Is Bristol a nice city?

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.

What region is Bristol in?

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 Cornwal l as well as London and Wales .

Retirement homes in Bristol | McCarthy & Stone

Retire to Bristol

Built on the banks of the Avon Gorge, Bristol is renowned for Brunel’s suspension bridge, hot air balloons, Banksy, Blackbeard, Aardman Animations, a thriving food, arts and music scene, colourful houses and laid-back creativity. Our retirement flats or bungalows in Bristol provide the perfect base for exploring a city that’s anything but boring!

Retirement developments in Bristol

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Retirement living 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.

Retire to Bristol view of Bristol Cathedral

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.

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:

The reason why I chose to buy 75 percent of my apartment is because it meant that I could enjoy financial freedom for the future. One process and everything was completed, with no stress, so I could move with ease and enjoy my new home.
Helen, homeowner, Crescent Place
We decided to eliminate unnecessary stress by downsizing while we could do it - and where better to move to than the same development as mum so that we could keep an eye on her too!
Linda (left) with mum Daphne (right), homeowners, Fussells Court
You needn’t worry about privacy. Once you close the door to your apartment, it’s like you’re in your own little world. The great thing about independent living is the balance – the social aspect is there if you want it, but you can also enjoy your own space.
Erika and Stephen, homeowners, Foxglove Place

Choose your retirement living style

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

Retirement Living

Easy independent living for people aged 60 and over. You’ll be looked after by a House Manager and enjoy shared amenities and a friendly community on the doorstep.

Retirement Living Plus

Independence combined with flexible assisted living for people aged 70 and over. Benefits include a chef-run bistro and optional Lifestyle Services from laundry to pet-sitting.

Browse our retirement homes by county and city

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

Retirement living in 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.

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Men enjoying brunch, one of the retired men’s clubs at McCarthy & Stone communities

Retirement properties in Bristol

Retire to Bristol