At Woodlands, we recognise the importance of maintaining an active body and mind, therefore we provide a range of stimulating and energising activities, outings and more. We pride ourselves on knowing our ladies by heart, which includes tailoring activities in and out of the home to the interests of our ladies. From attending local activity groups such as Leisure World and inviting dancers to Woodlands for performances to enjoying a cup of tea with a favourite hair stylist and exploring Colchester and the surrounding areas with the family, all of the experiences offered at Woodlands are tailored to our ladies’ wishes and for our ladies’ enjoyment.

Activities
A Whole New Lease Of Life
What To Do In Colchester & the Surrounding Areas
At Woodlands, we prioritise independence and individuality, including encouraging our ladies as they explore Colchester and the surrounding areas. Whether they wish to explore with family, or our experienced care team – who become as close as family over time – we support our residents to get out and about when they wish. What’s more, at Woodlands we offer an all-inclusive experience which means that there are no additional or hidden costs for outings.
Colchester and the surrounding areas offer many historic, beautiful, and intriguing locations to discover. Here’s what you can explore from Woodlands
- Visit Colchester Castle which offers many historic and interesting exhibitions.
- Discover the beauty of Colchester Castle Park.
- Connect with wildlife at Colchester Zoo.
- See a great show at The Mercury Theatre, Headgate Theatre or Colchester Arts Centre.
- Visit historically significant gardens at Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens.
- Explore boutique shops in Colchester City Centre.
- Get active at Colchester Leisure World for swimming, classes and the spa.
- Visit Guntons, Colchester’s oldest fine food shop.
- Enjoy nature walks at local country parks.
- Discover visual art, exhibitions, films, events and food and drink at First Site.
- Visit local seaside towns such as Maldon, Frinton, Walton-on-the-Naze and Brightlingsea.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Tiptree Tea Room & Jam Factory.
- Explore further afield with close connections to Chelmsford and Ipswich.
- Our ladies can maintain their choice of hairdresser/hairdressing salon, even though we provide a hair stylist at Woodlands.
- And much, much more!

Whether our ladies want to immerse themselves in history or explore the great outdoors, Woodlands is on hand to support their needs every step of the way. If there’s anything our ladies want to do, we encourage them to ask us and we will do what we can to make their dreams a reality.
Bringing Entertainment & Activities Into Our Home
At Woodlands, we also recognise that our ladies may want to stay in sometimes – but that doesn’t mean our ladies are by any means restricted. Staying in at Woodlands can be as immersive and exciting as venturing out, and we offer a range of activities and entertainment, all catered to our ladies’ interests and likes. We take pride in crafting a fun, exciting and immersive calendar for our ladies to enjoy. From stimulating and energising activities and engaging experiences to seasonally appropriate events – we ensure that our ladies get the most out of every day.
Click Here to See What Our Ladies Can Enjoy at Woodlands:
- Visiting musicians.
- Arts and crafts activities, including knitting, crocheting, flower arranging and painting.
- Family games including cognitive stimulation and help with dexterity.
- Talks by visiting historians, and experts in several fields.
- Animal therapy engagement.
- Tasting afternoons.
- Musical therapy.
- Performances from visiting dancers, school children and more.
- Immersive cooking classes.
- Religious support.
- Seasonal activities such as playing with Easter ducklings, visiting Irish dancers to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, celebrating Independent Women’s Day, Christmas Day with all the trimmings and more!
- A visiting hair stylist and professionals for pedicures, reflexology, chiropody and more.
Whilst we offer wonderful opportunities to share a busy social life with other residents, we also recognise it is important to many of our ladies that they retain their ties with their friends and their previous communities. As well as personal social visits from family and friends, visits from clergy and other community leaders are always welcomed and encouraged.
Staying In At Woodlands
There is also always the opportunity to find quiet, private space at Woodlands for when our ladies want to relax, alone or with close family. Our beautiful period house, equipped with modern comforts, has delightful mature gardens including woodland areas carpeted with bluebells in spring and bursting with colour throughout the year. What better way is there to spend a summer’s afternoon than by a gentle stroll, followed by tea in the conservatory? Woodlands also offers a large residents’ lounge, two conservatories and a reading room, which enable our ladies to enjoy quality tranquillity time. We have a TV, DVD/video and library facilities for quieter times.
Activities, Outings & Entertainment, Tailored To You
At Woodlands, we continue to capture our ladies’ choices and value their freedom for them to live how they would like to enjoy their lives. We will always aim to ensure a lady’s day feels fulfilled, whether that is embarking on an outing to Colchester Castle Park with family, staying in to take part in seasonal activities or enjoying a performance by visiting dancers. At Woodlands, we value personalisation and take the time to get to know our ladies and what they enjoy. This enables our professional and friendly team to craft outings, activities and experiences that are truly memorable.