Author – Simon Oakley