Why Yorkshire Can be Perfect for Your Retirement
If you’re looking for some retirement location inspiration, why not consider the popular county of Yorkshire? We’ve spoken to McCarthy Stone residents from our Fairway View development in Brough, East Yorkshire, about why Yorkshire can be the perfect place for retirement.
Hailed as ‘God’s Own Country’, Yorkshire is a beautiful part of the world with awe-inspiring landscapes showcasing everything from a Jurassic coastline, to rolling moors, Ice Age-carved limestone hillsides and a long list of historical towns, cities and villages.
It’s also home to some of the nation’s most beloved writers, actors and creative souls, being the birthplace of Alan Bennett, Patrick Stewart, Michael Palin and even Judi Dench. What’s more, the county’s beauty never fails to keep them all from coming back.
The Shambles, York
With so much to offer, it’s no surprise Yorkshire is becoming more and more popular as a place to retire. What better way to truly understand why Yorkshire can be the best county to retire in, than to get real opinions from the retirees who live there?
We spoke to a selection of residents in our Fairway View development in Brough, East Yorkshire, who gave us their views on why they feel that Yorkshire is the perfect place for retirement.
An Interview with Vivienne Ainsworth
What’s the biggest lifestyle difference you’ve you have noticed after moving away from the city?
What do you enjoy about living in the Yorkshire countryside and this particular development?
As the development isn’t too far from the city of Hull, we still have all the benefits of the city, but we also have all the benefits of the countryside and the river!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Humber Estuary, East Yorkshire coast
What informed your decision to move to this part of Yorkshire?
One of the main reasons we moved here was to be closer to our son who lives in the area, but also in terms of selling our house and the practicalities of moving, the best thing to do for us was to move somewhere else in Yorkshire.
What advice would you give to someone who can’t decide if Yorkshire retirement is right for them?
Be adventurous, try new things and be open to a more inclusive society! Coming from quite a big house, I was initially a little concerned about downsizing, but as Yorkshire offers us so much in terms of country living. We’re both spending more time outside, more than we would have expected before making the move and it helps that there’s very good public transport here.
An Interview with Sisters Dora and Mary Berry
Sisters Dora (87) and Mary (85) Berry have spent much of their life living together in Yorkshire, both calling it the ‘most beautiful place’. We spoke to Mary and found out what is was that kept the sisters in Yorkshire for so long.
It’s got beautiful scenery, both country and seaside, with places like Scarborough, Whitby and Nidderdale all being here. Like Wales and Scotland... there are beautiful landscapes, but the Dales and Moors in Yorkshire really are something. We just love it here.
Whitby, North Yorkshire
What’s do you find so special about this retirement community?
We absolutely love Fairway View and so does everyone who has moved here. Even though moving can be stressful – and we’re still not fully settled yet– we still absolutely love it here. We really enjoy living in such a lovely site. We’re surrounded by lovely trees and greenery.
We have a coffee morning every Tuesday, a drinks night every Friday and we had a wonderful cream tea yesterday afternoon.
Why do you think Yorkshire is the best county to retire in?
When we’ve visited other places in the UK, we’ve met people who weren’t from Yorkshire and they’ll say things like: ‘we went for a holiday in Yorkshire and didn’t realise it was so beautiful’.
It really is one of the most incredible places in the country and it has so many little towns and villages that feel cosy and intimate. It’s great being able to live in a place with such beautiful scenery, you never need to travel far.
North York Moors Railway
What would you say to someone who can’t decide if Yorkshire retirement is right for them?
It’s the most beautiful place in the country. We’ve got some great things you can’t find anywhere else either. Betty's is one – and there are plenty of wonderful fish and chip shops.
Five Great Things to do in Yorkshire
If the advice of our residents wasn’t enough to convince you why Yorkshire can be perfect for your retirement, there are plenty of other aspects that might just swing it for you.
1. Drink Yorkshire’s Real Ale
2. Follow in the Footsteps of a Famous Writer
Haworth Moor, West Yorkshire
3. Go Bird Watching
Yorkshire is home to many species of wildlife, with bird watching in particular being a big draw. Falcons, kestrels, buzzards and owls are some of the more impressive birds of prey that can be seen in Yorkshire, while kingfishers and herons can also be sighted. Bird watching in Yorkshire is also a great way to make the most of the scenic landscape.
4. Enjoy the City Life
While the countryside is one of Yorkshire’s most appealing aspects, it’s also home to some amazing cities including York, Leeds, Sheffield and Hull. All of which boast plenty of top attractions including the historic York Minster, Leeds’s many high end shopping centres and Hull’s fascinating maritime history.
5. Explore Yorkshire’s Culture
From the Great Yorkshire Show where Prince Charles often makes an appearance to days at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, there are many events to enjoy.
A Variety of Retirement Communities Across Yorkshire
Beyond Fairway View, we have a number of additional developments across Yorkshire, so take a look at what’s available and get in touch with our sales team today if you would like to find out more.
