Camping in Cymru: Maidstone Care Home Continues UK ‘Staycation’ Adventure with Trip to Wales

Residents and staff at a Maidstone care home have continued their epic camping staycation around the UK with a trip to the dramatic and mythical landscapes of Wales.

Setting up their tents, residents at Nellsar’s Loose Valley Care Centre recently took part in Welsh-themed activities and enjoyed decorations, music, cuisine and quizzes from the comfort of their armchairs.

Embracing the best of Welsh culture, staff, residents and relatives at the Linton Road home enjoyed watching rugby and taking trips to Snowdonia National Park, Brecon Beacons, Devil’s Bridge, Conwy Castle and the Pembrokeshire Coast. For cuisine, there was no shortage of Welsh cakes, rarebit, lamb soup, Glamorgan Sausages and laverbread.

Dubbed ‘Carry on Camping’, the virtual staycation aims to improve residents’ mental and physical health by enabling them to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of different countries and cultures, while also allowing them to reminisce about previous family holidays.

Paula Smy, Recreation and Well-Being Champion at Loose Valley, said: “Our latest stop in Wales was a great success. I really enjoyed making scenic decorations, especially the cardboard cut-outs of sheep and dragons, as well as our very own Loose Valley tour bus!

Everyone was excited to embrace the culture of such a familiar holiday destination. It’s a great way for residents to reminisce about their own holiday adventures, with so many of them having visited Wales throughout the years, and it was lovely for them to remember those special summers abroad with their friends at Loose Valley.”

83-year-old resident, Maureen Cronk, said: “To be able to travel to Wales without leaving the home or my armchair was a fantastic experience. I always look forward to our themed days.”

88-year-old resident, June Taylor, said: “I really enjoyed Wales and getting involved in the quizzes. The Welsh cakes were delicious!”