With summer in full swing, there’s ample opportunity to get out and about this season. Being able to get out and explore is important for our physical, mental and emotional health. While this is true for people of all ages, it can be critically important for over 60s.
But getting out and about doesn’t need to break the bank. Many companies and UK institutions provide amazing concessions for older people. From museums and castles to historic homes and gardens, there are loads of discounts to take advantage of – and that can include travel too.
As a result, the team at New Care Homes has compiled an updated list of some of the best concessions to take advantage of this season.
The list covers a wide array of amazing discounts including travel, food and drink, national heritage sites, cinemas and more.
Great Outdoors
The National Trust of Scotland
The National Trust of Scotland owns and manages around 130 properties and 180,000 acres across the country which includes castles, ancient small dwellings, historic sites, gardens, coastline, mountains and countryside.
Although it’s similar to the National Trust, which covers England, Wales, and Northern Ireland and has many of the same goals, it is its separate entity.
Seniors who love to get out and about in the Scottish great outdoors will qualify for a Senior Membership card at £4.85 a month. A Joint Senior and Lifetime membership is also available which can help make some savings.
Historic Environment Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland is a public body that plays a crucial role in preserving Scottish natural heritage. It functions in the same way as English Heritage does for England and Cadw for Wales, allowing millions of visitors the chance to experience Scotland’s national landmarks like Stirling, Edinburgh and Urquhart Castles and other heritage attractions across Scotland.
Tickets for HES landmarks have an admission price which can vary from location to location. However, there are concession discounts for over 65s. Ticket prices can be checked and booked online. There’s also a concession for annual membership starting at £42.00. Members will also be able to claim half-price entry to English Heritage and Cadw sites in their first year.
The Ramblers Association Scotland
The Ramblers Association offers discounted individual and joint life memberships for over-60s. Membership grants you:
- Access to a library full of thousands of tried-and-tested routes online and through the exclusive app.
- Unlimited access to 50,000 Ramblers guided group walks with an expert walk leader along safe, accessible routes.
- Discounts on walking gear at Cotswold Outdoor and other partners
- A welcome pack teeming with top tips plus access to the quarterly Walk magazine.
- Membership goes towards increasing access to green spaces and preserving walking routes across the UK
For more information – including beautiful Scottish walks and walking maps, on The Ramblers Association Scotland website.
Royal Horticultural Society
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is the UK’s leading gardening charity. They provide a Senior Life Membership package for members over 60. Members will receive:
- Unlimited entry to RHS Gardens
- Free access to more than 200 RHS Partner Gardens
- Privileged entry and discounted tickets to RHS Shows (including the Chelsea Flower Show)
- Booking access
- Monthly magazine
- Gardening advice from experts
- Special events
Membership packs also include a handbook, pin badge and engraved RHS Life Member secateurs.
A full list of information on the RHS locations in Scotland can be found here.
Cinema
Odeon
Odeon is a popular cinema chain which shows everything from the latest blockbusters to absolute classics- so there’s always something for everyone. As well as films, most Odeon cinemas will also have an onsite coffee and ice cream shop where you can enjoy a treat before your screening.
Odeon cinemas provide special screenings for patrons over 60 through their Odeon Silver events. These screenings tend to happen during quieter periods so you can avoid the rush, and they even provide tea, coffee, and biscuits with your ticket.
Silver Cinema Screening prices can cost as little as £4, but this will vary depending on where you are. Check online with your local Odeon to see the Silver Cinema schedule and ticket pricing. Tickets can also be bought on the day but might cost slightly more.
Cineworld
Cineworld cinemas show a wide range of films, including live and recorded events from National Theatre and Royal Opera House – and even international events.
Cineworld provides a senior citizen discount across its film screenings. The price of tickets can vary depending on the location and film type, but all ticket prices can be found online. Tickets can be booked online (with an additional 70p charging fee) or bought inside the venue before the show time.
For more information: https://www.cineworld.co.uk
Vue
Vue offers film fans who are 60+ discounts on ticket prices across all film screenings. Prices can vary depending on the cinema’s location and the type of film (2D, IMAX etc) but they can be quite cheap during off-peak show times (Monday-Thursday before 5 pm).
They also operate screenings for over 60s called the Senior Club. Tickets are discounted, and you’ll also receive a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit when you go in.
Museums and Galleries
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, Scotland and features exhibits and collections on Scottish antiquities, culture and history.
- Entry is free for everyone, so there is no senior concession available. However, Individual memberships are available for repeat visitors which provide a host of benefits including:
- Unlimited free entry to world-class exhibitions
- Invitations to exclusive Member Previews for selected exhibitions
- Unlimited free entry to the National Museum of Flight
- Unlimited free entry to the National Museum of Rural Life
- Invitations to exclusive events and experiences throughout the year
- Behind-the-scenes news and in-depth articles in the members-only magazine Explorer
- 20% discount in our cafes
- 10% discount in our museum shops and online
- 10% off entry to Edinburgh Castle for the National War Museum
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle stands on Castle Rock in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. As one of the most important strongholds in Scotland and one of the oldest strongholds in Europe, Edinburgh Castle is an important part of Scottish history.
Concession tickets for seniors (65+) are available. Online concession prices are £15.50, while on-the-day ticket prices are £17.60. Pre-booking tickets can save a bit of money and will also guarantee entry in the event of a busy day.
Anyone who already has a Historic Environment Scotland membership will have free entry to Edinburgh Castle as well as a wealth of other perks.
Aberdeen Art Gallery (Archives and Museums)
The Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to one of the finest collections in the UK. For over 130 the gallery has acquired the best and most interesting contemporary artworks.
Spanning over 700 years, the collection includes works by important Scottish artists, designers and makers such as Henry Raeburn, Joan Eardley, Samuel Peploe, Rachel McLean, Bill Gibb and James Cromar Watt, as well as nationally and internationally acclaimed artists from all walks of life.
The gallery is free and is considered an exceptionally accessible venue for visitors from all walks of life. It’s also part of the Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums (AAGM) group which includes a wealth of other venues worth visiting if you’re visiting the city.
More information on The Gallery and other venues can be found here.
Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)
GoMA is located in the heart of Glasgow city centre. It is a world-class art museum and a great place for people to gather, share ideas and enjoy art from around the world.
GoMA has four galleries, a well-stocked library and a gallery shop selling ranges inspired by installations and exhibitions. The gallery is currently running an exhibit from the elusive and internationally renowned graffiti artist Banksy entitled: Banksy: Cut and Run for July and August 2023.
Concession tickets are available for £10, and a membership scheme is available for repeat visitors starting at £28 which provides a whole host of benefits. If you ever find yourself in Glasgow this wonderful institution is well worth a visit
Sports
Scottish Football Association
Love to watch the footie? Well here’s some great news Following a campaign by Age Scotland and the Mail on Sunday back in 2019, the Scottish Football Association re-introduced discounts for football fans over the age of 65. Senior tickets will cost from just £15 depending on the match category, and will be available throughout Hampden Park – the home of the national teams.
The Scottish Supporters Club also operates a senior membership discount scheme, however, memberships have already sold out for the 2023/2024 season. But don’t fret – you’ll still be able to get access to general admission tickets when they’re released for specific matches.
Scottish Rugby
More of a Rugby fan? Then you’re in luck! Scottish Rugby provides senior citizen concessions on matches. Concession pricing can differ from event to event but ticket prices are always released in advance so it’s well worth checking in advance for matches this summer. Visit the Scottish Rugby Online Ticket Centre for information on upcoming matches.
The Scotland Supporters Club also operates a membership scheme. For £45 you’ll receive benefits such as:
- Invitation to a Scotland training session
- Digital Membership Pack
- Pre-sale access to all Scotland home game ticket sales, including the 2023/24 Scotland Season Pass 2023, the Summer Tests: 3-Match & 2-Match Packages and individual match tickets, 2024 Guinness Six Nations: Individual match tickets to Scotland’s home games against England and France and Scotland Women & Scotland U20 ticket sales
Highland Games
Highland games are a series of much-beloved events held in spring and summer in Scotland. Although games are often centred around Scottish heavy athletics, they also incorporate entertainment and exhibits such as music, dancing, poetry, literature and food and drink.
Events include the caber toss, stone put, Scottish hammer throw, weight throw, weight over the bar and the sheaf toss among others. Women also take part in the events, and competitors are known to wear a traditional kilt when taking part.
Upcoming events include the Dundonald Highland Games (5th August) the Stirling Highland Games (19th August) Bridge Of Allan Highland Games (6th August) and the Crieff Highland Gathering (20th August).
Many of these events, such as the Stirling Highland Games and the Bridge of Allan Highland Games offer concession tickets for over 60s, with some as low as £5 for entry.
A full list of upcoming Highland Games events can be found here.
Spring/Summer Shopping
Boots
Beloved UK retailer Boots offer an Over 60s Rewards Card as part of their Advantage Card Scheme. This allows cardholders over 60 to earn 8 points for every £1 spent on brands such as Boots, No7, Soap & Glory, Botanics, Liz Earle, Champneys, YourGoodSkin and more. This can come in handy when it’s time to pick up some sun tan lotion and holiday bits for the season.
Over 60s can also access discounts from Boots Opticians when buying a pair of glasses or prescription sunglasses, and will receive 200 points with a free Hearing Health Check at Boots Hearingcare. All you need is an existing Advantage Card which you can sign up for free here.
Specsavers
Specsavers is one of the biggest opticians in the UK. The Specsavers over 60s discount provides 20% off a pair of glasses from their £69 range or above which includes frames, lenses and any extra car options. The offer also includes sunglasses so you can pick up a flash new pair to enjoy in the sun.
Food and Drink
Dobbies
Bright and bustling, Dobbies is a great day out for those who like to get out and about. The garden centre offers a Senior Citizens Lunch. Visitors can enjoy a delicious main course & a cake for just £11.95 Monday to Friday from 12-3 pm.
They also have a fantastic afternoon tea service and are dog friendly, making it a great choice for a visit this season. Find your nearest Dobbies garden centre online with their store locator.
Patisserie Valerie
Patisserie Valerie is well-known for creating wonderful baked treats that are perfect for a spot of afternoon tea.
Seniors over 60 are eligible for a 10% discount at all Patisserie Valerie stores as well as online orders. To be able to access the discount, simply visit the seniors discount section on the Patisserie Valerie website to enjoy money off a delicious assortment of cakes, biscuits, selection boxes and afternoon tea options.
Greene King
Greene King is one of the UK’s leading pub retailers and as part of their food and drink options, their locations offer a Senior Menu which provides manageable portions at reasonable prices. With over 3,100 locations nestled in areas across the country, it’s well worth visiting for an afternoon lunch or a quiet evening dinner. To find your nearest Greene King pub, visit their Pub Map on their official website.
Waitrose
Waitrose has brought back its incredibly popular ‘free coffee’ scheme for MyWaitrose cardholders. You don’t need to spend a certain amount to qualify for the ‘freebie’ – You just need to swipe or scan your myWaitrose card at the self-service drinks machine after checkout. It’s perfect if you’re popping in for a paper or a drink during a walk around town.
Cardholders will also get access to exclusive savings and members-only rewards which can come in handy if you’re planning a picnic or need a snack for a day out.
Travel
Senior Railcard
Over 60s qualify for a Senior Railcard which allows cardholders to get 1/3 off train travel on all franchised train operating companies in England, Scotland and Wales. A 1-year Railcard is just £30, but you can also buy a 3-year Senior Railcard for just £70 which is great if you plan to do a lot of travelling in 2023.
You’ll be able to enjoy discounts on Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance tickets. And if you’re living in/visiting London, you can link it to an Oyster Card to get ⅓ Off-Peak travel around London too. Check out the Senior Railcard FAQs for more information.
National Express
If coach travel is more your thing, National Express have a Senior Coachcard offer that’s available for over 60s. Cardholders can save a 1/3 on standard and fully flexible fares to hundreds of locations across the UK.
A Senior Coachcard is only £12.50 a year (+ £2.50 postage), meaning the savings will start to outweigh the costs pretty quickly. For a list of all destinations covered by National Express, visit the website for more information.
Older Persons Bus Pass
Older people’s bus passes are available across the UK, although each country has rules and regulations.
In Scotland, you can apply for a National Entitlement Card (AKA a ‘saltire card’) once you turn 60. To qualify you must be over 60 and a resident in Scotland. You can apply online, or through your local post office and local council.
If your card was issued by the City of Edinburgh Council, you’ll also be able to use them on trams throughout the city.
City Sightseeing Bus Tours
Although NEC cards aren’t valid on City Sightseeing Bus Tours for free travel, concession tickets are available and can save older travellers £1 on their travel.
City Sightseeing buses are available in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, the Isle of Bute and more.
For more information on City Sightseeing tours and experiences check out the official website.
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