Minibus Trips

Our home has regular access to one of our four modern and well-equipped minibuses.  The professional drivers liaise with the Companionship Team and residents to understand their preferences and provide access through half-day or full-day trips, getting out and about to enjoy the local sights, often taking packed-lunches, snacks, hot coffee and tea.

A Great Way to Maintain Dignity & Independence

Getting out and about is a necessity for us all, both in terms of mental and physical health.

Popular with many residents, our home offers regular minibus outings into the surrounding area where a variety of trips are organised by our Companionship Team, providing the opportunity to visit and explore new places.

These trips are a great chance to get out and enjoy some of the wonderful places that the local area has to offer.

Building Friendships & Sharing Experiences

Minibus trips are a great way to connect with fellow residents, building friendships over shared experiences and adventures.

Whether it’s a trip to the local pub, a visit to the seaside for fish and chips, or a day out taking in a majestic cathedral, connection to life outside the home is a vital part of day-to-day life for our residents.

“I have already enjoyed taking part in lots of activities and trips out on the minibus. I have recently become less mobile and all of the staff at Woodpeckers have looked after me amazingly well.” – F W, resident at Woodpeckers

Wish you were here!

Enjoy a selection of snaps from minibus outings across the Colten Care family of care homes.
See if you can spot the residents and Companions of Woodpeckers!

Making Pamela's wish to go to Otters come true

Making Pamela’s wish to go to Otters come true

Frank enjoying an ice cream on the beach

Frank enjoying an ice cream on the beach

John, Shirley and Jean on a bus trip to lay their memorial wreath

John, Shirley and Jean on a bus trip to lay their memorial wreath

Margaret, Frank, Brendan, Tom, Jean and Brian on trip to Baiter

Margaret, Frank, Brendan, Tom, Jean and Brian on trip to Baiter

Patrick, Renee, Elizabeth and Pam visiting the observation wheel on Bournemouth beach front

Patrick, Renee, Elizabeth and Pam visiting the observation wheel on Bournemouth beach front

Lunch with friends. Dorren and Lillian at the Beachcomber cafe

Lunch with friends. Dorren and Lillian at the Beachcomber cafe

Joan and Anthea enjoying an afternoon of painting pottery.

Joan and Anthea enjoying an afternoon of painting pottery.

Pip, Joan and Valerie warming up with a hot drink at the Spyglass & Kettle on Southbourne cliff top

Pip, Joan and Valerie warming up with a hot drink at the Spyglass & Kettle on Southbourne cliff top

Pamela, Jean and Frank enjoying a walk along the shore

Pamela, Jean and Frank enjoying a walk along the shore

Keep exploring

Nutritious Mealtimes

Food and drink are critical to our well-being in so many ways. Our chef will provide a diet that is not only full of choice, but is also wholesome, nutritious, well-balanced and right for our residents.

Hobbies & Interests

We understand that staying physically and mentally active can have a profound effect on our wellbeing. Our home has a dedicated Companionship Team whose role within the home is to plan, organise and deliver an exciting and engaging programme of activities specifically tailored to the wishes of residents be that in large groups, small groups or simply one on one time.

Music & Arts

Music and the arts play an important and powerful part in all our lives. Whether it be through music, movement, storytelling, singing, drama, reading or writing poetry, our home offers each resident the opportunity to explore the many ways in which music and creative arts can enrich their wellbeing.

Your Garden

Woodpeckers garden boasts of a plethora of interesting points, full and rich plantings, and a vibrant gardening community. Watch wildlife in the back fields frequented by deer, horses, and a resident fox, spot birds on the many feeders,  or sit in the sun and enjoy the fresh forest air in quiet contemplation. With its diverse offerings, Woodpeckers garden has something for everyone to enjoy.

Housekeeping & Maintenance

We take care of the daily housekeeping and maintenance responsibilities so our residents don’t have to. Feeling warm and safe in our homes and having peace of mind are just two of the benefits our residents enjoy from the personally tailored care we provide.

We’re Here For You

Whether you’d like an initial chat about the care we provide, you have a question about our all-inclusive fees, or you’d like more information about our beautiful home, we’re here to help.