Retirement homes in Kent - McCarthy Stone

Retire to Kent

Retirement living in Kent

Home to the ridges and valleys of the Weald and the hills of the North Downs, it's no wonder that Kent's known as ‘the Garden of England’-and its iconic cliffs are a symbol of the country too.

From the White Cliffs of Dover up to Canterbury Cathedral, Kent's an area of staggering views and rich heritage. There are 26 castles, over 50 wildlife reserves, and more than 300 miles of shoreline to explore across the county. So, whether you're looking for a friendly market town or a bustling seaside retreat, you’ll find plenty of beautiful places to call home.

Take a look at our retirement properties in Kent to find a beautiful retreat within reach of London.

McCarthy Stone developments in Kent

Things to do in Kent

As a county wrapped in coastline, Kent has deep roots in maritime history. The Historic Dockyard in Chatham covers more than 400 years of warships, including HMS Victory, the flagship of Lord Nelson. The Dover Museum, meanwhile, holds the Bronze Age Boat, the oldest sea vessel known to man. The imposing Dover Castle is a must see too, with its 800 years of history and secret tunnels, used in World War II.

Further inland, you'll find tours of famous manors, such as the homes of Charles Darwin and Winston Churchill, or the preserved Roman Villa at Lullingstone, which dates back to 100 AD. You can also discover Kent's many museums, including the Canterbury Roman Museum, not to mention its incredible cathedral. and the Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre in Faversham.

An active retirement in Kent

If you’re looking for an active retirement, Kent's epic outdoors has plenty of green space for games and sports. There are over a hundred different golf courses (including the Regal Five), and many of them – such as Leeds and Hever Castle – let you swing away among castles, lakes and landscaped gardens.

Or you can explore the seemingly endless coastal and countryside paths that are a perfect way to discover Kent's picturesque forests, beaches, villages and hills. Down by the White Cliffs of Dover, you can take a walk towards the South Foreland Lighthouse to get a great view of the cliffs. The Royal Military Canal which runs from Hythe is also great for a stroll. Built in the 1800s in anticipation of an attack from Napoleon's armies, it is the third-longest defensive monument in Britain. Today, it’s a popular trail for walking, cycling and to spot variety of wildlife, such as the mute swan and the grey heron.

Whatever you're into, take a look at our retirement properties in Kent to find the perfect fit for you.

Arts, culture and community in Kent

From the quirky workshops and galleries of Folkestone's Creative Quarter to the modern art of Margate's Turner Contemporary gallery, there's something for everyone in ‘the Garden of England’. The Canterbury Festival attracts 60,000 people to over 200 events each year, and the Tenterden Folk Festival brings a four-day musical spectacle to a small town on the edge of the Weald.

When the family visit, enjoy Dreamland in Margate. With a history stretching back to the railway boom of the 1860s, Dreamland was once one of the most popular seaside amusement parks in Britain. When it was nearly shut down in 2003 to make way for new housing, a local campaign was started to rescue it. Since then, a strong community spirit led to it opening its doors as a re-imagining of the original amusement park. There's a roller disco, a maze of mirrors, dodgems and tea-cups. All of these are perfectly recreated from the golden age of British seaside holidays.