The Best Retirement Villages Near You: 16 Luxury Developments In The UK

Retirement villages (also known as retirement communities) are built to exclusively cater for retirees looking to unwind and relax in a post-work environment, surrounded by people of a similar age. Often, numerous facilities are included for residents to enjoy, along with differing levels of on-site support. What’s more, every resident has their own property to spend time in.

The UK plays host to an ever-increasing number of retirement villages. This rising number can make it difficult to find the perfect retirement home to suit your individual preferences.

To help, we’ve handpicked 16 of the best retirement villages in the UK for your consideration.

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Navigate the 16 best retirement villages in the UK by location:

1. Riverstone Fulham - West London
2. Eden Court - Battersea, London
3. Southdowns Village - Kent
4. Woodbank Apartments - Surrey
5. Spitfire Lodge - Hampshire
6. Cotswold Gate - Oxfordshire
7. Richmond Village - Cheltenham
8. Horton Mill Court - Worcestershire
9. Campbell House - Surrey
10. Matcham Grange - North Yorkshire
11. Thorneycroft - Staffordshire
12. Ford Lodge - Cheshire
13. Stanley Place - Lancashire
14. Mill Gardens and Farnham House - Leicestershire
15. Seymour Court - Tyne and Wear
16. Beckett Grange - South Yorkshire
17. Find a retirement village near you

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1. Riverstone Fulham - West London

Situated in a prime location on the north bank of the River Thames, Riverstone Fulham’s riverside terraces and gardens make the most of this superb location. The popular Thames Path that runs alongside this retirement village is ideal for a morning or evening stroll.

Every apartment has been built with an open plan design to make the property feel as bright and spacious as possible. Floor-to-ceiling windows further amplify this roomy feeling, while plenty of storage space and an elegant neutral decor mean that Riverstone Fulham accommodation serves as a brilliant blank canvas for you to make your own and call home. Every apartment has a private terrace, allowing you to connect with nature throughout the year.

The landscaped areas in and around this retirement village form a series of green promenades, filled with colourful plants that can be enjoyed all year round. Here, you can take advantage of this space to remain active or simply take in your surroundings and relax.

Riverstone Fulham at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 161 properties

• Prices - Starting from £895,000 when buying a one-bedroom apartment and from £2,225,000 when buying a three-bedroom apartment

• Type of Properties Available - You can choose between one, two and three-bedroom apartments

• Facilities and Activities - Riverstone Fulham boasts plenty of top-notch facilities, including a gym and exercise studio, spa, restaurant, espresso bar, cinema and landscaped gardens

2. Eden Court - Battersea, London

Eden Court is located in Battersea - one of London’s most popular and vibrant neighbourhoods. With that said, this location still offers plenty that a retiree might desire, including lots of green spaces (particularly the lovely Battersea Park) and quaintly cobbled streets.

In many ways, Eden Court provides retirees with the best of both worlds - giving residents a flavour of London’s hustle and bustle, yet also the unique lifestyle that Battersea can bring.

28 luxurious one and two-bedroom apartments can be enjoyed, along with first class facilities that rival the world’s best hotels, including a fitness suite, cinema room, licensed bar and bistro-style restaurant.

Eden Court at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 28 properties

• Prices - Starting from £425,000 when purchasing a property

• Type of Properties Available - One and two-bedroom apartments

• Facilities and Activities - A bar, a communal lounge, landscaped gardens, a fitness suite, a beauty salon, balconies for relaxation, a cinema room and more

3. Southdowns Village - Kent

A beautiful retirement village offering a range of amazing facilities, Southdowns Village is a unique development set within 17.5 acres of rolling Kent countryside. The size of this retirement village (198 properties) means that it does a brilliant job of creating the everyday charms that come with village life.

Within Southdowns Retirement Village are a number of leisure facilities for residents to enjoy, including a social hub that comes with a licensed bar, a TV lounge and billiard room, an on-site grocery shop, a launderette and a coffee shop!

This development is just four miles from Dartford and six miles from the Bluewater shopping centre, both of which can be easily reached from the local bus service that stops inside the retirement village. With lovely grounds to explore and scenic countryside in every direction - including the stunning Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - it isn’t hard to see why Southdowns is proving to be such a popular option with retirees.

Southdowns Village at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 198 properties

• Prices - Starting from £195,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £325,000 for a one-bedroom house

• Type of Properties Available - A mixture of one and two-bedroom bungalows and apartments are available at Southdowns Village

• Facilities and Activities - There’s an excellent range of desirable facilities at Southdowns Village, including a communal lounge, fitness suite, café, library and even a beauty salon for a much-needed pamper

4. Woodbank Apartments - Surrey

Woodbank Apartments are situated in the lovely village of Hook Heath, just a five-minute drive from Woking. This area is thought of by many as one of Surrey’s most desirable, thanks to easy access to Woking, Guildford and London itself.

The 51 retirement apartments at Woodbank are tastefully designed with space and light at the forefront. Finished with a modern flair and to the highest standard, each apartment - one and two bedrooms - includes a fully fitted kitchen with waist-height appliances for easy operation and use. You’ll also be able to remain independent for longer, thanks to en-suite showers and a balcony or patio for taking in your beautiful surroundings.

A welcoming environment is helped by regular events and activities that further contribute to the friendly retirement community lifestyle at Woodbank Apartments. On-site restaurant fine dining and idyllic gardens provide residents with numerous opportunities to get to know one another.

Woodbank Apartments at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 51 properties

• Prices - Starting from £3,878 a month when renting a one-bedroom apartment

• Type of Properties Available - One-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are available at Woodbank

• Facilities and Activities - Regular events and activities keep residents busy, while some of the best facilities include on-site dining, a club room, fitness studio, spa and a woodland walk

5. Spitfire Lodge - Hampshire

Spitfire Lodge by Churchill Living offers a range of beautiful retirement homes, state-of-the-art facilities and like-minded neighbours, all within a vibrant retirement community that’s jam-packed with plenty of things to see and do.

Set within the bustling city of Southampton, this retirement village benefits from a busy setting, while also being near nature, with the New Forest National Park and South Downs National Park both just short journeys away. This allows residents to flick between countryside and urban living.

A range of retirement properties are available, including one and two-bedroom apartments with large master bedrooms, tiled kitchens, relaxing living areas and elegant bathrooms. In between a shared lounge and landscaped gardens, there are lots of places where you can relax, unwind and catch up with your neighbours.

Spitfire Lodge at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 73 properties

• Prices - Starting from £219,950 when purchasing a property

• Type of Properties Available - One and two-bedroom apartments

• Facilities and Activities - Balconies for relaxation, a cosy communal lounge, tranquil landscaped gardens and a beauty salon where you can get a well-deserved pamper

6. Cotswold Gate - Oxfordshire

Less than a mile from Burford’s popular high street, Cotswold Gate boasts several amazing properties, including two and three-bedroom apartments, along with two-bedroom houses. Each of these apartments features modern fixtures and fittings, and where possible, the new homes include their own private outside space; either a private terrace, a garden, a balcony, or a combination of these.

Managed by Beechcroft, Cotswold Gate is located in the heart of Oxfordshire and is exclusively aimed at adults aged 55 and over.

The comfortable communal lounge is the most popular hangout spot for residents. Meanwhile, when friends and family visit, this retirement village has a luxurious guest suite in which they can stay. On a warm summer’s day, the idyllic gardens are an equally lovely place to spend time with others.

Cotswold Gate at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 67 properties

• Prices - Starting from £395,000 when buying a two-bedroom apartment

• Type of Properties Available - You can choose between two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as two-bedroom houses

• Facilities and Activities - Some of our favourite facilities here include a stylish communal resident's lounge and a guest suite. There's also a shuttle bus service which residents love to take advantage of

7. Richmond Village Cheltenham

Richmond Village Cheltenham is a lovely collection of one and two-bedroom apartments within a tranquil woodland setting. Here, residents can take advantage of easy access to the popular town of Cheltenham, thanks to on-site transport options.

Cheltenham is right next to the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - one of the UK's most gorgeous expanses, with rolling grassland and numerous postcard villages. The retirement village itself has lots of amazing facilities for residents to enjoy, including a wellness spa, bar and restaurant, library and communal lounges that are perfect for socialising.

With plenty of different lifestyle packages, a packed-out activities schedule and some top-notch facilities, Richmond Village Cheltenham really does have something for everyone. Shared ownership and rental options are also available upon request.

Richmond Village Cheltenham at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 55 village suites

• Prices - Starting from £255,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £395,000 for a two-bedroom apartment

• Types of Properties Available - One and two-bedroom village suites are available to buy or rent

• Facilities and Activities - Some of the best facilities at Richmond Village in Cheltenham include a spacious fitness studio and well-equipped gym, a hair salon, a nail bar and spa treatment rooms

8. Horton Mill Court - Worcestershire

Horton Mill Court is a vibrant retirement home aimed exclusively at adults aged 70 and over. Situated in the Worcestershire town of Droitwich Spa, Horton Mills Court has so much to offer its residents, including delicious and freshly prepared three-course meals served in the restaurant all year round.

If you or your loved one needs some extra support on a regular basis, the team at Horton Mill Court can create a flexible care and support package tailored to your individual needs. There’s also a 24-hour emergency call system, so support will always be available if required.

Other highlights of this luxurious retirement village include beautifully landscaped gardens and a cosy yet stylish communal lounge. Moreover, many apartments here enjoy stunning views stretching across the River Salwarpe and have private access to the river’s towpath - it’s difficult to imagine a more idyllic setting!

The local high street is just 250 metres away, so you’ll be near a range of useful amenities, along with convenient public transport options.

Horton Mill Court at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 61 properties

• Prices - Starting from £100,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £230,000 for a two-bedroom apartment

• Type of Properties Available - Horton Mill Court offers one and two-bedroom apartments

• Facilities and Activities - A restaurant and café, balconies for relaxation, a communal lounge and manicured gardens are just a few of the most popular facilities at Horton Mill Court

9. Campbell House - Surrey

Located in Weybridge on the stylish Queens Road, Campbell House can provide residents with the ideal blend of scenic surroundings and excellent facilities, all in a highly desirable area.

Weybridge itself has plenty to offer, including many restaurants, pubs and supermarkets for convenient shopping. Being well-positioned for access to the A3, M25 and M3 means that the neighbouring towns of Guildford and Woking can also be easily accessed.

At Campbell House, every apartment benefits from a private balcony or patio. What’s more, the kitchens have been built to a modern specification, featuring granite worktops, integrated appliances and a dishwasher. A 24/7 call system means that residents can seek assistance throughout the day while camera entry ensures a high degree of security.

Campbell House at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 43 properties

• Prices - Starting from £495,000 when buying and £3,945 per month when renting

• Type of Properties Available - Choose between one and two-bedroom apartments

• Facilities and Activities - The most popular facilities at Campbell House include a Bistro restaurant, landscaped gardens, communal lounge and spare room for guests

10. Matcham Grange - North Yorkshire

Situated on Wetherby Road in Harrogate, Matcham Grange provides residents with the perfect opportunity to downsize. At this development, you’ll find some amazing facilities that are ideal for encouraging social interaction, including a Bistro that serves freshly prepared meals every day and a beautifully landscaped garden.

With excellent transport links, including a bus stop right outside the retirement village, you’ll be able to explore all that Harrogate - which is regularly voted as one of the best places to live in the UK - has to offer, as well as the rest of North Yorkshire. You can even visit one of the town’s superb and relaxing spas, including the original Turkish baths.

Meanwhile, the apartments at Matcham Grange do a fantastic job of combining luxury with comfort for the best of both worlds.

Matcham Grange at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 52 properties

• Prices - Starting from £289,999 when buying a one-bedroom apartment and from £424,999 when buying a two-bedroom apartment

• Type of Properties Available - You can choose between 34 one-bed and 18 two-bed apartments to buy or rent

• Facilities and Activities - Some of our favourite facilities at Matcham Grange include a bar, café, communal lounge, courtyard and a gorgeous landscaped garden

11. Thorneycroft - Staffordshire

Located just outside of Wolverhampton, Thorneycroft is a complex of one and two-bedroom retirement living apartments that can be purchased or rented. All of these apartments contain luxurious yet also practical features like large wardrobes, modern kitchens and bathrooms with heated towel rails.

This Staffordshire retirement village is set within the desirable village of Tettenhall and is close to several useful amenities, including a Co-op, a hairdresser, butchers, a delicatessen, an artisan bakery and a brilliant selection of restaurants.

At Thorneycroft, all retirement apartments are designed with modern construction methods to ensure they’re a joy to live in. Along with being well-insulated and energy efficient, they also have the latest safety and security features built in.

Thorneycroft at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 57 properties

• Prices - Starting from £200,000 when buying a one-bedroom apartment and from £328,450 when buying a two-bedroom apartment

• Type of Properties Available - You can choose between 29 one-bedroom and 28 two-bedroom apartments for sale or to rent

• Facilities and Activities - Here, all apartments are fitted with luxurious features like large wardrobes, modern kitchens and purpose-designed bathrooms. This retirement village also contains a bar, restaurant, courtyard, lovely gardens and communal lounge

12. Ford Lodge - Cheshire

You can begin a fabulous new chapter of your life at Ford Lodge in Cheshire. Set in the heart of idyllic Handforth, residents will be within walking distance of independent shops, restaurants and leisure facilities.

This stunning collection of one and two-bedroom homes is complemented by some amazing facilities which aim to encourage better health and wellbeing amongst its residents, including lovely landscaped gardens. You’ll also find a communal lounge which is perfect for socialising with friends, family and fellow residents.

What’s more, Handforth is very well connected, offering easy access to Manchester’s city centre via the town’s railway station.

Ford Lodge at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 39 properties

• Type of Properties Available - One and two-bedroom apartments

• Facilities and Activities - A communal lounge, a courtyard and landscaped gardens, wheelchair access throughout and wifi in communal areas

13. Stanley Place - Lancashire

Situated in the peaceful market town of Garstang, Lancashire, Stanley Place is a McCarthy Stone retirement village that offers a collection of one and two-bedroom apartments to buy or rent, many of which even have their own balconies with stunning views over the stunning landscaped gardens.

At Stanley Place, you’ll also find a communal lounge which is ideal for socialising and holding events that the retirement village staff put on, plus a scooter storage room and an on-site car park.

There’s no doubt that Stanley Place benefits from its location in the heart of Lancashire, with relatively easy access to stunning local areas like the Forest of Bowland and the North West coastline.

Stanley Place at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 36 properties

• Prices - Starting from £199,999 when buying a one-bedroom apartment and from £299,999 when buying a two-bedroom apartment

• Type of Properties Available - You can choose between 15 one-bedroom and 21 two-bedroom apartments to buy or rent

• Facilities and Activities - With an elegant communal lounge for socialising and expertly designed apartments with ease of living in mind, there’s plenty to love at Stanley Place. This retirement village also has landscaped gardens and rooms with balconies

14. Mill Gardens and Farnham House - Leicestershire

Within the stunning Leicestershire village of Quorn, you’ll find Mill Gardens and Farnham House. This rural retirement village contains a superb collection of one and two-bedroom apartments, along with a collection of retirement bungalows.

With a dedicated retirement community manager, an extensive security system, a spacious communal lounge and hotel-style suites for guests, retirees can spend their post-working years in luxury and comfort.

Quorn’s village centre is just a few hundred metres away. Here, you’ll be able to explore numerous traditional English pubs, cafés and restaurants. What’s more, the nearby Woodhouse Railway Station allows residents to travel to the vibrant city of Leicester and beyond if they wish.

Mill Gardens and Farnham House at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 48 apartments and 12 bungalows

• Prices - Starting from £234,450 when buying a one-bedroom apartment and from £399,950 when buying a two-bedroom apartment

• Type of Properties Available - You can choose between one and two-bedroom apartments to purchase or rent, along with several freehold bungalows

• Facilities and Activities - All apartments have fully fitted kitchens and plenty of other comfort features, while this retirement village also contains a communal lounge and relaxing courtyard (not to mention Wi-Fi within all of these communal areas)

15. Seymour Court - Tyne and Wear

Comprising one and two-bedroom apartments, Seymour Court excels in making everyday life easier and more enjoyable for its residents. With a focus on socialisation, this McCarthy Stone development is home to a contemporary communal lounge, quiet gardens and a superb suite for visitors coming to stay.

Located in the coastal town of South Shields, Tyne and Wear, this retirement community has excellent transport links, including a bus stop just outside of the development that allows residents to access the town centre and beyond. Within South Shields, you’ll find plenty of cafés, bars and delicious eateries!

Seymour Court at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 49 properties

• Prices - Starting from £170,999 when buying a one-bedroom apartment or £1,095 a month to rent a one-bedroom apartment

• Type of Properties Available - You can choose between a selection of stylish one and two-bedroom retirement homes to buy or rent

• Facilities and Activities - Almost all of the light and spacious properties at Seymour Court feature a patio or balcony, while you’ll also find a communal lounge, peaceful gardens and a luxurious guest suite

16. Beckett Grange - South Yorkshire

A brand new retirement living development in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Beckett Grange offers a selection of lovely one and two-bedroom apartments that are available to buy, part-buy, rent or part-rent.

This retirement village is set in the heart of Barnsley and has excellent transport links, including that of the M1 and a plethora of public transport lines which make accessing places like Leeds, Sheffield and the gorgeous Peak District much easier.

In the stylish communal lounges and idyllic gardens, residents can connect with one another, while the apartments themselves boast numerous modern features like fitted kitchens and spacious living rooms.

Beckett Grange at a glance:

• Development Size - This retirement village contains 49 properties

• Prices - Starting from £177,999 when buying a one-bedroom apartment and from £219,999 when buying a two-bedroom apartment

• Type of Properties Available - You can choose between one and two-bedroom apartments to buy or rent

• Facilities and Activities - At this development, residents will have access to a communal lounge and communal kitchen, spaciously designed apartments, landscaped gardens and much more

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What Should You Look For in a Retirement Village?

Picking the right accommodation is one of the most important steps to an enjoyable retirement with a high quality of life. The most important factors to consider when choosing retirement homes are location, the facilities and activities on offer, the level of care provided (if it's needed), how expensive the retirement village is and whether you can buy, rent or part buy part rent.

Location

Do you want to stay in a local area or relocate somewhere totally different? A big benefit of retirement villages is that they’re often set in scenic surroundings, usually within rural parts of the UK that are especially popular with retirees. If you wish to live near the coast then many of our best retirement villages are by the sea.

We’d recommend looking at what else is close to the retirement village. While countryside living is great, being a short drive from a large town or city for an urban escape may end up being the clincher when making a decision.

Facilities and Activities

If someone were to ask which facilities and activities you’d most like to have at the tip of your fingers then what would you veer towards? Restaurants and cafes? A classic British pub? Libraries, cinemas, a health club or tennis courts? All of these are examples of what some of the best retirement villages in the UK will typically feature, so be sure to make a list of your must-haves and see which retirement village ticks the most boxes!

Care and Support

Retirement communities across the UK are starting to move towards a more flexible support structure for residents. This means that you can pick the level of care you require - this amount may increase as you go past the retirement age and get older.

With that being said, some retirement villages still offer limited care, while others offer round-the-clock services. These services can include housekeeping assistance, home care from a registered care provider or an actual on-site care home. Be sure to check exactly what will and won’t be available to you.

Warden controlled housing is often located within a retirement community and acts as a form of supported living.

Price (and Buying versus Renting)

Work out your budget and whether you’d prefer to buy or rent. While buying is always preferable as it gives you a physical asset, renting is a solid alternative when working with a limited budget.

Most retirement villages offer buying and rental options for properties, while some only allow outright purchases. We have a guide dedicated to highlighting some of the best retirement rental properties in the UK.

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Find a Retirement Village Near You

You can use our free and easy-to-navigate service to make the process of finding a retirement village near you much easier. Our search allows you to filter by your location, along with the number of bedrooms, your budget and whether you’d like to buy or rent.

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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.