A group of retirees on a golf course in Westgate-on-Sea.

Retire to Westgate-on-Sea

When you’re looking for a coastal retirement home, Westgate-on-Sea is probably what you picture, from the scenic views to the quirky cafes and friendly locals. It’s the perfect backdrop for a relaxed retirement by the sea.

Local seniors love:

  • Long strolls along the beach and promenade, particularly West Bay and St Mildred’s Bay, where you can catch stunning views of the sunset.
  • Day trips to historic sites and exciting cities like Canterbury, where you can visit the famous cathedral or take in a show at the theatre.
  • Plenty of opportunities to get involved in the community, from gardening clubs and knitting circles to walking groups.

2 retirement developments near Westgate-on-Sea

Retirement living in Westgate-on-Sea

If you’re constantly craving the sea air, Westgate-on-Sea could be your ideal retirement location, offering long seaside walks, a close-knit community, and a peaceful charm that appeals to many who settle here.  

people sitting at a table outside a restaurant

Local amenities

Westgate-on-Sea offers all the amenities you need to enjoy your retirement, your way.

  • Groceries - Major supermarkets, such as Sainsbury’s and Morrisons, are a short drive away, with smaller chains and grocers in the town itself.
  • Shopping - The best shopping opportunities are in nearby Margate’s Old Town, where you’ll find a variety of boutiques, or in Thanet’s Westwood Cross Shopping Centre, where you can find classic high street favourites.
  • Healthcare - Local GP surgeries like Westgate Surgery offer more day-to-day care along with nearby pharmacies, opticians, and dentists, while Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate is around a 15-minute drive away.
a building with a sign in front

Activities for retirees in Westgate-on-Sea

With plenty of nearby heritage sites, coastal walks, and local events, you’ll have plenty to enjoy if you retire to Westgate-on-Sea.

  • Visit historic sites like Tudor House and the Shell Grotto in Margate, or take a day trip to Canterbury to visit the Cathedral and an array of museums in the city.
  • Watch a film at Carlton Cinema, an art-deco style cinema that shows modern films and classic favourites in a charming, nostalgic setting.
  • Join nearby U3A groups to discover various interest groups catered to retirees, where you can pursue hobbies from history and languages to chess, art, and more.
a group of people sitting at a table outside by a body of water

Enjoy an active retirement in Westgate-on-Sea

The Kent coast offers plenty of opportunities to stay active, with accessible seaside walking paths, senior-friendly fitness classes, and other facilities.

  • Hartsdown Leisure Centre is a short drive away in Margate, where you can enjoy gym facilities, yoga classes, and a swimming pool.
  • St Mildred’s Bay and West Bay are close enough to the town to merit daily strolls along the flat, walkable promenades – perfect for enjoying sunset or sunrise views.
  • Bowls clubs, tennis courts, and golf clubs are all nearby and make for a great way to stay fit while making new friends in the area.
a street sign in front of a building

Transport links and connections

Westgate-on-Sea has a thorough public transport network that makes it easy to plan day trips around the local area, as well as further afield – even if you don’t drive.

  • By car - A network of A-roads connects the town to Canterbury, Broadstairs, Whitstable, and other nearby towns and villages.
  • By bus - Regular services run to nearby towns and villages like Birchington, Herne Bay, and Margate.
  • By rail -  The town railway station offers direct trains to London, Canterbury West, Margate, and Ramsgate.

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Our retirement developments offer differing amenities and assisted living services. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.

Retirement living in Westgate-on-Sea FAQs

Yes, Westgate-on-Sea is enjoyed by many retirees looking for a quiet coastal pace of living, full of traditional seaside pleasures and long walks by the sea. The town offers good amenities and excellent transport links, along with a welcoming local community that makes it easy to meet new people as you settle in.

The local U3A offers many interest groups for retirees, while the area is also home to several walking groups, reading clubs, gardening clubs, choirs, and societies that welcome new members with similar interests.

The town is home to Westgate Surgery, which offers GP services, and the area also has pharmacies, opticians, and dentists. For more significant healthcare, QEQM Hospital in Margate is just over 15 minutes away by car.

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