Retire to Lancashire
A gem of North West England, Lancashire offers an eclectic mix of coastal towns like Blackpool, picturesque countryside in the Ribble Valley, and historic mills and canals in the East. Life here is peaceful, but always full of surprising things to do.
Local retirees love:
- The wild beauty of the Pennine Moors, perfect for countryside walks.
- Close proximity to the coast, especially Blackpool – perfect for a day out at the beach with fresh fish ‘n’ chips!
- Lively cities like Preston, where you can find all the amenities you need to enjoy retirement, as well as access to top-notch healthcare services.
If you're looking for a varied and active retirement, explore our Lancashire properties.
10 retirement developments in Lancashire
Williamson Court | Lancaster
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £100,000
- Rent from £2,100 pcm
Earls Grange | Burscough
Retirement Living- Properties 23 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £142,500
- Purchase from £209,950
- Rent from £1,790 pcm
Stanley Place | Garstang
Retirement Living- Properties 5 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £195,000
- Purchase from £180,000
- Rent from £1,660 pcm
Hardwick Grange | Penwortham
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £1,710 pcm
Keerford View | Carnforth
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £1,590 pcm
Haworth Court | Clayton-Le-Woods
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Rental available
Balshaw Court | Leyland
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Earls Gardens | Burscough
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Purchase from £360,000
Burrstone Grange | Thornton-cleveleys
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Crocus Court | Poulton-le-Fylde
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Rental available
Explore places in the Lancashire area
Retirement living in Lancashire
For many retirees, Lancashire provides the perfect blend of lively and serene atmosphere. Packed with vibrant communities, beautiful scenery and a deep heritage, you can spend your retirement pursuing endless adventures.
Activities for retirees in Lancashire
Lancashire’s landscape is diverse, with many accessible walking trails along scenic countryside and coastal routes. You can always find activities in the many towns, villages and cities here as well.
- Visit iconic landmarks like Blackpool Tower, England’s answer to the Eiffel Tower. Ascend 380 feet to the Blackpool Tower Eye for panoramic views over the shoreline and local skyline.
- Climb the summit of Pendle Hill for panoramic views over Lancashire, or explore walking trails around Rivington Pike and Winter Hill or the Whalley Viaduct.
- Historic sites like Lancaster Castle speak to hundreds of years of history, while Blackburn Cathedral and Hoghton Tower also offer unique insights into local heritage.
Enjoy an active retirement in Lancashire
From dedicated hiking trails to relaxing countryside cycling routes, you'll find all sorts of ways to keep up an active retirement around Lancashire.
- Sports - Learn to sail at Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club, or try horseback riding in Rossendale Valley. Likewise, you can make friends and perfect your swing at golf clubs around the county.
- Nature - Explore designated National Landscapes like the Forest of Bowland, which includes 18 scheduled monuments and over 500 listed buildings along with its green valleys and peat moorland.
- Wildlife - Visit Martin Mere Wetland Centre and various nature reserves to see everything from seasonal birds to otters and flamingos.
Arts, culture and community in Lancashire
From eclectic craft markets to live theatre, Lancashire has much to offer in terms of culture and community.
- Theatre - Blackpool is a hub of live performances, with Blackpool Tower Circus offering acrobatics and whimsical performances, while The Dukes in Lancaster provides live theatre and diverse cinema experiences.
- Galleries - The Haworth Art Gallery in Accrington includes a large collection of Tiffany glass, while The Harris museum & art gallery in Preston boasts a mix of history and art.
- Shopping - Affinity Lancashire and Houndshill Shopping Centre in Blackpool offer a large range of products. The county also has a variety of farmers markets and Christmas markets where you can enjoy everything from traditional treats to handmade treasures.
Transport links and connections
While Lancashire enjoys a relatively rural landscape, the transport system here is also excellent and well-suited for retirees who prefer not to drive.
- By car - Major roads include the M6, M65, and M55, which connect Lancaster and Preston to the broader West, like Liverpool and Manchester.
- By bus - Buses regularly run throughout Lancashire, connecting towns and villages such as Blackburn, Burnley, and Colne, keeping the county connected.
- By rail - Key train stations in Preston, Blackpool, Chorley, Blackburn, and Lancaster connect the county to major stations like Liverpool, Glasgow, London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
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:
McCarthy & Stone recommended an estate agent as well as a solicitor and a removals firm, which all worked out really well and took the stress out of moving. Everyone is so friendly. It has been a great tonic for me.
George, homeowner, Brideoake Court
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 Lancashire
Retirement living in Lancashire FAQs
Yes, Lancashire offers a comprehensive bus service that keeps rural areas fairly well-connected, while train stations in Preston, Chorley, Blackburn, and Lancaster mean that day trips and holidays further afield are easily achievable without a car. Senior bus passes and railcards can also help to keep trips affordable.
Lancaster and Preston both provide lively atmospheres for a more active retirement, while areas like Fylde, Thornton-Cleveleys, and Leyland provide a quiet, peaceful retirement surrounded by the natural beauty of Lancashire.
Main hospitals in Lancashire include Royal Preston Hospital, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, and Royal Lancaster Infirmary. For daily healthcare, a number of GP services, dentists, pharmacies and opticians also operate throughout the county.
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.
