Are there opportunities for retirees to socialise and meet people?

Absolutely. There are countless clubs and hobby groups, festivals, volunteer opportunities, and other community-led programs designed to help seniors stay active and socially connected.

Is Brighton good for retirees who don’t drive?

Brighton offers an excellent public transport network, featuring frequent buses and trains and highly walkable neighbourhoods. This makes it comfortable to live here without a car, particularly if you choose housing near the city centre or close to rail and bus connections.

What is healthcare access like in Brighton?

Brighton boasts a strong healthcare infrastructure. The Royal Sussex County Hospital , less than a mile from the centre, offers acute care. Brighton General Hospital , approximately 1.5 miles from the centre, provides outpatient services including podiatry and orthotics, neuro-rehabilitation, and respiratory care.

Retirement homes in Brighton | McCarthy & Stone

Retire to Brighton

With its famous seafront and pebble beach, diverse communities and relaxed lifestyle, it’s no surprise that Brighton is a very popular coastal city, especially among retirees. The mix of excellent amenities and a wealth of activities makes senior living in Brighton highly desirable.

Local retirees love:

Long walks along the promenade and beaches to enjoy the scenic views and seaside experience.
The welcoming community and rich culture, including art galleries, museums, and local events.
Convenient access to essential services and city comforts in a relaxed yet lively environment.

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Retirement living in Brighton

Brighton promises a unique blend of coastal life, culture, and community, making it an ideal choice for retirement if you seek an active, engaged lifestyle in a city with strong amenities and transport links.

Visitors walk along the entrance to Brighton Palace Pier.

Brighton and Hove offer a wide range of amenities to meet your everyday needs and broader interests.

Shopping - Find high street brands in retail areas such as Churchill Square Shopping Centre, and discover independent businesses in the various nooks and crannies in the pedestrianised streets.
Groceries - There are several local grocers, convenience stores, and major supermarkets throughout the city and its suburbs, so you’ll never be far from the essentials.
GPs & pharmacies - Several doctors’ surgeries and pharmacies are available throughout Brighton for routine health needs.
Hospitals - Royal Sussex County Hospital is the main NHS hospital serving Brighton, providing A&E and other medical and surgical services.

Activities to enjoy during retirement in Brighton are practically endless, with just a few listed here.

Pavilion picnics - The Royal Pavilion is a Grade I-listed building built in 1787 as a seaside retreat for King George IV. The eye-catching Pavilion and its attractive garden and grounds are open to visitors.
Walks along the pier - The Palace Pier, complete with amusement arcades and fish and chips, is the perfect place to spend a few hours enjoying sea views.
Local businesses - Visit The Lanes and North Laine areas and enjoy the city’s bohemian quarter with all its independent shops, bars and cafés.
Stadium visit - Make the most of Premier League action at The Amex Stadium, home to Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.

The grand exterior of Royal Pavilion in Brighton, reflected in the water below.

Beach huts overlook the sea in Brighton during sunset.

Brighton is known for its diverse communities and for celebrating different cultures, music, and the arts – making it easy to get involved and stay active.

Festivals - Whether it’s the Brighton Fringe, Pride, or Foodies festivals, what you can count on is having fun and feeling part of a welcoming and accepting community.
Museums - Immerse yourself in local history. Booth Museum of Natural History is home to a large collection of insects, fossils and skeletons. Visit the Brighton Toy and Model Museum to see vintage, rare, and unique toys.
Socialising and fitness - Brighton & Hove City Council offers active ageing programmes, including exercise classes and walking groups. Several charities run regular activities and meetups for older people, including Ageing Well Brighton & Hove.

Brighton is well connected by road, and many residents find the public transport network straightforward to navigate.

By car - Brighton is served by the A23 and A27, providing access to the M23 and M25.
By bus - The local bus network offers frequent services across the city and suburbs. Regional services also run along the coast between Brighton and areas like Eastbourne.
By rail - Brighton’s rail network offers connections to several London stations, typically taking between 1 and 1.5 hours. Brighton also serves the south coast, stopping at towns such as Lewes and Hastings.
By air - Brighton is a short journey from Gatwick Airport, where you can head abroad or make local flights to the rest of the UK.

An aerial view of Brighton focused on the railway station, with blue sea in the background.

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:

Choose your retirement living style

Our retirement developments offer differing amenities and assisted living services. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.

Retirement Living

Easy independent living for people aged 60 and over. You’ll be looked after by a House Manager and enjoy shared amenities and a friendly community on the doorstep.

Retirement Living Plus

Independence combined with flexible assisted living for people aged 70 and over. Benefits include a chef-run bistro and optional Lifestyle Services from laundry to pet-sitting.

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Retirement living in Brighton FAQs

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Men enjoying brunch, one of the retired men’s clubs at McCarthy & Stone communities

Retirement properties in Brighton