10 Best Retirement Villages By the Sea - Amazing Coastal Destinations

When it comes to deciding whereabouts in the UK to retire, there are plenty of beautiful locations to consider. Spending your later life in a coastal destination has become increasingly popular amongst retirees.

England boasts some of the most idyllic and picturesque seaside resorts and towns across the globe.

We can definitely see the appeal, with a retirement village by the sea offering a relaxed pace and plenty of gorgeous scenery. If you or a loved one are approaching retirement and contemplating living near the coast, check out our 10 best retirement villages by the sea!

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Browse our 10 best retirement villages by the sea:

1. Esprit in Poole, Hampshire
2. Gordon Court in Bridport, Dorset
3. Walnut Tree Place in Worthing, West Sussex
4. Exmouth Retirement Home in Exmouth, Devon
5. Elkington House in Dover, Kent
6. Brigg Court in Filey, North Yorkshire
7. Sycamore Court in Scarborough, North Yorkshire
8. Herriot Gardens in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
9. Seymour Court in South Shields, Tyne and Wear
10. Elderton Place in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear

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Our Best Retirement Villages By the Sea

Living in a stunning setting by the sea is a dream come true for many. With this in mind, here are our 10 best coastal retirement developments.

1. Esprit in Poole, Dorset

Set in the heart of the coastal town of Poole, Esprit is a luxurious yet comfortable retirement village which is simply perfect for those looking to relax and unwind in a post-work environment.

Here, every apartment has been thoughtfully designed with older adults in mind. You’ll find premium facilities within the development, including an on-site bistro and tranquil gardens. Esprit also has a strong sense of community, with a shared lounge being a popular meet-up spot for residents.

Poole itself is a brilliant seaside resort, with lovely beaches where residents can take a bracing morning dip. Given its seaside location, it’s hardly surprising that Poole is also known for offering some of the UK’s very best fish and chips! You’ll also be close to the magnificent South Downs.

2. Gordon Court in Bridport, Dorset

Gordon Court is a McCarthy & Stone retirement living development in Bridport, Dorset. This coastal retirement development offers 38 one and two-bed properties.

At Gordon Court, residents are free to live whichever way they choose, whether this is enjoying the peaceful surroundings or socialising with fellow residents in the communal lounge and landscaped garden.

One of Gordon Court’s biggest perks has to be how close it is to the famously stunning Jurassic Coast. Bridport itself is a lovely market town which is packed with plenty of restaurants, cafés, pubs and shops, as well as public transport links if you wish to head further afield.

3. Walnut Tree Place in Worthing, West Sussex

Located in the beautiful seaside town of Worthing, West Sussex, Walnut Tree Place can be found just a stone’s throw from the seafront. Walnut Tree Place is also close to the South Downs National Park - it’s hard to imagine a more idyllic setting for a retirement village.

There are some amazing apartments to buy at Walnut Tree Place, and these have all been designed for adults aged 60 and over. Meanwhile, stylish communal lounges provide the perfect places to socialise with fellow residents or your friends and family. There’s even a guest suite when visitors wish to stay overnight.

If required, companionship can be tailored to the individual needs and preferences of every resident, allowing you to meet like-minded individuals and form new friendships in later life.

4. Exmouth Retirement Home in Exmouth, Devon

Exmouth Retirement Home is a beautiful Churchill Living comprising 54 one and two-bedroom apartments available to purchase. Each luxurious apartment has a fully-fitted kitchen and plenty of space.

Other perks of living here include the guest suite for family and friends, the landscaped garden complete with comfortable furniture and the owners’ lounge with a coffee bar.

Exmouth Retirement Home is located next to a busy high street which makes it perfect for shopping, dining and exploring the local area. If you’re a fan of coastal walks then you can easily get to the water, with the seafront less than a mile away, and enjoy a lovely day out.

5. Elkington House in Dover, Kent

Situated in the gorgeous coastal town of Dover, Elkington House offers a stunning range of one and two-bedroom retirement living apartments that can be bought or part-bought. These are also available to rent.

This gated village has a genuine community feel and is home to a stylish communal lounge, top-notch security, some lovely gardens and an on-site bistro restaurant.

Elkington House is within walking distance of Dover's town centre, where you, your friends and family can enjoy popular attractions like Dover Castle and Priory Gate, along with relaxing at the water’s edge.

6. Brigg Court in Filey, North Yorkshire

Located in the seaside resort of Filey, North Yorkshire, Brigg Court boasts a stunning selection of one and two-bedroom retirement living apartments that can be bought, part-bought, rented or part-rented. Each of these contemporary yet comfortable apartments is equipped with bright and spacious living areas, stylish shower rooms and a balcony or patio.

There are also a variety of spaces for everyone to socialise with each other, friends and family, including a communal lounge and courtyard.

Outside of the private grounds, residents of Brigg Court can enjoy the charming nature of this seaside fishing town. Filey may be small but there are still a wealth of pubs, cafés and restaurants to discover nearby, along with convenient transport links.

7. Sycamore Court in Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Located in the traditional seaside town of Scarborough, Sycamore Court contains many gorgeous one and two-bed retirement living apartments that can be rented or bought. This retirement village is home to a stylish communal lounge, bistro restaurant and sunroom with a balcony.

Meanwhile, the apartments themselves are all equipped with fully-fitted kitchens, shower rooms and walk-in wardrobes.

Close to the surrounding water, residents can also enjoy views of the impressive Scarborough Castle. What’s more, convenient transport links make getting into the town centre and other coastal areas nice and easy.

8. Herriot Gardens in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear

Found near Sunderland’s vibrant city centre, Herriot Gardens provides a number of one and two-bedroom apartments to pick from. This retirement home aims to capture a social feeling that makes everyone feel immediately at home, thanks to a communal lounge and library, as well as a hobby room and landscaped gardens.

At Herriot Gardens in Tyne and Wear, the friendly House Manager is always on hand to help out with any individual needs and requirements.

Herriot Gardens is also close to numerous amenities like coffee shops, bars and restaurants. Perhaps best of all, this retirement village is just a short drive from the popular Seaburn and Roker beaches, as well as the Sunderland beach front.

9. Seymour Court in South Shields, Tyne and Wear

Containing several attractive one and two-bedroom apartments that are available to rent, part-rent, buy or part-buy, Seymour Court in South Shields is one of our favourite coastal retirement homes.

This village has a focus on socialisation, with a contemporary communal lounge and gardens both offering plenty of opportunities for everyone to get to know one another.

South Shields itself is an idyllic coastal town in the North East of England. This retirement village has great transport links that allow residents to easily access the centre, along with the city centres of Newcastle and Sunderland. The popular Sandhaven Beach is also within touching distance. This could be your dream home!

10. Elderton Place in Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear

Elderton Place in Whitley Bay is a retirement village that offers 37 one-bed and 27 two-bed apartments that come with private patios or balconies. Here, residents benefit from flexible elderly care packages that are tailored to individual needs and requirements for plenty of freedom.

Meanwhile, the communal restaurant, lounge and gardens all offer lovely spots to socialise with fellow residents.

Whitley Bay has a beautiful beach which is ideal for a relaxing afternoon stroll. This seaside town has plenty more to discover, including St Mary’s Lighthouse and the famous Spanish City.

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What Are the Benefits of Living By the Sea?

The simple act of being near the coast or water can have a wonderfully calming effect and give your mental wellbeing a huge boost. Some of the benefits that come with living by the sea include access to cleaner air, a stronger immune system, more vitamin D for sturdier bones, better physical health and a healthier sleep cycle.

Here are these benefits that living by the sea will offer in more detail:

Cleaner air

Did you know that sea air is cleaner and less polluted?

The air in natural areas like forests and by water contains more negative ions than in urban areas. These ions are great for health - they elevate serotonin, boost energy levels and regulate our moods.

Breathing in fresh air is also excellent for your respiratory system and can help with things like asthma, bronchitis and sinus pressure. The large amount of salt, iodine and magnesium in the air can loosen any mucus in the respiratory tracts, helping to clear your airways.

The sea breeze will boost your immune system

Plants and trees that grow near water give off something called phytoncides (we hadn’t heard of them either). When we breathe these in, our body is better equipped to fight off infections. So, spending time near water will give our immune systems a big boost.

More vitamin D for stronger bones

Living by the sea in retirement will give you a regular and healthy dose of vitamin D. This is because it reflects off the water’s surface and back towards us.

Vitamin D provides all sorts of health benefits for older adults, including healthy bones and teeth, a reduced chance of inflammation, lower blood pressure, increased endorphins and a lower risk of cancer. Above all, living here will make you happier!

Better physical health and more sleep

There’s a strong correlation between coastal living and exercise. Even if it’s only gentle walking or running, people who live near a body of water are more likely to get outside and enjoy some exercise.

The mixture of moving in the water and breathing in the cleaner air that we mentioned earlier is a must-try combination.

Living in a seaside town or city has also been linked to better sleep, thanks to the soothing and repetitive nature of waves calmly lapping against the soft sand.

An uplifting and calming experience

Being near water is a restorative and uplifting experience. Spending lots of time near the sea, lakes, rivers or waterfalls leads to an increase in neurotransmitters, elevating your mood and feelings of positivity.

Being near the water will also calm your nervous system, with the simple act of looking at a body of water promoting dopamine - a feel-good hormone connected to happiness.

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What are the Best Seaside Regions to Retire In?

Lottie’s experts have found the best regions in the UK to retire, all of which boast some beautiful beaches, idyllic seaside towns and other superb amenities within easy reach:

Dorset

In the county of Dorset, retirees can enjoy a coastline which is warm, beautiful and sandy. The level of popularity is evident, with Dorset having the third-highest population density of retirees in the UK. Popular seaside resorts here include the likes of Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Weymouth.

Most importantly of all, Dorset contains some of the UK’s most incredible coastline, with the renowned Jurassic Coast being a particularly strong draw for many.

Devon

Another coastal favourite with retirees is Devon. Here, beaches and inland countryside collide in amazing fashion. In Devon, you’ll find two coastlines and two national parks to explore - Dartmoor and Exmoor. Some of the most popular coastal retirement towns include Torquay and Exeter, while Sidmouth and Beer are also considered to be hidden gems.

It’s hardly surprising then, that Devon has been voted as one of the best places to retire in the UK. If other options are a little pricey then Plymouth tends to be slightly cheaper while still offering harbourside restaurants and lovely coastal views.

North Yorkshire

Yorkshire as a whole is often referred to as ‘God’s own country’ and it isn’t difficult to see why, with gorgeous locations like the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors (much of which is on the coast). With a rich cultural heritage and outstanding views, the county of North Yorkshire in particular offers a relaxing destination for retirees to enjoy.

Some of North Yorkshire’s most popular coastal towns (both of which contain amazing retirement villages) are Filey and Scarborough, while Whitby is also a great choice.

The North East

Where low house prices are concerned, the North East tends to come out on top. If you want to get more for your money in retirement while still living by the sea then places like Sunderland and South Shields are all popular options where you’ll generally pay much less. When living in the North East, you’ll also have some stunning areas on your doorstep, including Northumberland, North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales.

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What to Look For In a Retirement Home or Village

When picking a retirement home or village on the coast, you need to think about what elements and aspects are most important to you or your loved one. Here are the things worth thinking about:

Budget

Think about what type of retirement property and location you can afford. You’ll also want a clear idea of retirement home costs from the get-go, as retirement villages often include service charges that cover all the facilities.

What’s nearby

You’ll probably want to be close to nearby amenities like shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés - preferably within walking distance. Being able to get to these yourself will allow you to continue living an independent lifestyle. Other points of interest may include museums, theatres, cinemas and golf courses.

Transport

Particularly in a remote seaside location, being near some form of public transport (like a bus or train station) can make a huge difference, as this will allow you to access other places without the need for a car.

Other activities

These days, the facilities and activities within a retirement village are seriously impressive. They can range from wine tasting and yoga to bridge, gyms and swimming pools. Think about what you or your loved one enjoy doing in your spare time and see how the activities offered marry up with this.

Parks and green spaces

As we’ve discussed in this article, spending time outdoors will work wonders for your physical and mental health. Having lovely green spaces on your doorstep can have a similarly enriching effect to that of the sea.

Access to healthcare

As we age, health concerns tend to become more prevalent. You’ll want to check then, whether the retirement village you’re looking at is near a GP or hospital. As for the retirement property itself, some will offer round-the-clock care while others are much more limited in this department. Warden controlled housing is a form of supported living that's often located within a retirement community.

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Retirement villages offer secure, vibrant and luxurious housing with state-of-the-art facilities for older adults. Request a free retirement living shortlist and we’ll recommend retirement properties matching your budget, location and desired facilities.