Retire to Dorset
Dorset’s dramatic coastline, peaceful country hills, and charming communities all make it a wonderful retirement option for those craving a quintessentially English home base.
Local retirees love:
- A coastal retirement with soft sands and rocky shores along the Jurassic Coast, ideal for cliffside walks and wild swimming.
- Good access to healthcare, with plenty of GP services and hospitals in Poole, Dorchester, and Bournemouth.
- Reliable public transport for those who don’t drive, with bus, coach, and train services available.
- A more relaxed pace of life without sacrificing the excitement of festivals, community groups, and hobby clubs.
8 retirement developments in Dorset
Stour Gate | Blandford St Mary
Retirement Living- Properties 7 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £122,500/£281 pcm
- Purchase from £270,000
- Rent from £2,085 pcm
Casterbridge Court | Dorchester
Retirement Living- Properties 13 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £199,000
- Rent from £2,060 pcm
Market House | Wimborne
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 39 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £207,500/£476 pcm
- Purchase from £330,000
- Rent from £3,090 pcm
The Old Market Gardens | Wimborne
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 4 available
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Purchase from £475,000
Bowes Lyon Court | Dorchester
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,250 pcm
Gordon Court | Bridport
Retirement Living- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,700 pcm
Greenhaven | Poole
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–3 beds available
- Rental available
Clarendon House | Poole
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Rental available
Explore places in the Dorset area
Retirement living in Dorset
Whether you’re looking for coastal walks, rural relaxation, or more avant-garde communities in bustling townships, Dorset offers a location to suit all tastes.
Activities for retirees in Dorset
Dorset’s dramatic landscape is home to a number of important historic sites, from dinosaur fossils on the Jurassic Coast to the ruins of Corfe and Ludworth Castles.
- Museums - Dorset Museum in Dorchester is home to a number of artifacts, perfect for learning more about natural history and local farming practices.
- History - Dorset is the ideal location for a hands-on approach to history, with fossil hunting recommended at multiple beaches along the Jurassic Coast here.
- Sports - The county is home to over 4,600 footpaths, over 30 golf courses, and more than a few tennis clubs – ideal for staying fit and making friends, or going out and exploring nature solo!
Enjoy an active retirement in Dorset
Over half of Dorset is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so staying active here is a privilege!
- Nature - Explore a number of activities at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, or climb Lewesdon Hill to take in the expansive views over Somerset and Devon.
- Wildlife - Visit flocks of swans at the stunning Abbotsbury Swannery, or hop on the boat to Brownsea Island to spot rare red squirrels. Dorset is also a dream destination for bird watchers.
- Beaches - Weymouth is perfect for the quintessentially British beach experience, complete with fish and chips and a cold pint at the pub, while Durdle Door offers a more enigmatic coastal retreat.
Arts, culture and community in Dorset
While much of the county is rural, this doesn’t mean you’ll sacrifice any connection to art and culture by retiring here. In fact, Dorset is a hub of artistic innovation and vibrant community events.
- Art exhibitions - Bridport Arts Centre, The Slade Centre, or the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum are all home to intriguing collections of art, spanning back decades and even centuries.
- Theatre - Catch seaside shows at Weymouth Pavilion, or live performances at Poole’s Lighthouse Centre for the Arts, one of the largest art centres in the South West.
- Festivals - Dorchester’s annual Cider Festival is a crowd favourite, along with Bridport Hat Festival, Dorchester Literary Festival, and Dorset Seafood Festival.
Transport links and connections
Whether you’re planning a beach trip or countryside getaway, travel throughout Dorset is easy, and public transport options are plentiful.
- By car - While no motorways run through Dorset, a network of A-roads like the A35 and A31 connect major towns in the county, and provide links to the wider South, such as London.
- By bus - Popular operators include Morebus and Damory, with a regular network of routes that connect Dorset’s villages and towns even in more rural areas.
- By rail - Bournemouth, Weymouth, Dorchester, and Sherborne all have their own train stations and offer services to London, Exeter and Bristol.
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 Dorset
Retirement living in Dorset FAQs
Yes, Dorset is fairly accessible for those who don’t drive. Community transport schemes, as well as buses, coaches, and trains, are available for travelling between larger towns like Dorchester and Weymouth. More rural areas may require a car, but in general buses are more than sufficient for travel along the Jurassic Coast.
Dorchester is the county town of Dorset, and offers all the basic amenities you need to thrive in retirement, as well as its own train station that offers services directly to Weymouth for a quick coastal getaway. Other popular locations include Sherborne, Swanage, and Bridport – and of course Weymouth, for those who don’t fancy catching a train to get to the beach.
There are three major hospitals in Dorset for specialist and emergency care: Dorset County Hospital, Poole Hospital, and Royal Bournemouth Hospital.
GP services, pharmacies, opticians, and dentists are present in towns and villages for daily healthcare and wellbeing support. However, accessing urgent care from rural areas may require travel.
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