Ideas for trips with elderly parents?

[minababelina]

My parents (85 and 72) are spending Easter with us in London. We will travel to Spain for two weeks but will have another three weeks with them staying with us. So I’m thinking that we should take them for two weekend trips. We once took them to Stratford Upon Avon and they loved it. They’ve been to the UK quite a few times in the past and have seen places like Bath, Oxford, Cambridge...but they are not very mobile unfortunately. In the case of my dad, I think this might be his last visit...They can walk but need to sit and rest, let's say, every 10 minutes. Would anyone be able to recommend places that could be reached by train from London leaving us at walking distance to the centre? Then a little museum, some nice shops, maybe a cute garden... if there’s interesting history, even better! Would you know any interesting corners of London where you would have that? Station close the action, interesting museum or house to see, nice restaurants? And with not much walking involved? They are not demanding at all! It’s just the mobility issue... we might also hire a big car to fit us all, two DC included for the weekend. Thanks for any advice!!!

St Albans is the most easily reached town outside the M25. The cathedral is stunning, the farmers market is quaint, and the pubs are ancient and inviting.
Great Missenden was the home of Roald Dahl. His actual home isn’t open to the public, but the chocolate-box village is filled with references to his works and there’s a fascinating museum about him. It’s about 40 minutes from Marylebone.
Colchester is about 45 minutes from Liverpool Street. It’s got loads of history as it’s the oldest town in Britain. The castle is well worth a visit and right in the centre.
Hever Castle has beautiful landscaped gardens and a water maze, and is famous for being the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. It takes 45 minutes from London Bridge to Hever, and from there it’s just a short taxi ride (or a 20 minute walk).
It’s 55 minutes to Canterbury West Station. Canterbury Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are historic river tours and the Canterbury Tales visitor centre has costumed actors and entertaining audio guides.

If you could drive I would suggest a national trust property with a decent garden, house, cafe etc - most have wheelchairs to borrow if need be. Grandad loves a trip to the gardens in his wheelchair, can walk but only a few mins so makes life easier

Winchester? Lovely old town, lots of history and the station is pretty central.

Norwich is good for history buffs too, albeit further away

I would look up National Trust properties. If you can drive there are lots in Kent like Igtham Mote, Emmett Gardens, Scotney Castle, Chartwell. I found that there are benches everywhere and the cafes are normally very nice.

Town wise Canterbury is nice, not sure though how much you can rest on a regular basis. The cathedral wasn't open to the public last year Good Friday and Easter Sunday, you may want to take that in mind if you go to other places with cathedrals like Winchester.

Rye is lovely, maybe a bit far out depending where in London you are.