A group of residents from Linden House Care Home in Lymington visited the Beaulieu Motor Museum last week as part of an organised trip focused on engagement, reminiscence, and social wellbeing.
Five residents took part in the outing, which included a tour of the museum’s historic vehicle displays, a meal on-site, and a stop for ice cream in Lyndhurst on the return journey. The visit forms part of Linden House’s activity programme designed to offer residents with dementia stimulating and meaningful experiences.
The visit was organised after resident Jeanette expressed a wish to visit a museum, citing her longstanding interest in history. Staff at Linden House quickly adapted when road disruptions affected the original plan to visit the Titanic Museum, instead arranging a visit to Beaulieu.

Jeanette was joined by fellow residents Liz, John, Jane and Nigel for the trip, which included a tour of the museum’s vintage car collection, a lunch on site, and a stop for ice cream in Lyndhurst on the return journey.
Staff said the museum exhibits encouraged conversation and reminiscence among the group, with several residents recognising vehicles from their younger years.
“The visit was planned with Jeanette’s interests in mind, but it ended up being meaningful for everyone,” said Companionship Team Leader Sian Harris. “We know how important it is for people living with dementia to engage in familiar and stimulating experiences, and this was a good example of how we try to support that.”

The group also took part in a dress-up activity on site, before sitting down for lunch in the museum café. Several chose fish and chips, while Nigel opted for a large pizza.
The day concluded with a brief visit to Bolten’s Bench in Lyndhurst, where residents watched New Forest ponies and foals and enjoyed an ice cream in the afternoon sun.
Jeanette described the visit as “a real highlight,” and her family later thanked staff for arranging the trip.
The visit is one of a number of resident-led outings organised by the team at Linden House, who say understanding personal interests and adapting plans when necessary are key elements of their approach to care.