Discounted National Express Travel
If you’re aged 60 or over, you can apply for a senior coachcard to enjoy reduced fares on National Express services, helping you travel around the UK for less. It’s an easy way to make day trips, visits to family, or longer journeys more affordable.
NHS & Community Exercise Classes
Some GP practices and community centres run free or low-cost exercise sessions for seniors, such as yoga, Pilates, walking football, or swimming. These classes are designed to support mobility, strength, and overall well-being. Ask your local NHS trust or community hub to find out what’s available near you.
Discounted Sports Tickets
Many sports clubs offer reduced prices on matchday and season tickets for older fans, usually starting from age 65. This includes discounts for football, cricket, and rugby games, making it more affordable to enjoy live sport.
Winter Fuel Payment
If your date of birth is before 22 September 1959, you may qualify for a payment of between £100 and £300 to help with your heating costs for winter 2025–2026. This is called the Winter Fuel Payment. Most people who meet the criteria receive it automatically. If you are eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November confirming the amount you’ll receive, followed by payment in November or December 2025.
Free TV Licence
If you’re 75 or older and either you or your partner living at the same address receives the qualifying benefit, you can apply for a free TV licence. A standard TV licence costs £159 per year, which can mean substantial yearly savings.
National Trust and English Heritage Discounted Memberships
The National Trust offers discounted senior memberships, and you may also come across free family passes from time to time. English Heritage provides reduced membership rates for seniors, too, giving you the chance to explore historic sites and gardens at a lower cost.
Free or Low-Cost Adult Learning Courses
Many local councils and colleges run free or heavily discounted adult education courses for over-60s, covering everything from computer skills and languages to gardening and art. Contact your nearest college or council to find out what’s available in your area.
Cold Weather Payment
If you’re receiving certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest, you might qualify for Cold Weather Payments. These are issued automatically, so you don’t need to apply. You’ll receive a payment if the temperature in the region on average is recorded at, or expected to be, zero degrees or lower for seven days in a row.
TENA
TENA pads and pants are essential items for many older adults, and it’s possible to get Tena free sample packs with ease. These can be a great way to try different products and find the right fit without spending money.
Free Bus and Rail Passes
The age at which you can get a free bus or travel pass – typically valid between 9:30 am and 11 pm – varies depending on where you live in the UK. In most places, eligibility begins at pension age, which is currently 66. However, residents of Scotland, Wales, London, Merseyside, and Northern Ireland can claim this perk from the age of 60, with some areas also including free rail, Tube, or tram travel.
In London, the 60+ Oyster photocard offers free travel on buses, the Tube, trams, trains, and London Overground after 9 am on weekdays and at any time on weekends.
In Merseyside, the Merseytravel Over 60s pass provides free travel on local buses and trains throughout the area, plus cross-river journeys on Mersey Ferries.
In Wales, you can use your pass for free travel on most bus services within Wales and across the border, along with discounted or free fares on many rail routes.
In Northern Ireland, a Senior (65+) SmartPass covers cross-border bus and rail services, as well as free public transport journeys entirely within the Republic of Ireland on participating services. A 60+ SmartPass allows free travel on all scheduled Translink services within Northern Ireland.
Free Hearing Tests & Hearing Aid Trials
Many opticians and hearing specialists – including Boots, Specsavers, and Hidden Hearing – provide free hearing checks, along with short-term free trials of hearing aids. It’s a simple way to ensure your hearing is in good shape, helping you stay connected, alert, and able to enjoy the sounds of everyday life.
Free Prescriptions & Eye Tests for Over-60s
From the age of 60, you’re entitled to free prescriptions in England, as well as free NHS-funded eye tests. If you receive Pension Guarantee Credit, you can also get free NHS dental treatment. Beyond that, there are extra savings on offer: Specsavers provides over-60s with 20% off glasses and lenses from its £70 range or above – including designer frames – and Boots Opticians gives 10% off glasses or prescription sunglasses to customers aged 60+ who have an Advantage Card and are signed up to the Over 60s Rewards scheme.
Charity and Support Group Giveaways
Organisations such as Independent Age, Age UK, and the Royal Voluntary Service provide free support and services for older people. These can include social events, community activities, and other helpful resources to make day-to-day life easier and more enjoyable.
Free Gym Access
Many gyms and leisure centres – whether council-run or privately operated – provide discounted memberships for older adults. The Better chain, which manages numerous council facilities, offers senior memberships to those aged 66 and over, while Everyone Active also has discounts for the same age group. Some gyms, such as Total Fitness, start offering reduced rates from age 60. It’s worth checking with your local council to see what senior fitness options are available in your area. We have also published a detailed post here about how to keep fit and get healthy.
Discounted Cinema Tickets
Plenty of cinema chains offer special deals for over-60s, although they may be limited to certain days or times. Picturehouse runs a free-to-join Silver Screen Club with discounted tickets, while Odeon Silver screenings cost just £3.50 and include complimentary hot drinks and biscuits. Everyman gives guests over 55 attending its weekly Silver Screen matinees a free slice of cake and a hot drink, and at Cineworld, Cineseniors (over-60s) can enjoy tickets for £4.50, complete with hot drinks and biscuits.
