Retire to Oxfordshire
This quintessential English county is home to palaces and castles, honey-coloured architecture, and several happy retirees. From idyllic towns and villages to the busy city of Oxford, it's no wonder that so many people are choosing to spend their retirement in Oxfordshire.
Local retirees love:
- The vibrant culture, rich history, and welcoming communities.
- How easy it is to stay busy and active in this thriving county.
- Boating on the River Thames with friends and family.
- Access to nature, including two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
5 retirement developments in Oxfordshire
Explore places in the Oxfordshire area
Retirement living in Oxfordshire
Our retirement properties in Oxfordshire place you in the heart of friendly communities throughout this iconic county. From the rolling Chiltern Hills and the charming chocolate box villages of the Cotswolds to cultural attractions such as Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire is perfect for an active retirement.
Activities for retirees in Oxfordshire
With ancient ruins, modern pleasures, and one of the most famous universities in the world, there are plenty of sites and attractions to enjoy in Oxfordshire throughout your retirement.
- Tour the libraries, concert halls, and chapels at the various University of Oxford colleges in the city centre.
- Explore the cells, crypts, and tower at Oxford Castle and Prison.
- Revisit the past with the historic locomotives at the Didcot Railway Centre.
- The Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford is ideal for when family visits, with over half a million archaeological and anthropological items on display, as well as child-friendly exhibits.
- Fans of the TV show, Clarkson’s Farm, can visit the film site itself at Diddly Squat Farm in Chipping Norton.
Enjoy an active retirement in Oxfordshire
Whether you want challenging hikes and bike rides or leisurely walking routes, there are plenty of opportunities to maintain an active retirement in Oxfordshire. From the Cotswolds to the Chiltern Hills, traverse endless scenic landscapes and admire wildlife around the county.
- Wander through 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens at the historic Blenheim Palace.
- See more than 5,000 different species of plants at the Oxford Botanic Garden.
- Admire the rolling hills and open fields as you follow the Oxford Canal, which spans 77 miles from Oxford to Coventry.
- Take guided kayak tours down the River Thames at Henley-on-Thames.
- Practise your swing at 30 golf courses and 40 tennis clubs in the county while socialising with friends.
Arts, culture and community in Oxfordshire
Whether you’d prefer a laidback retirement in a tranquil town like Didcot and Henley-on-Thames or yearn for a busier lifestyle near the centre of Oxford, rest assured you’ll be just a stone’s throw from the action.
- Theatre - Catch comedy, poetry and music at the Oxford Playhouse, or plays, musicals and popular concerts at the New Theatre in Oxford.
- Arts & community - Nurture passions and meet new people at classes and workshops at centres around the county. Cornerstone in Didcot offers a range of activities, including chair exercises, life drawing, and painting.
- Shopping - Find over 50 independent businesses offering craft goods, fashion, and food at The Covered Market in Oxford. For luxury retail, find over 160 designer brands at Bicester Village.
Transport links and connections
Oxfordshire boasts a comprehensive transport network, both within the county and beyond. While road traffic can occur near the centre, public transport options make travelling hassle-free.
- By car - The A34 connects Oxford to Newbury and Bicester, as well as the M40 for routes to London and Birmingham. The A40 runs between Oxford and Cheltenham.
- By bus - Most towns have bus services that connect neighbouring areas. Park-and-ride buses offer access to the centre without the need to drive.
- By rail - The county is particularly well-served by trains. Reach London Paddington or Marylebone from Oxford in around 1 hour. Didcot Parkway is a major intersection point, with regular services to London, Bristol, and Reading.
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:
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