a pond surrounded by trees

Retire to Surrey

With miles of green countryside, historic villages and bustling towns, the county of Surrey is an ideal spot for a rural retirement home that's within easy reach of London.

Local retirees love:

  • Breathtaking countryside views and walks
  • Excellent access to amenities in towns.
  • Welcoming and safe communities.
  • Town and village settings, with easy connections to metropolitan areas.

If you’re looking for a retirement property that's surrounded by greenery, but still just a short trip from the city or the sea, discover our retirement properties in Surrey to find your new home. 

13 retirement developments in Surrey

Retirement living in Surrey

The county of Surrey offers flexibility to enjoy the retirement years you’ve always desired. If you prefer a quiet and peaceful way of life, discover several quaint villages such as Bagshot, Chipstead, and Virginia Water. Or for a faster pace, explore the hustle and bustle of unique towns like Banstead and Guildford.

The Boathouse next to the lake at Winkworth Arboretum, surrounded by autumnal trees.

Activities for retirees in Surrey

When you retire to Surrey, you get the best of both worlds. Enjoy vast landscapes of rural England on your doorstep, with trips to bustling locations such as London just a short journey away.

The ice rinks, pools, and bowling lanes at Guildford Spectrum leisure complex are the perfect place to bring younger relatives for an engaging day out. For something further afield, day trips to the picturesque coastlines of Brighton and Portsmouth are a little over an hour from Surrey.

Winkworth Arboretum remains one of Surrey’s most popular attractions, maintained by the National Trust for over 60 years. Stroll through impressive magnolias, azaleas and bluebells, see its lakes and wetlands, or enjoy locally-sourced refreshments at the charming tea room.

Golfers enjoying a round of golf at Windlesham Golf Course.

Enjoy an active retirement in Surrey

Surrey has a vibrant and active community with plenty of social and sports groups for you to join and make new friends.

  • Sports - With more than 100 golf clubs and almost 90 tennis clubs spread around the region, you'll have plenty of chances to keep fit and enjoy the fresh air.
  • Boating - Hire rowing boats and canoes at the Farncombe Boat House to cruise the River Wey, and enjoy boat trips at Dapdune Wharf in Guildford.
  • Nature - Take activities and social groups into the Surrey wilderness, where there are dozens of dedicated heritage trails and cycling routes to follow while you explore the county, such as wetlands and woodlands at Riverside Park Nature Reserve.
Historic Guildford Castle and gardens, one of Guildford's most popular landmarks in Surrey.

Arts, culture and community in Surrey

Surrey has a rich cultural and arts scene packed with local history, fondly and proudly preserved by residents and the local community.

  • Heritage - If you’re passionate about local history, visit Waverley Abbey. Founded back in the 12th century, the Abbey was once to be home to monks. Nowadays, it’s a popular filming location.
  • Music and theatre - Catch Shakespearean drama, ballet and West End musicals at the 1,300-capacity New Victoria Theatre and see touring musical acts at the modern G Live art centre.
  • Art - Discover hundreds of artists and sculptures at the 10-acre arboretum at The Sculpture Park in Farnham, and marvel at contemporary works at the Lightbox Gallery in Woking.
a landscape with trees and buildings

Transport links and connections

Surrey is particularly well-connected by road and public transport, making travel in and out of the country straightforward for drivers and non-drivers alike.

  • By car - Major routes in and out of Surrey include the M25 and M3, plus A-roads like A3, A24, and A31 for cross-county connections.
  • By bus - Surrey’s extensive bus network provides convenient connections between towns, though villages might have reduced frequency in evenings and on Sunday.
  • By rail - Regular train services provide easy access to the rest of the country. Catch fast trains to London, Gatwick Airport, Reading, and more.

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 in Surrey FAQs

Surrey has a strong healthcare system that includes several major NHS hospitals like Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford, Frimley Park Hospital in Frimley, and St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, where you can access specialist treatment and emergency care. Towns and villages have several GP surgeries, pharmacies, and medical centres for day-to-day health support and medication.

Areas throughout Surrey are generally friendly and welcoming, each with their own active community. Libraries, leisure centres, and community centres are key hubs for connection, many running senior-specific sessions to enhance skills, encourage friendships, and keep people active. Weekly farmers’ markets are held in several towns, where you can support small businesses and chat with locals.

Browse our retirement homes by city and county

Search for the best places to retire in the UK by selecting a city or county to explore.

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