Retire to Bristol
Retirement living in Bristol
This compact city has plenty to explore. In the old town centre, you’ll find cobbled streets, medieval pubs that were once frequented both by pirates and writers – Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe both owe inspiration to this area – and the eclectic stalls and eateries of St Nicolas Markets (St Nick’s). Bristol has a rich maritime history and the striking docks area nearby is packed with museums and attractions including the SS Great Britain and global street food in the popular Wapping Wharf containers. Heading uphill you’ll find picturesque Clifton, where you can walk over the famous suspension bridge or visit the Giant’s Cave in the Clifton Observatory for spectacular views of the Avon Gorge.
Things to do in Bristol
Throughout the year, Bristol hosts a wide range of unique cultural events and festivals. The most famous is Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Europe's largest hot air balloon extravaganza, but there are plenty more including: Europe’s largest street art festival, Upfest; Bristol’s annual celebration of Caribbean culture, the St Paul’s Carnival, and Encounters, the UK’s leading short film, animation and virtual reality festival. You can see West End musicals at the Bristol Hippodrome, music at the Bristol Beacon, exhibitions at the Cathedral or cutting edge drama at the Tobacco Factory Theatre and the Bristol Old Vic – the oldest working theatre in Britain. There are a wide range of watersports available in the historic dock are with everything from kayaking to swimming and the waterways are celebrated at the annual Harbourside Festival.
An active retirement in Bristol
As well as its impressive waterways, including the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel, from the Downs to Ashton Court and Leigh Woods, Bristol is also blessed with beautiful green spaces and has easy access to the glorious countryside of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset too. Historic Bath is just 15 miles away, the pretty seaside town of Clevedon is close by and there are fast trains from the city centre to take you to Cardiff in less than an hour, or to London in under two hours.
If you'd like to start a new adventure in a creative city surrounded by beautiful countryside, take a look at our retirement villages in Bristol.
Retirement living services and amenities at McCarthy Stone
We offer a range of amenities and assisted living services at our Bristol retirement developments. 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 Bristol
Read our latest community news, case studies and stories from Bristol.
Retiring to Bristol - FAQs
Bristol is famous for diversity, creativity and innovation. For instance, there’s the inventiveness of the brilliant Victorian engineer Brunel who created the iconic suspension bridge. Musical innovation through the Bristol Sound - Massive Attack, Portishead, and more, plus unique globally-renowned artistry from the likes of Aardman Animations and Banksy. It’s also famously friendly and laid back.
Bristol is in the South West of England, also referred to as the West Country. Bristol is found in the county of…Bristol! It is surrounded by the greener counties of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset and is ideally placed for trips to Devon, Dorset and Cornwall as well as London and Wales.
Bristol often tops the polls for the happiest place to live in the UK and the reasons are easy to see. It is an attractive and fairly compact city with a rich history, diverse culture and a thriving friendly community spirit. It has a vibrant arts and food scene so you’ll always find interesting things to do and fabulous places to eat close by.
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