Retire to Cornwall
Famed for its dramatic coastline, magnificent beaches, gorgeous gardens, historic ports and mining heritage, the county of Cornwall is an ideal location for retirement.
Local seniors love:
- The scenic landscape, with quintessentially English countryside hillscapes that blend perfectly with the picturesque coastline and windswept beaches.
- Strong local character and friendly communities, with plenty of local groups and events that make meeting new people easy.
- Excellent amenities – despite the rural nature of many towns, healthcare, shopping, and groceries are typically within reach.
Whether you’re craving a sea view or days full of long walks through rolling greenery, Cornwall can offer you an excellent retirement home.
3 retirement developments in Cornwall
Truro | Truro
Retirement Living- Properties 50 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £260,000
Padstow | Padstow
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 54 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £300,000
Pen Morvah | Bude
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Rental available
Retirement living in Cornwall
When you retire to the South West of England, Cornwall is an excellent option for a peaceful pace of life, full of coastal beauty, charming towns, and invigorating cliffside walking trails.
Activities for retirees in Cornwall
Cornwall’s place on the south-western peninsula of England means many activities here keep you close to the sea, and to the rural beauty of this county.
- Enjoy sea-based activities like sailing at the Loe Beach Watersports Centre in Truro, or swim at beaches in Bude and Lizard.
- Venture inland for over 30 golf courses, as well as walking trails, cycling, and horseback riding.
- Explore historic sites like the Gothic revival cathedral in Truro, the 14th-century parish of Lanhydrock, or visit the Geevor Tin Mine in Pendeen.
Enjoy an active retirement in Cornwall
Cornwall’s iconic attractions include Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the Eden Project, the wilds of Bodmin Moor and more – making it the perfect backdrop to an active retirement.
- Sports - Modern leisure centres across the county offer senior-friendly exercise classes, swimming pools, and yoga and pilates.
- Nature - Stroll through some of the UK’s most scenic walking trails, including spots along The Camel Trail, and Trelissick and the Fal Estuary.
- Wildlife - Enjoy birdwatching at Stithians Lake, Marazion Marsh, or the Tamar Valley National Landscape.
Arts, culture, and community in Cornwall
Life in Cornwall comes with a strong sense of culture and community, from the independent shops on city high streets to the unique festivals you’ll find in smaller towns.
- Theatre - Porthcurno boasts an iconic cultural landmark in the Minack Theatre, an open-air space carved into the cliffside, where you can enjoy live performances of classic plays and music.
- Museums - Learn about local heritage at the Cornwall Museum in Truro and the Geevor Tin Mine Museum.
- Events - The Royal Cornwall Show has celebrated the region’s heritage for over 200 years, while the Golowan Festival in Penzance and Truro’s City of Lights parade are also worth adding to your calendar.
Transport links and connections
While Cornwall is a relatively rural area full of natural beauty, it also benefits from excellent transport links connecting the area to the wider South West of England.
- By car - While the area lacks major motorways, a network of A roads makes it easy to travel between towns and villages, from St Ives to Truro.
- By bus - Buses regularly run throughout the region, offering reliable transport between towns.
- By rail - Rail stations in Truro, Penzance, St Austell, Redruth, and Camborne offer connections to the rest of the country, including Bristol, Exeter, and London.
Homeowner testimonials: telling it like it is
We believe we create great places to live. Beautiful award-winning retirement apartments in brilliant locations with thoughtful, reassuring, services on tap and a thriving friendly community on the doorstep.
But what do people living in our communities think? We regularly ask for feedback on everything from the sales and moving in process to the lifestyle and services. Here’s what our homeowners have to say:
The reason why I chose to buy 75 percent of my apartment is because it meant that I could enjoy financial freedom for the future. One process and everything was completed, with no stress, so I could move with ease and enjoy my new home.
Helen, homeowner, Crescent Place
You needn’t worry about privacy. Once you close the door to your apartment, it’s like you’re in your own little world. The great thing about independent living is the balance – the social aspect is there if you want it, but you can also enjoy your own space.
Erika and Stephen, homeowners, Foxglove Place
We decided to eliminate unnecessary stress by downsizing while we could do it - and where better to move to than the same development as mum so that we could keep an eye on her too!
Linda (left) with mum Daphne (right), homeowners, Fussells Court
Browse by Retirement Living services
Our retirement developments offer differing amenities and assisted living services. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.
Retirement Living
Low-maintenance independent living for people aged 60 and over, with a House Manager on-site and a friendly community on the doorstep.
Retirement Living PLUS
Independence combined with assisted living for people aged 70 and over, including an Estate Manager, on-site restaurant and optional personal care.
McCarthy & Stone community news from Cornwall
Retirement living in Cornwall FAQs
Yes, while Cornwall is relatively rural, most major destinations have a reliable system of buses and trains, making it possible to enjoy day trips further afield without a car. Major locations like Truro also have train stations, from which you can be in London in under 5 hours.
Major hospitals in Cornwall include Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, St Michael’s Hospital in Hayle, and West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance. Local GP services are available throughout the region, as well as pharmacies, dentists, and opticians.
Browse our retirement homes by city and county
Search for the best places to retire in the UK by selecting a city or county to explore.
