Retire to Norfolk
With unspoilt beaches, historic manors, tranquil waterways and a thriving arts scene, Norfolk is one of our most popular retirement destinations. As one of the more rural counties in the UK, Norfolk’s charming towns and villages are perfect for those seeking coastal living and a peaceful way of life.
Local retirees love:
- Breathtaking coastlines and countryside backdrops with flat and accessible walkways.
- Great access to hospitals, GPs, and other healthcare services.
- Strong public transport links in and around the county.
- Opportunity to enjoy a slower pace of life while staying active in communities.
Our retirement properties in Norfolk allow you to enjoy your retirement in a way that suits you.
5 retirement developments in Norfolk
Waveney Place | Harleston
Retirement Living- Properties 7 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £150,000
- Purchase from £220,000
- Rent from £1,875 pcm
Homestead Place | Stalham
Retirement Living- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £210,000
- Rent from £1,500 pcm
Strawberry Hill Gardens | Norwich
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 2–3 beds available
- Purchase from £425,000
Louis Arthur Court | North Walsham
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Eastland Grange | Hunstanton
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase available
- Rental available
Explore places in the Norfolk area
Retirement living in Norfolk
Norfolk offers opportunities to spend time touring castles and museums, strolling along canal banks, indulging in the finest foods, or simply relaxing on spectacular beaches. Discover how this picturesque county has everything you could want to focus on the things you love.
Activities for retirees in Norfolk
Norfolk is home to multiple historic castles and curious museums, perfect for creating a packed schedule for your retirement.
Discover what rural farming life was like in Norfolk at Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse, which still has a working farm today.
Norwich Castle has been used as a palace and a prison since it was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Today, it’s packed with artefacts ranging from ancient Egyptian relics to Bronze Age ceremonial weapons.
If you’re passionate about British royalty, Sandringham House is open to the public. Learn about royal life and history at the museum, or wander through 600 acres of gardens. The estate is still used as a country retreat by the royals today.
Enjoy an active retirement in Norfolk
Whether you're looking for demanding hikes or a relaxing slice of nature, there are endless opportunities in Norfolk to stay active in your retirement.
- Sports - Explore almost 60 miles of bike paths along the Norfolk Coastal Cycleway, traverse countless walking trails, or work on your game at over 30 golf courses and 20 tennis clubs.
- Nature - Covering over a hundred square miles of rivers and lakes, The Broads National Park is a popular boating destination.
- Wildlife - Spot geese, falcons and owls at the Holkham National Nature Reserve, or discover over 2,000 animals at Banham Zoo.
- Beaches - Take in ocean views at the Norfolk Coast, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that covers almost 200 square miles.
Arts, culture and community in Norfolk
From art galleries and regular theatrical performances to exciting events, Norfolk is a thriving hub of culture and festivities.
- Art exhibitions - The Norwich Arts Centre hosts a diverse programme of music, experimental art, comedy, and more. Explore smaller galleries, such as the Bircham Gallery in Holt and the Fairfax Gallery in King’s Lynn.
- Theatre - See touring productions at the 1,300-capacity Norwich Theatre Royal, opera and musicals at the Elizabethan-style Maddermarket Theatre, or catch seaside variety shows at the Pavilion Theatre at the end of Cromer Pier.
- Festivals - Attend festivals throughout the year, including the 240-year-old Norfolk & Norwich Festival, and the North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival at Holkham Hall.
Transport links and connections
Norfolk offers a modest transport network to help retirees travel around with ease, while several roads provide connections to other areas of the UK.
- By car - There are no motorways serving Norfolk, but several A and B-roads offer connections to major roads.
- By bus - Regular bus services provide routes throughout Norfolk. The Coasthopper service runs during the summer months – perfect for beach visits.
- By rail - Norfolk’s rail network offers direct connections to London, Cambridge, and Ipswich. Train stations can be found in Norwich, King’s Lynn, Diss, and other towns in the county.
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
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 Norfolk
Retirement living in Norfolk FAQs
Norfolk has a reliable and regular public transport network connecting areas throughout the county, meaning you can easily travel by bus or train without the need for a car. Services to smaller villages may be limited, particularly in the evenings, so a car might be helpful when visiting more rural areas.
Norfolk has a wide choice of desirable market towns, countryside villages, and seaside towns to choose from. The variety of settings offered by the county makes it easy to find the perfect place to settle down in your retirement years. The county city of Norwich is a thriving place to enjoy cosy pubs, busy tourist attractions, and must-visit locations that you’ll love seeing time and time again. Or if you prefer the tranquility of a village, Eaton is a delightful hamlet known for its thatched cottages and friendly community.
If you'd like to retire to a place full of beautiful coastline and scenic landscapes, take a look at our retirement properties in Norfolk.
There are three major hospitals in Norfolk where you can access acute care, emergency services, and specialist treatment. Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in Norwich, James Paget University Hospital in Great Yarmouth, and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn.
GP services and smaller medical centres are present in towns and villages for day-to-day healthcare support, while accessing urgent care from rural areas may require travel.
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.
