Wild horses in the New Forest in Hampshire

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

a group of women sitting in a room

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

Discover retirement living communities

The HMS Victory at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in Hampshire

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.

West Quay retail park exterior restaurants and buildings

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.

Winchester Castle Grand Hall 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. 

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 in Hampshire FAQs

Definitely! Larger towns and cities have frequent and reliable bus and train services, offering convenient travel both in and out of the county. Public transport may be more limited in villages, but community transport services run by local volunteers can provide support with running errands, shopping and attending appointments.

Some areas could be considered more expensive to live in, especially near Winchester or the coast. Areas such as Andover, Eastleigh, or Basingstoke tend to be more affordable while offering a great quality of life. At a McCarthy & Stone retirement development, many of our homeowners experience significant living cost savings compared to their previous home. 

This vast county has a brilliant healthcare network, with major hospitals offering a range of services, such as A&E, specialist care, and outpatient clinics throughout. Key hospitals include Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, Southampton General Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, and Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital. GP practices are widely accessible, as well as pharmacies for minor illness and medication needs. 

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.

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