Retire to Hawkhurst
Hawkhurst is a charming Wealden village based in the peaceful borough of Tunbridge Wells, Kent. It has a rich and varied history and plenty to do for an active retirement in a quiet setting.
Local retirees enjoy:
- An abundance of amenities including a historic cinema, squash and tennis clubs and a lovely lawn bowls club, plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants and an eclectic shopping area.
- A strong community with numerous clubs, including gardening, art classes, historical societies and an active University of the Third Age group.
- Easy access to natural beauty, sitting between the North and South Downs and rolling farmland, as well as close proximity to the Kent coast and all the attractions of London.
1 retirement developments near Hawkhurst
Weavers House | Hawkhurst
Retirement Living- Properties 12 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £217,500/£499 pcm
- Purchase from £299,000
- Rent from £2,270 pcm
Explore places in the Hawkhurst area
Senior living in Hawkhurst
For retirees looking for a mix of rural charm, modern convenience, and community spirit, Hawkhurst is perfect.
Amenities in Hawkhurst
Hawkhurst has a wealth of amenities for a village of its size and the Highgate area has a thriving shopping scene with everything you could need.
- Groceries
As well as having local farm shops, butchers and bakeries nearby, from our retirement homes in Hawkhurst you’ll be able to do your food shop at major supermarkets like Tesco and Waitrose. - Shops
Hawkhurst’s shopping area is housed in a quaint colonnaded parade that’s almost 200 years old. You’ll find gifts, clothing, antiques and more on Hawkhurst High Street. - Healthcare
The village has good access to healthcare, including Weald View Medical Practice, pharmacies, and dental practices. The nearby towns of Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone offer hospitals and specialist medical services.
Things to do in Hawkhurst
With four conservation areas in Hawkhurst and 200 listed buildings, there's plenty to explore.
- Local history - Hawkhurst is home to a number of beautiful landmarks, including the 13th-century St Laurence Church, and Bodiam Castle is just three miles away. It’s known for its iron industry which began in Roman times and continued until the 18th century.
- History-filled walking trails - 'A Walk in the Past' is a village trail ideal for all fitness levels. Or explore the 'Smugglers Trail' that stops at all the smuggling inns down to the coast.
- Arts and culture - The picturesque Artichoke Gallery in Ticehurst has quarterly arts exhibitions. You can also visit the National Trust property, Bateman’s. Once home to Rudyard Kipling, it offers tranquil grounds with a working watermill.
Explore the surrounding areas
Hawkhurst is in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with rolling countryside and woodlands that are ideal for walking and cycling.
You’ll find a choice of golf courses at nearby Wadhurst or Tunbridge Wells, or you can try fishing at the nearby Darwell Reservoir in Mountfield, or at Bewl Water, the largest stretch of inland water in the South East of England.
You also have easy access to other towns, cities and the coast. The pretty historic town of Royal Tunbridge Wells is around a 20 minute drive, from our retirement property in Hawkhurst. London's Charing Cross is just over an hour away by train, while the seaside towns of Hastings and Eastbourne can be reached in under an hour.
Transport and connections
Hawkhurst’s excellent public transport links and easy access to main A-roads make it an ideal location for exploring Kent and the surrounding areas in retirement.
- By car
The A268 connects Hawkhurst to the surrounding towns, villages, and cities. London can be accessed from Hawkhurst via the A21 in just over one hour. - By bus
Arriva, Stagecoach, and Hams Travel services all run regularly from Hawkhurst to nearby locations such as Tunbridge Wells, Benenden, and Flimwell. - By rail
The closest railway stations to Hawkhurst are Etchingham, Stonegate, and Robertsbridge. - By air
London Gatwick is approximately 30 miles away making it simple to ‘lock up and leave’ for holidays abroad.
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:
I chose renting because it gave me the flexibility to move straight away, without the hassle of having to sell a property later down the line. The Estate Manager, Rhona, is excellent. Her and the staff are wonderful and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Here, everything is done for me, which is a big relief!
Jean, Tenant at The Dairy, Tunbridge Wells
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
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
Retirement living in Hawkhurst FAQs
While Hawkhurst is not the cheapest area in Kent, it offers good value for money. Everyday expenses are reasonable, with local supermarkets and farm shops offering a range of choices.
Property prices in Hawkhurst vary, but there are options for different budgets. Choosing the right retirement property can also make a difference to your living costs, with research by McCarthy & Stone finding that you could save on household bills in one of our retirement properties compared to a typical home.
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