Retire to Macclesfield

Canal boats in Macclesfield

Retirement living in Macclesfield

Famed for its role in the silk industry, gorgeous cobbled Georgian streets and the monthly Treacle Market, historic Macclesfield is also known as the gateway to the Peak District. It offers a breathtaking array of parks, rivers, canals, reservoirs and woodlands on your doorstep.

Local retirees enjoy:

  • A close-knit community with many annual events, including a Beer Festival with live music, the 1261 Festival and Parade Day and the Macclesfield Remembrance Service and Parade.
  • U3A groups and community clubs - you’ll find everything from creative writing to croquet, Model Railway Clubs to Morris Dancing.
  • Unique shops and boutiques, as well as a huge range of quality pubs, cafes and restaurants, including the Picturedome food hall.

Retirement developments in Macclesfield

Explore retirement property for sale or rent in Macclesfield, and find your ideal home for senior living.

‘Macclesfield town centre, with cafes and shops nearby.

Local amenities

This bustling town is home to several markets and a wide range of independent shops as well as plentiful healthcare and leisure amenities too. 

  • Groceries 
    You’ll find a Sainsbury’s and Tesco in the town centre, while local produce can be found at the farmers markets and independent shops throughout the town.
  • Shopping 
    Macclesfield is a haven for shoppers, with The Grosvenor and Thornton Square Shopping Centre housing high street favourite chains and independent boutiques situated on the cobbled streets in the town centre. 
  • Healthcare 
    Macclesfield District General Hospital is a 10-minute drive from the centre of town. GP surgeries include Park Green and South Park Surgery. There are a range of dentists, opticians and pharmacies spread across town. 
House overlooking a cobbled path in Macclesfield.

Activities for retirees in Macclesfield

From rounds of golf to exploring the glorious gardens of stately homes, there’s plenty to keep you busy from your retirement property in Macclesfield.

  • Find sports and fitness facilities at Macclesfield Leisure Centre, Packhorse Bowling Club or Macclesfield Pilates and Yoga
  • Enjoy golf at Macclesfield Golf Club or The Tytherington Club which also has a health club and spa.
  • Culture and arts abound, with several small theatres, independent cinemas including Cinemac Cinema and a thriving library.
  • Museums celebrating the importance of silk production to the town include Paradise Mill, the Silk Museum and The Old School House.
  • Capesthorne Hall is a family-owned Jacobean-style stately home set in 100 acres with three lakes, formal gardens, an icehouse and woodland walks to explore.
A stone sign welcoming drivers to the Peak District National Park.

Explore the surrounding areas 

With forest, countryside, canals, as well as the Peak District National Park and Teggs Nose Country Park nearby, Macclesfied is perfectly placed for an active retirement exploring the Cheshire countryside.

  • Picturesque canal-side and countryside cycling and walking trails. 
  • Tranquil narrowboat and barge trips on the canals and waterways. 
  • Fishing for trout on the River Bollin.  
  • Bird watching at Trentabank Reservoir. 
  • Caves, waterfalls, challenging hikes and gentle rambles around the Peak District National Park.
  • A trip to Jodrell Bank, the home of the giant Lovell Telescope. Jodrell Bank is home to the annual Bluedot Festival, which celebrates music, science, art, technology and space exploration. 
A gate with a stone wall with the town market town of Macclesfield in the background

Transport and connections

Despite its historic architecture and cobbled streets, the transport links from your Macclesfield retirement home are as modern as they come: 

  • By car
    Several major roads meet in Macclesfield: the A523, A537, and A536. These make it easy to reach surrounding towns and cities like Chester, Stockport and Manchester.  
  • By bus
    Regular bus services provide reliable transport throughout the town, as well as to surrounding areas like Buxton. People over state pension age can travel for free at off peak times.
  • By rail
    Macclesfield train station is served by Avanti West Coast, Cross Country and Northern trains. This means you are just 30 minutes from Manchester and two hours from London
  • By air
    Manchester International Airport is less than 10 miles from Macclesfield and takes 20 minutes by car.

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Retirement living in Macclesfield FAQs

Macclesfield is well-connected via public transport, with both bus and train routes linking area to neighbouring towns and large cities like Manchester and London. Most amenities within the town are within walking distance, with taxi services available at reasonable prices.

Daily groceries and amenities in Macclesfield are generally in-line with the national average. Grocery stores and general shopping trips meet a variety of budgets, with local markets and high street shops offering affordable value for most basic essentials.

Macclesfield offers excellent healthcare with lots of options available. The hospital, GP surgeries, opticians, pharmacies and dentists in town are mostly well-reviewed online. Macclesfield District General Hospital offers everything from outpatient care to emergency treatment.

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