Retire to Whitley Bay
A charming jewel on the North East coastline, Whitley Bay is a historic town that’s attracted visitors since Victorian times. Today, it’s the ideal retirement location for seniors craving a relaxed, coastal pace of living.
Local retirees enjoy:
- Regular events like Whitley Bay Carnival, various markets, and a host of other activities in Newcastle (a short metro ride away).
- Walks along the beach, as well as green spaces like Brierdene Park. If you prefer a bit of game with your greenery, there are also multiple golf courses within the town.
- Plenty of local amenities like independent shops and cafés, as well as public transport for day trips further afield.
2 retirement developments near Whitley Bay
Elderton Place | Whitley Bay
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £3,900 pcm
Seymour Court | South Shields
Retirement Living- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £1,250 pcm
Explore places in the Whitley Bay area
Retirement living in Whitley Bay
Whitley Bay’s sea air carries a contagious spirit of relaxation. The community here is close-knit and welcoming, ideal for seniors looking to settle by the coast.
Local amenities
Elderton Place is a short distance from Whitley Bay’s many amenities. In this bustling town centre, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy your retirement.
- Groceries - Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Aldi are all available around the town, along with plenty of corner stores for quick snack runs or top up trips.
- Shopping - Unique boutiques, shops, and essentials like a Post Office, salons and banks are all within walking distance of each other in the centre.
- Healthcare - North Tyneside General Hospital is just 9 minutes from the town centre, while a pharmacy and a choice of GPs, dentists and opticians are spread throughout the town.
Activities for retirees in Whitley Bay
Whitley Bay is best known for its beach and iconic lighthouse, but that’s not all this charming coastal town has to offer.
- Classic seaside pursuits like walking and cycling by the sea, especially along the promenade.
- Whitley Bay Playhouse is a popular venue for live music, comedy, and musicals.
- Community events at various venues throughout the year, as well as a lively U3A with over 450 members and plenty of interest groups for retirees.
- Whitley Bay Golf Club, which is open to golfers of all abilities.
- Plenty of restaurants, cafés and ice cream spots to stop and people-watch. This small town packs a lot of variety into their cuisine, with Indian, Italian, and traditional British cuisine all easily available.
Enjoy an active retirement in Whitley Bay
The North East coast is a treasure trove of traditional fishing villages, sandy beaches, and atmospheric landscapes.
- Cullercoats Bay, and Tynemouth Priory & Castle are a short journey from Whitley Bay and are ideal for coastal walks, bird watching, and capturing the dramatic scenery in photos.
- Newcastle upon Tyne is less than an hour away and offers all the delights of a modern city, from shopping centres to live theatre performances and museums. Similarly, Durham is less than 30 minutes away by bus and offers a charming historical atmosphere.
- Nature lovers will love Druridge Bay, Northumberland National Park, and Rising Sun Country Park — all a short drive away.
Transport links and connections
Whitley Bay’s convenient transport links keep you connected to nearby towns and cities — so there’s no need to worry if you don’t drive.
- By car - The A1 and A19 are within easy reach, for fast access to Ashington, Sunderland, Newcastle, and Middlesbrough.
- By bus - Local buses travel to North Shields, Newcastle, Tynemouth, and many other stops as you explore the local area.
- By rail - The metro connects Whitley Bay to Newcastle, as well as Gateshead, South Shields.
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:
Had it not been for OPSO and McCarthy & Stone, our options would have been significantly less. I think this may have left us stuck in a property which was having a negative impact on our wellbeing.
Norman and Moya, homeowners, Elderton 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 Tyne and Wear
Retirement living in Whitley Bay FAQs
Yes — North Tyneside General Hospital is a short drive from the town centre, while in town you can take your pick of GP surgeries, opticians, and dentists to care for your wellbeing day-to-day.
Yes, Whitley Bay isn’t just nice to visit - it’s ideal for a quiet retirement by the coast, walking along the promenade, enjoying events with the local U3A, and much more. Amenities and public transport are all within easy reach of the town centre, too.
The town centre is compact, with most of the amenities you need within walking distance of each other. The seafront is also fairly flat and walkable. Public transport in the area also means that non-drivers can happily retire here without worrying about getting stuck!
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