Retire to Hampshire
Set in England’s south-east region, Hampshire is an attractive and varied county, made up of seaside towns like Gosport and Southsea; market towns such as Romsey and Alton; and historic cities like Winchester. With Blue Flag beaches, nature reserves and dramatic cliffs, it's no wonder so many people choose to retire to Hampshire.
Retirees love:
- The ideal combination of open countryside and coastal terrains
- Great transport connections including major roads and regular trains and buses, as well as an airport.
- Fantastic access to amenities including hospitals, GPs, and other health services
- Endless opportunities to stay active from coastal rambles to golf courses, leisure centres to wild swimming spots
- Culture and community, with maritime history, world-class cathedrals, links to literary classics and more.
21 retirement developments in Hampshire
Explore places in the Hampshire area
Life at McCarthy & Stone retirement developments in Hampshire
Our retirement apartments, bungalows and villages in Hampshire are thoughtfully designed to make life easier for you.
We’ve two options for independent living, Retirement Living and Retirement Living PLUS, each with differing levels of services and assisted living facilities to support you now and in the future – so you can live retirement your way.
Our Hampshire retirement homes have on-site access to amenities and services including:
- A friendly community with events and clubs
- Sociable lounges and gardens
- An on-site manager
- Full maintained shared areas
- A guest suite for visitors
Things for retirees to do in Hampshire
Retirement gives us more free time to explore and discover new things. Wherever you live in the county, Hampshire offers a range of activities to enjoy.
- Explore miles of sand and clear waters on Hayling Island, sailing along the shingle beaches at Calshot, or strolling grassy banks and seaside cliffs in Lee-on-the-Solent.
- Animal lovers can find birds of prey at the Hawk Conservancy Trust in Andover, watch fallow deer at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, and see lizards and snakes at the New Forest Reptile Centre.
- Explore local history at bustling ports, castles and museums. Learn about carefully conserved warships at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, centuries of royal ancestry at Winchester Castle and 16th-century architecture at the Tudor House and Garden in Southampton.
Enjoy an active retirement in Hampshire
From social and shopping trips to fitness and nature, Hampshire is the perfect setting to enjoy a fulfilling retirement.
- Browse local produce and crafts at regular markets held in towns like Alresford, Winchester, and Romsey.
- Visit larger towns and cities for all your shopping needs. Try West Quay Retail Park in Southampton and Festival Place in Basingstoke.
- Walk or cycle across hundreds of miles of beautiful woodland in the New Forest National Park or chalk grassland and windswept cliffs at South Downs National Park.
- Join senior-friendly fitness classes at leisure centres across the county or join a golf, tennis or bowls club.
- Take part in hobby clubs and volunteering opportunities. Try your local the University of the Third Age (U3A) group in Hampshire.
Arts, culture and community in Hampshire
Home to England’s previous capital, Winchester, Hampshire has a rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community.
- Milestones Museum in Basingstoke transports you back in time with indoor streets, shops, and exhibits from centuries past.
- Portsmouth Historic Dockyard showcases maritime history, including HMS Victory and the Mary Rose.
- Jane Austen’s House is a chance for literary enthusiasts to see where the author wrote her classic novels.
- Catch West End musicals at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton or comedy at The Anvil in Basingstoke.
- The iconic Winchester Cathedral provides a stunning setting for the Winchester Christmas Market.
- Discover creativity at Southampton City Art Gallery and The Wykeham Gallery in Stockbridge.
- There’s also a range of events throughout the year, such as Art in the Garden near Romsey.
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:
Browse by Retirement Living services
Our retirement developments offer differing amenities and assisted living services. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.
McCarthy & Stone community news from Hampshire
Retirement living in Hampshire FAQs
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.