Retire to Martlesham Heath
Martlesham Heath is a peaceful village nestled in Suffolk’s countryside, with a proud wartime history as a former home to an RAF and American air base. Here, you can enjoy a retirement surrounded by countryside, close to the coast, and with enough modern amenities to enjoy day-to-day life.
Local retirees enjoy:
- Exploring local history at sites like Martlesham Heath Aviation Society Museum, which explores the wartime history of the area.
- Hiking through the surrounding woodland and fields, as well as easy access to the River Deben and Suffolk coast for waterside walks.
- Day trips to surrounding areas like Ipswich and Woodbridge, as well as further afield to London and Norwich.
1 retirement developments near Martlesham Heath
Squadron House | Martlesham Heath
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
Explore places in the Martlesham Heath area
Retirement living in Martlesham Heath
This charming, traditional village is just 20 minutes from the hustle-and-bustle of Ipswich, and comes with a lively community all its own.
Local amenities
Our retirement home is thoughtfully-located close to all the amenities you need to thrive in retirement, including:
- Groceries - M&S, Tesco, and Aldi can all be found in the village centre.
- Healthcare - Ipswich Hospital is 13 minutes from the village and provides accident and emergency services as well as more specialist medical care. Martlesham Heath Surgery supplies GP services, and a dentist and pharmacy also operate in the village.
- Shops - Martlesham Heath Retail Park offers a mix of well-known and more niche retailers, while the nearby town of Woodbridge offers more independent shopping opportunities.
Activities for retirees in Martlesham Heath
No matter your interests, you’ll find a welcoming community in Martlesham Heath, with something for you to do throughout the year. Highlights include:
- Exploring the area on foot, whether solo, with friends, or a walking group like Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Suffolk. Martlesham Heath Common and the River Deben Trail are just two local favourites.
- Woodbridge Golf Club offers the opportunity to meet new people while enjoying the peace and satisfaction of the sport.
- The local U3A offers plenty of interest groups and regular meetups tailored to retirees.
Enjoy an active retirement in Martlesham Heath
Martlesham Heath is perfectly-located for when you fancy exploring the rest of Suffolk. Whether you like countryside, charming towns and villages, or seaside escapes, it’s all just a short drive away.
- Ipswich is a vibrant port, just six miles from Martlesham Heath, with a vibrant arts scene and theatre to enjoy.
- The Suffolk Coast & Heaths National Landscape is nearby and ideal for longer walks or picnics while you admire the serene natural landscape.
- You’re also a stone’s throw from charming coastal villages and towns like Felixstowe, perfect for exploring on a day.
Transport links and connections
Martlesham Heath is ideal for exploring Suffolk, as well as the East of England in general. Public transport is readily available, so driving isn’t a necessity.
- By car - Martlesham Heath’s location on the A12 means easy access to Ipswich, Felixstowe, and Lowestoft.
- By bus - Bus services run regularly and can take you directly to Felixstowe, Ipswich, and Woodbridge, among others.
- By rail - Woodbridge and Ipswich both have train stations, and supply fast travel throughout the Southeast and beyond, particularly to London, Norwich, Colchester, and 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
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 Suffolk
Retirement living in Martlesham Heath FAQs
Many retirees covet Martlesham Heath for its scenic location, lively community with plenty of interest groups to join, and good transport links to the rest of Suffolk. Retirement living here is sure to be active, yet peaceful, with enough room to enjoy the slower pace of life in this area.
Yes, the village is well-planned and walkable, with plenty of quiet roads, green pathways, and a compact centre with all the amenities you need within a short distance of each other.
Buses regularly run from Martlesham Heath to surrounding settlements like Ipswich. While the village doesn’t have its own train station, nearby Ipswich and Woodbridge both supply trains to the wider Southeast.
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