Retire to Dover
Retirement living in Dover
Dover in Kent has a special significance in the British psyche. Iconic White Cliffs, a dramatic castle, military museums, beaches and day trips to France - there’s a lot to love about this emblematic Kent town.
Immortalised by Vera Lynn, the famous White Cliffs are forever linked with the Second World War as a proud symbol of freedom. But that’s not the only string to this coastal city’s bow - discover why Dover is an ideal spot for retirement living.
Local retirees enjoy:
- A coastal retirement with opportunities for fresh air, strolls on the beach, clifftop trails and relaxing sea views.
- Convenient travel links to nearby towns and even to mainland Europe.
- Easy access to amenities including, cafes, pubs, shops and healthcare, plus a strong community spirit.
McCarthy Stone Developments near Dover
Explore McCarthy Stone’s apartments for sale or rent in Dover and find your perfect home for senior living.
Retirement living in Dover
Coastal Dover is a popular place to retire, and it's easy to see why. From walks along the beach to easy connections to both sides of the English Channel - Dover has it all.
Local amenities
All McCarthy Stone retirement apartments in Dover are carefully located to provide easy access to amenities such as shops, restaurants and leisure facilities.
- Groceries
You’ll find supermarkets including Tesco, Aldi, and Morrisons, as well as independent butchers, bakers and greengrocers. - Shopping and leisure
Central Dover has high street shops, independent stores, restaurants, and cinemas. You’ll find a range of amenities within St. James Retail and Leisure Park. The Bluebird Market is held every Tuesday in the Market Square. - Healthcare
Buckland Hospital provides patient care for the Dover area and there are several GP practices, including Pencester Surgery and Buckland Medical Practice, plus a variety of dentists, opticians and pharmacies to choose from too.
Activities for retirees in Dover
You’ll find a friendly welcome awaits you at our retirement properties in Dover, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local community, whatever your interests. Dover is perfect for:
- Walking
Located in ‘the garden of England’ Kent, Dover is idyllic for walkers, and the White Cliff Ramblers welcomes new members. They organise an annual walking festival in August. - Golf
Known as ‘The Club on the Cliffs’, The Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club offers incredible views while you enjoy a round of golf on the greens. - Fitness
Keep active with swimming and fitness classes at Dover District Leisure Centre. - Events and clubs
There’s a wide network of clubs to get involved in at local community halls such as Buckland Community Centre.
Enjoy the sights and attractions
Top of anyone’s to-do list in Dover has to be a breezy stroll on one of the many cliff-top routes that start from the National Trust Centre.
Obviously, all the best walks end with cake. If you agree, head to South Foreland Lighthouse - this attractive historic building is home to the vintage-style Mrs Knott’s Tearoom where you can tuck into a well-deserved cream tea.
For a fascinating day out, English Heritage’s Dover Castle is a must. The castle has over 800 years of history, from Henry II’s Great Tower to its role as a WWI Fire Command Post–it even has secret tunnels! There’s more wartime history at Fan Bay Deep Shelter, which provides an amazing insight into life in the 1940s.
Explore the surrounding areas
Dover is an excellent base for retirement living with plenty to do in the area.
- On the outskirts, you’ll find the unusual and atmospheric Napoleonic fortifications of Western Heights – a real hidden gem.
- The Kent Downs is around a 40-minute drive from Dover. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers walks through quintessentially English countryside, bucolic farms and pretty villages.
- The charming historic city of Canterbury is worth a visit for the world-famous Canterbury Cathedral, the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and the Chaucer Museum.
- Enjoy ice cream and fish and chips on Deal beach, just half an hour from Dover. This small town has a pretty pier and attractive old town, plus a Tudor castle built by order of Henry VIII!
Transport and connections
Dover is extremely well connected for exploring the South East of England, the wider UK and the continent.
- By car
Dover is around 70 miles from London with the A20 and M20 providing quick connections. - By bus
Dover has a strong local bus network taking you to Canterbury, Sandwich, and Deal. Concessionary passes are accepted. - By rail
There are regular fast track trains to central London from Dover Priory train station. - By air
London Gatwick is the nearest international airport, located around 90 minutes away by car. - By sea
The Port of Dover has daily ferries to Calais and Dunkerque, France, as well as cruises around the Norwegian fjords and the Baltic coastline.
Retirement living in Dover FAQs
When you retire to Dover, you can expect to enjoy a wide range of activities for all interests. If you prefer leisurely strolls, there are plenty of beaches, coasts, and hills to explore. Or if you thrive in bustling settings, you’ll never be far from shops, restaurants, or local community events.
Dover is a coastal town and port in Kent in the South East of England. It’s the closest UK town to mainland Europe, just 21 miles across the Straits of Dover in the English Channel to Calais, France. It’s close to Canterbury and Maidstone and just 70 miles from London.
Yes! From Dover Beach or the top of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover on a clear day, you can see Cap Gris Nez, a cape in Calais, France, with the naked eye. It’s just 21 miles away.
Popular places to retire in the Dover area
Explore more brilliant retirement locations close to Dover.
Retirement living services and amenities at McCarthy Stone
We offer a range of amenities and assisted living services at our Dover retirement developments. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.
Retirement Living
Low-maintenance independent living for people aged 60 and over, with a House Manager on-site and a friendly community on the doorstep.
Retirement Living PLUS
Independence combined with assisted living for people aged 70 and over, including an Estate Manager, on-site restaurant and optional personal care.
McCarthy Stone community news from Kent
Read our latest community news, case studies and stories from Kent.
Browse our retirement homes by county and region
Search for the best places to retire in the UK by selecting a county or region to explore.
