life at solden hill house

Days Out & Local Adventures

Life is about making memories, discovering new places and enjoying experiences that bring happiness, confidence and connection. At Solden Hill House, we believe every person should have the opportunity to explore the world around them, pursue their interests and enjoy everything their local community has to offer.

From spontaneous coffee trips and shopping outings to exciting holidays and unforgettable days at attractions across the UK, every experience is planned around the interests, aspirations and choices of the people we support. 

Our residents regularly enjoy visits to wildlife parks, zoos, museums, castles, country parks, beaches, heritage sites, theatres, cafés and sporting events. Whether it's feeding animals, exploring historic landmarks, enjoying a favourite meal, browsing the shops or taking in beautiful countryside, every outing provides opportunities to learn, socialise and create lasting memories. 

We actively encourage people to develop confidence in travelling within their local communities. Wherever possible, residents are supported to use public transport, including buses and trains, helping to build travel skills, increase independence and open up new opportunities for work, leisure and social activities. 

No two adventures are the same because no two people are the same. Every outing is shaped around individual interests, whether that's visiting an aviation museum, attending a local festival, watching live sport, exploring a country park, enjoying a canal walk, spending time by the sea or simply meeting friends for lunch. 

These experiences are about much more than visiting new places. They build confidence, strengthen friendships, encourage independence and create moments that people look forward to, remember and proudly share with others.

Holidays & Short Breaks

Everyone deserves the opportunity to get away, experience new places and create lasting memories. Holidays are about much more than a change of scenery—they offer opportunities to build confidence, strengthen friendships, discover new interests and enjoy experiences that many people dream about. At Solden Hill House, we support people to enjoy holidays that reflect their own interests, preferences and aspirations. Whether it's a lively entertainment weekend, a peaceful countryside retreat, a traditional seaside escape or the holiday of a lifetime overseas, every trip is planned around the individual. From choosing the destination and planning activities to packing suitcases and exploring somewhere new, people are encouraged to be involved in every stage of their holiday, promoting independence, confidence and choice.

Entertainment Breaks 
For those who enjoy music, dancing and socialising, entertainment weekends are always a popular choice. Residents regularly enjoy themed weekends featuring favourite artists and tribute acts, from ABBA and Queen to 80s and 90s classics. These breaks offer the chance to relax, make new friends, enjoy live performances and share memorable experiences together. Many people also enjoy weekends at destinations such as Butlin's or relaxing spa retreats, where there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

Seaside Adventures 
A trip to the coast is a timeless favourite. Whether it's feeling the sand beneath your feet, paddling in the sea, exploring local attractions or enjoying traditional fish and chips on the promenade, seaside holidays create memories that stay with people for years to come. Typically lasting four or five days, these holidays provide the perfect balance of relaxation, exploration and fun, allowing everyone to enjoy the freedom and excitement of being away from home. 

Peaceful Retreats 
Not everyone enjoys a busy holiday, which is why we also support quieter breaks in beautiful countryside and rural locations. These getaways offer the opportunity to slow down, enjoy nature, visit local attractions, browse independent shops, enjoy meals in welcoming pubs and spend quality time with friends in peaceful surroundings. They're perfect for people who prefer a more relaxed pace while still enjoying new experiences and exploring somewhere different. 

Dream Holidays 
When individual funding is available, we support people to enjoy personalised holidays that reflect their own dreams and ambitions. Recent adventures have included all-inclusive holidays to Ibiza and Spain, cruises through the Norwegian Fjords and magical trips to Disneyland Paris—experiences that many people have always hoped to enjoy. Every holiday is unique because every person is unique. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the excitement of travel, create unforgettable memories and enjoy the freedom to choose adventures that matter to them.

Bluebell Café

The Bluebell Café is a much-loved social space at Solden Hill House, created exclusively for the people who live with us. It provides a welcoming place where residents from across our homes can come together to relax, catch up with friends and enjoy quality time in a comfortable café setting. 

Whether it's meeting for coffee and cake, celebrating a birthday, enjoying a traditional afternoon tea or simply spending time with others, the café offers a change of scenery and a place where friendships can flourish. It has become a popular meeting point where people can socialise, celebrate special occasions and create lasting memories together. 

The Bluebell Café also provides opportunities to develop everyday life skills in a relaxed and familiar environment. Residents can be involved in preparing refreshments, helping to set up events, welcoming friends from other homes and building confidence through meaningful, real-life experiences. 

Regular themed events and seasonal celebrations bring the café to life throughout the year, from festive gatherings and birthday parties to afternoon teas and social afternoons. These occasions help strengthen friendships across our homes while giving everyone something special to look forward to. More than just a café, the Bluebell Café is a place where people feel connected, valued and part of a wider Solden Hill House community—a space to laugh, celebrate and simply enjoy spending time together. 

The Bluebell Café is a place to:
Meet friends from across our homes
Enjoy coffee, cake and afternoon teas
Celebrate birthdays and special occasions
Take part in themed events throughout the year
Develop confidence and everyday social skills
Build friendships in a relaxed environment
Enjoy a welcoming space designed exclusively for residents