Retire to Dover
Retirement living in Dover
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.
Dover in Kent has a special significance in the British psyche. Its famous White Cliffs, immortalised by Vera Lyn (or, for a slightly younger audience, Blur), are forever linked with the Second World War as a proud symbol of freedom and hope. But that’s not the only string to this coastal city’s bow – discover why Dover is an ideal spot for retirement living.
McCarthy Stone Developments near Dover
Sights
Top of anyone’s to do list in Dover has to be a breezy stroll on one of the many walking cliff-top routes that start from the National Trust Centre. The White Cliffs are without doubt a spectacular natural phenomenon made of pure white limestone, and the views from them are breath-taking. Obviously, all the best walks end with cake, so head to South Foreland Lighthouse – this attractive historic building is home to 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 – it 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 - and tunnels - at Fan Bay Deep Shelter which provides an amazing insight into life in the 1940s.
Attractions
All McCarthy Stone retirement apartments in Dover, or retirement properties for sale or to rent in Dover, are carefully located to provide easy access to amenities such as shops, restaurants and leisure facilities.
Dover is extremely well connected for exploring the South East of England and the wider UK and the continent. It is just around 70 miles from London with the A20 and M20 providing the quickest connections by car. There are regular fast track trains to central London from Dover Priory train station and London Gatwick is the nearest airport. Of course, one of the great attractions of Dover is that you can easily enjoy a daytrip to France. The Port of Dover has daily ferries to Calais and Dunkerque as well as cruises around European destinations including the Norwegian fjords and the Baltic coastline. The Channel Tunnel is also a short hop away, in neighbouring Folkestone.
Community
You’ll find a friendly welcome awaits you in Dover, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local community. Located in ‘the garden of England’ Kent, there is no doubt that Dover is idyllic for walkers and if that’s your thing then the White Cliff Ramblers always welcomes new members. They even organise an annual walking festival in August. If you enjoy a round of golf, there are several clubs nearby including the Walmer and Kingsdown Golf Club known as ‘The Club on the Cliffs’, which offers incredible views as you may imagine. You’ll find swimming and fitness classes at Dover District Leisure Centre as well as events and clubs at the network of local community halls like Buckland Community Centre.
Looking for retirement homes in Dover – to rent or to buy? It’s good to know 83% of McCarthy Stone homeowners experience a sense of community in their new retirement home.
Surrounding areas
Dover provides an excellent base for retirement living with plenty to do in the surrounding area. On the outskirts you’ll find the unusual and atmospheric Napoleonic fortifications of Western Heights – a real hidden gem.
The Kent Downs – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – is around a 40 minute drive from Dover and offers stunning views and a myriad of walks through quintessentially English countryside, bucolic farms and pretty villages.
The charming historic city of Canterbury is also nearby and well worth a visit for the World famous Canterbury cathedral, the ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and the Chaucer museum. And if you are pining for some traditional seaside fun you can enjoy ice cream and fish and chips on Deal beach within half an hour’s journey from Dover. This small town also has a pretty pier and attractive old town area, not to mention a Tudor castle built by order of Henry VIII himself!
Popular places to retire in the Dover area
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Browse by Retirement Living Services and Facilities
Our retirement developments offer differing amenities and assisted living services. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.
Retirement Living
Low maintenance independent living for the over 60s, with a House Manager on-site and a friendly community on the doorstep.
Retirement Living PLUS
Independence combined with assisted living for the over 70s, Includes an on-site restaurant and the option of personal care.
Retirement living in Dover. Frequently asked questions
Dover is a coastal town and port in Kent in the South-East of England. It is the closest UK town to mainland Europe, just 21 miles across the Straits of Dover in the English Channel to Calais, France. It is close to Canterbury and Maidstone and just 70 miles from London.
There are lots of variables that make this a difficult question to answer, but one simple tip is to multiply the amount you’d like to live on every year (say £24,000) by 25 (in this case the answer is £600,000). That is the amount you’d need to save. However this figure doesn’t consider things like your annual state pension, benefits, tax, or the equity you might hold in your home.
Yes! From Dover Beach or from 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 is just 21 miles ways.
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