Do you need to drive to live comfortably in Cambourne?

Driving is not essential to get around Cambourne, as local shops, parks, and services are within walking distance. Great public transport links offer quick and easy connections to Cambridge and beyond. If you do drive, there’s also plenty of parking throughout the town.

Is Cambourne a nice place to live?

Yes, Cambourne is a lovely place to live out your retirement years. The crime rate is lower than most areas in England, with good lighting and flat paths throughout to help you feel safe and confident navigating the town. It’s a primarily residential setting, with a strong sense of community and an ever-increasing number of amenities.

What opportunities are there to socialise in Cambourne?

Local events, festivals, and activities are held regularly, where you can meet new people and nurture your passions. Cambourne & District U3A is a small but welcoming community of seniors who offer groups for several interests, such as book clubs, singing, history, and even digital skill sessions to help you get to know your iPad.

Retirement homes in Cambourne

Retire to Cambourne

The contemporary town of Cambourne is located just 10 miles from Cambridge. Here, you’ll find plenty of essential amenities and beautiful natural areas set within a friendly community. With a lively calendar of events every year, Cambourne is popular with retirees seeking a balance between quiet residential life and modern excitement.

Local retirees love:

Safe and peaceful town with green space and waterside paths.
Excellent healthcare through local GPs, pharmacies, and proximity to several hospitals.
Active community with senior-specific groups and fitness programmes.
Cultural and seasonal events, such as craft fairs, wildlife festivals, and markets.

1 retirement development in Cambourne

Rentals available
Uplands Place
Cambourne, Cambridgeshire
Retirement Living
- Rent from £1,750 pcm

Explore places in the Cambourne area

Retirement living in Cambourne

Cambourne town has been well-designed to ensure residents have plentiful access to amenities and activities in wide, open spaces that are accessible and easy to walk between.

Cambourne offers all the essential services and modern pleasures you could ask for in a convenient location, including several hairdressers, opticians, cafés, and takeaways.

Groceries - Major supermarkets include Morrisons, which has an in-store pharmacy and café. A Co-op and convenience stores are also available.
Shopping - Cambourne’s bustling high street and retail parks in the area have a great selection of chain shops and independent establishments.
Doctors & pharmacies - Monkfield Medical Practice is one of the primary GP practices, with a Lloyds Pharmacy just a few doors down where you can fulfil prescriptions quickly.
Hospitals - Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon can be reached in under 30 minutes by car.

Attractions and events in Cambourne promise plenty of opportunities for seniors to engage with the local community and enjoy a fulfilling retirement.

Follow a footpath from Cambourne centre and stroll through the countryside to Bourn Windmill, the oldest windmill in England.
Sample a range of cuisine at local eateries. Popular spots include The Monkfield Arms, a traditional British pub, The Bridge at Cambridge Belfry Hotel (for a refined dining experience), and the Chinese restaurant Wokswagon.
Discover vibrant celebrations at the annual Cambourne Festival of Colours, featuring music, dancing, and other activities.
Get in touch with nature and music at Cambourne to be Wild Festival, which supports the Wildlife Trust.

Entrance sign to Cambourne Nature Reserve.

Maintaining a busy lifestyle in Cambourne is made easy by plentiful access to vast green spaces, exciting towns nearby, and multiple fitness centres in the area.

Embark on gentle walks at Cambourne Nature Reserve, where you can spot local wildlife in the wetlands and wooded areas, as well as beautiful wildflower meadows.
Visit nearby Cambridge for shopping, museums, and theatrics. Cambridge Arts Theatre puts on a range of drama, dance, opera and panto shows throughout the year.
Forever Active offers exercise classes designed exclusively for people over 50. The programme includes sessions to help everyone stay active, such as yoga, strength and balance, and pilates.

Cambourne is situated near to several major roads, without making the area feel rushed or congested. Public transport options make it easy to get around without needing to drive.

By car - The A428 dual carriageway connects Cambourne to Cambridge and the A1. You can also reach the A14 and M11 with ease.
By bus - Regular bus services provide convenient links to Cambridge (30 minutes away), St Neots (20 minutes away), and Huntingdon (35 minutes away).
By rail - There are proposed plans to build a train station in Cambourne. In the meantime, you can catch trains from St Neots station (about 15 minutes away) to London, Peterborough, and Cambridge.

An aerial view of the River Cam through the city of Cambridge.

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:

On Friday morning, we head to the sky lounge for a coffee, on Sunday we bring our own drinks and sit in the bar. We also have craft mornings, sports nights, along with regular lunches out. It’s a lot of fun as everyone is welcome.
Dave (pictured with his wife and friends), homeowner, Uplands Place
I can without a doubt say that thanks to the beautiful community of homeowners here at Uplands Place, I am happier than I ever imagined when I first considered relocating from Scotland to Cambridgeshire.
Netta, Homeowner, Uplands Place

Choose your retirement living style

Our retirement developments offer differing amenities and assisted living services. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.

Retirement Living

Easy independent living for people aged 60 and over. You’ll be looked after by a House Manager and enjoy shared amenities and a friendly community on the doorstep.

Retirement Living Plus

Independence combined with flexible assisted living for people aged 70 and over. Benefits include a chef-run bistro and optional Lifestyle Services from laundry to pet-sitting.

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Retirement living in Cambourne FAQs

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McCarthy & Stone community news from around Cambourne

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Micheal and Jean and Dave and Cynthia have found friendship at their retirement community in Cambridgeshire.

Retirement properties in Cambourne

Retire to Cambourne

1 retirement development in Cambourne

Uplands Place

Explore places in the Cambourne area

Retirement living in Cambourne

Homeowner testimonials: telling it like it is