Retire to Berkshire
From regal areas like Windsor and commercial hubs like Reading to lively market towns like Newbury and Thatcham, there's a rich history to uncover throughout Berkshire. What better way to enjoy this county than spending your retirement years here?
Retirees love:
- A healthy balance of town and countryside access that provides a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.
- Close proximity to the River Thames, parks, and woodlands.
- The safe and welcoming atmosphere of areas like Thatcham.
- Quick and easy transport links to London.
Discover our retirement properties in Berkshire and explore this historic county.
9 retirement developments in Berkshire
William House | Thatcham
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 7 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £150,000/£344 pcm
- Purchase from £374,995
- Rent from £3,220 pcm
Oakingham Place | Wokingham
Retirement Living- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £290,000
Sunningdale | Sunningdale
Retirement Living- Properties 40 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase available
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Bracknell | Bracknell
Retirement Living- Properties 41 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase available
Elgar Place | Maidenhead
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,000 pcm
Turner Place | Thatcham
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared ownership available
- Rental available
Birch Place | Crowthorne
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Swift House | Maidenhead
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 2 bed available
- Rental available
Loddon House | Twyford
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 2–3 beds available
- Rental available
Explore places in the Berkshire area
Retirement living in Berkshire
The desirable county of Berkshire offers residents strong transport links, healthcare and security, and easy access to amenities. Berkshire delivers all this amongst its mix of historic towns, riverside communities, and countryside villages.
Activities for retirees in Berkshire
Whether you're looking for fine art or family days out, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Berkshire. From exploring the regal Windsor Castle to strolls through Basildon Park, there are endless activities to enjoy all over the county. Our retirement properties in Berkshire are perfectly placed to visit historical landmarks and attractions.
- Learn about the oldest British order of chivalry, the Knights of the Garter, at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
- See the world-famous Ascot Racecourse, where over 300,000 people make an annual visit during the Royal Ascot Races.
- Discover Roman artefacts and Victorian art at Reading Museum.
- A trip to LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is perfect for spending time with younger family members.
Enjoy an active retirement in Berkshire
With ornamental gardens, royal parks, and cruises down the River Thames, there’s plenty of nature to stay active in around Berkshire.
- Animal lovers can observe owls, flamingos, and pheasants at the Beale Wildlife Park in Lower Basildon, or admire butterflies and dragonflies at the Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham.
- Traverse lakes, meadows, and public bird hides at Dinton Pastures Country Park in Wokingham.
- Gaze upon vast landscapes from the top of Walbury Hill, the highest point in Berkshire, boasting the furthest-reaching views in South East England.
- The gatehouse of Donnington Castle is protected as a scheduled ancient monument offering stunning views. The mostly-demolished castle was once owned by Geoffrey Chaucer’s son before passing into the ownership of the Crown.
Arts, culture and community in Berkshire
Berkshire is an area rich with royal history, and packed with busy towns and quaint villages with thriving communities.
- Watch classic drama and musical concerts at the Theatre Royal Windsor.
- Treat yourself at top shopping destinations, including The Lexicon in Bracknell or The Oracle in Reading, home to riverside restaurants, a ten-screen cinema, and more than 80 stores.
- The Berkshire Community Foundation has made grants totalling over £8 million to more than 3,000 local projects in Berkshire over the past three decades. As a result, you’ll find plenty of community groups to join.
- Berkshire is also home to several festivals, including the Let’s Rock the Moor Festival and Reading Festival, headlining some of the biggest bands in the world.
Transport links and connections
Travel in and around Berkshire is easy, whether you drive or prefer to catch public transport.
- By car - Berkshire is well served by major roads and motorways. The M4 connects to London and South Wales, the A34 runs through Newbury towards Oxford and Hampshire, while the A329 and A404 link smaller towns.
- By bus - Most towns have regular and reliable bus services. Villages may have reduced frequency, but are supported by volunteer schemes to help seniors travel for appointments and shopping.
- By rail - The county has exceptional rail connections. One key route includes Reading to London Paddington (25 minutes via train or Elizabeth Line on the Underground). Catch direct services to Oxford, Bristol, and Gatwick Airport.
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:
It gives us a real sense of security, especially with staff on-site at all times. Moving in has allowed us to futureproof our retirement, as we can opt-in to tailored domestic support and personal care packages should we need to.
Peter and Jean, tenants, Campbell House
It has opened a lot of doors for me and given me more time to focus on the things I enjoy. There’s a great sense of community here. A few of the homeowners have a weekly ritual to visit one of the local pubs to have a meal out.
John, homeowner, Roslin 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 Berkshire
Retirement living in Berkshire FAQs
Absolutely, there are plenty of social opportunities in Berkshire. Find U3A branches in towns like Wokingham, Reading, and Windsor for senior-specific hobby groups. Libraries and community halls host art classes, gardening clubs, bridge games, and other activities, while leisure centres hold classes for older people to stay fit and meet people their age.
Yes, Berkshire has low crime rates in most towns, particularly in suburban and rural areas. Town and village streets are clean and walkable, with age-friendly initiatives in most communities to support seniors.
Berkshire has several major hospitals, including Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, Wexham Park Hospital in Slough, West Berkshire Community Hospital in Newbury, and St Mark’s Hospital in Maidenhead. GP practices are easily accessible, and many pharmacies offer walk-in services and prescription fulfilment.
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.
