Is Canterbury a nice place to retire?

Yes, Canterbury is the ideal city for retirees looking for a blend of history, culture, and vibrant activity. There are plenty of museums and galleries to explore in the city, and you can also enjoy easy access to essential amenities on your doorstep.

Is Canterbury pedestrian-friendly?

Canterbury’s city centre is relatively compact, with plenty of pedestrianised areas ideal for exploring on foot. Most amenities you need in your day-to-day life are within walking distance of each other as well.

What is the community like in Canterbury?

Canterbury’s community is close-knit, with plenty of opportunities to get involved with local groups. For retirees specifically, the U3A has over 1,000 members and offers a range of activities for seniors, like courses, groups, and regular meetings.

Retirement homes in Canterbury

Retire to Canterbury

The iconic cathedral city of Canterbury, Kent, is a vibrant backdrop to a retirement full of all the metropolitan delights of a city, with a bit of traditional British charm on every street, too.

Local retirees enjoy:

Exploring the rich culture and history of the area, which dates back to the Stone Age. There are plenty of museums for art and history enthusiasts, from the Roman Museum to Lilford Framing Gallery.
Plenty of annual events that bring the community together and attract visitors, like Christmas Markets, Canterbury Festival, and live performances at the Marlowe Theatre.
Plenty of peaceful green spaces that set the city apart, as well as walks beside the banks of the Great Stour river.

1 retirement development in Canterbury

90% Sold
Eastry Place
Canterbury, Kent
Retirement Living Plus
- Shared Ownership £137,500/£316 pcm

Explore places in the Canterbury area

Retirement living in Canterbury

Canterbury is perfect for seniors who crave all the excitement of city living at a more relaxed pace than larger cities like London, with more green spaces and easy day trips to the surrounding countryside.

The outside of Canterbury Cathedral on a sunny day.

While Canterbury has a historic charm comparable to many small towns, the amenities here are as modern and convenient as any other city.

Groceries - Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Waitrose are all available within the area.
Healthcare - Kent and Canterbury Hospital is just 5 minutes from the city centre, offering urgent treatment and specialist services when you need them. Several pharmacies, dentists, opticians and GP surgeries are also spread throughout the town centre.
Shops - You’ll have an abundance of shopping opportunities with multiple hubs in the city, like Longmarket Shopping Centre, Canterbury Retail Park, and Whitefriars.

Canterbury is ideal for seniors looking for a place that has a little bit of everything: diverse culture, historical intrigue, and enough events to fill your calendar without being overwhelming. There’s plenty to explore throughout the year in Canterbury, including:

Historical sites like the Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which runs guided tours and is still a working place of worship.
Dedicated programs like RISE (Resilient, Informed, Sustainable and Engaged) ensure there are plenty of groups, classes, workshops, festivals, and events that bring local people together.
Trips to the Kent Downs National Landscape, which is under 30 minutes from the city and has plenty of walking trails.

The rolling green hills and woodland in the Kent Downs National Landscape.

A man and woman walking on a path through Westgate Gardens next to the River Stour.

Canterbury isn’t just a fun place to retire—it’s also an excellent base to return home to if you plan on exploring the surrounding areas.

The Kent coastline is just a short drive away, with celebrated seaside locations like Whitstable, Dover, and Margate easily accessible.
Green spaces like the Kent Downs and High Weald are also nearby, offering a prime opportunity for summertime picnics and walks.
For a metropolitan escape, you can easily access London, Surrey, and other settlements in East Sussex via car.
In Kent alone, there are plenty of attractions to see and enjoy with friends and family. Just a few examples include Dover Castle, Leeds Castle, the White Cliffs, and Howletts Wild Animal Park.

Canterbury’s transport links make it easy to get around the area, as well as further afield, even if you don’t drive.

By car - The A2 and A28 intersect in Canterbury, offering fast transport to Faversham, Margate, Ashford, and Dover.
By bus - Buses connect the city to Herne Bay, Whitstable, Sandwich, and Faversham.
By rail - Two train stations operate in Canterbury, offering services to London, Dover, Ashford, and Ramsgate, among others.

A bus at dusk passing by Westgate Towers in Canterbury, with the Great Stour river in the foreground.

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 Canterbury FAQs

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Retirement properties in Canterbury

Retire to Canterbury

1 retirement development in Canterbury

Eastry Place

Explore places in the Canterbury area

Retirement living in Canterbury

Homeowner testimonials: telling it like it is