Retire to Norwich
Retirement living in Norwich
This creative, historic and lively city always has a story to tell
Norwich in Norfolk is known as ‘the city of stories’. It’s a place that beautifully blends modern buildings with historic structures and iconic sights. Plus, you’ll also find plenty of cosy pubs, busy tourist attractions and must-visit locations that you’ll love seeing time and time again.
Norwich is a city that promotes independence and creativity. So, close to our retirement homes in Norwich, you’ll uncover lots of independent retailers and creative people. Whether you’re interested in uncovering history, immersing yourself in the arts or exploring the great British countryside, you’ll find everything you’re looking for on the doorstep of our retirement homes in Norwich.
McCarthy Stone Developments in Norwich
Things to do in Norwich, Norfolk
Norwich is the only city in the UK to be located within a National Park, the Norfolk Broads. Here you’ll uncover dramatic landscapes, rare natural beauty and dream-like landscapes. Plus, thanks to its relatively flat landscape, the Broads National Park is great for walkers and explorers. If you’d rather get out on the water, you’ll also find 125 miles of navigable and lock-free waterways. Look out for the historic Fye Bridge, which crosses The River Wensum in Norwich.
While you explore the Broads from your retirement property in Norfolk, you’ll find plenty of charming and picturesque towns and villages where you can stop for a coffee and a slice of cake. If you’d rather relax while you explore, try booking a tour on one of the many boat trips that operate in the region.
Historic sights and attractions in Norwich
Norwich is the most complete medieval city in the UK, so you’ll find plenty to see on the narrow, winding streets. This includes many museums and theatres, ancient pubs, and cobbled streets such as Elm Hill. To see the best of these, take a walk by the river and look out as you pass half-timbered houses, Art Nouveau designs and packed medieval lanes. Norwich’s beautiful Romanesque cathedral is one of the city’s highlights, and you can see the city’s 315ft spire from almost anywhere in the city. Cathedral Close and the grounds are incredibly popular. But, inside, you’ll find medieval graffiti, a beautifully ornate ceiling and a stunning pulpitum. There’s over 900 years of history here, so take advantage of a free guided tour, too.
Elsewhere in the city, you’ll find a domineering castle to explore, and ancient buildings such as St Andrew's Hall. There’s also the historic site of Venta Icenorum. This is one of only three Roman-British towns that has not been buried underneath a new town or city. You can take a tour of the site or immerse yourself in the history using a virtual reality app.
Arts, culture and community in Norwich
Norwich has a flourishing arts, music and cultural scene. The city is also packed with restaurants, bars and nightclubs. This means you’ll never struggle to find somewhere are close to our retirement homes in Norwich to stop for a drink, take in a local production or see world-class art. Norwich was even England’s first UNESCO City of Literature.
Plus, Norwich has an independent shopping scene to rival anywhere else in the UK. The city is home to two shopping malls and five department stores. You’ll also find loads of independent shops in The Lanes, as well as all of your favourite high street names in the city centre and the town has one of the largest markets in England, famed for its colourful roof tops.
This is a city that loves to bring people together, which is why the city hosts the annual Norfolk & Norwich Festival in May.
Popular places to retire in the Norwich area
Explore more brilliant retirement locations close to Norwich.
Browse by Retirement Living Services and Facilities
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.
Retiring in Norwich - Frequently asked questions
Many property experts consider the best and most popular area to live in Norwich is the ‘Golden Triangle’. This is an area that spreads from the west to the southwest of the city centre and is home to a variety of properties ranging from modern apartments to Victorian-era terraces.
The area is also celebrated for its excellent amenities, access to the city centre as well as its thriving community spirit.
The age in which you retire is down to you and when you feel you are ready, but the State Pension age is a different matter. It used to be 60 for women and 65 for men, but it is currently under review and is subject to change.
You can use the UK Government’s individual assessment tool to work out when you could be ready to claim a State Pension and then use this information to give yourself a rough idea of when you can retire.
Norwich is an excellent choice as a place to retire to, mainly because it has so much to offer in terms of amenities, attractions, transport options and different types of places to live. From its busy city-centre to the surrounding more rural areas, retirees have plenty of options to consider.
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