Retirement properties in Dorset

Dorset’s dramatic landscape is home to a number of important historic sites, from dinosaur fossils on the Jurassic Coast to the ruins of Corfe and Ludworth Castles.

• Museums - Dorset Museum in Dorchester is home to a number of artifacts, perfect for learning more about natural history and local farming practices.
• History - Dorset is the ideal location for a hands-on approach to history, with fossil hunting recommended at multiple beaches along the Jurassic Coast here.
• Sports - The county is home to over 4,600 footpaths, over 30 golf courses, and more than a few tennis clubs – ideal for staying fit and making friends, or going out and exploring nature solo!

Over half of Dorset is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so staying active here is a privilege!

• Nature - Explore a number of activities at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, or climb Lewesdon Hill to take in the expansive views over Somerset and Devon.
• Wildlife - Visit flocks of swans at the stunning Abbotsbury Swannery, or hop on the boat to Brownsea Island to spot rare red squirrels. Dorset is also a dream destination for bird watchers.
• Beaches - Weymouth is perfect for the quintessentially British beach experience, complete with fish and chips and a cold pint at the pub, while Durdle Door offers a more enigmatic coastal retreat.

While much of the county is rural, this doesn’t mean you’ll sacrifice any connection to art and culture by retiring here. In fact, Dorset is a hub of artistic innovation and vibrant community events.

• Art exhibitions - Bridport Arts Centre, The Slade Centre, or the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum are all home to intriguing collections of art, spanning back decades and even centuries.
• Theatre - Catch seaside shows at Weymouth Pavilion, or live performances at Poole’s Lighthouse Centre for the Arts, one of the largest art centres in the South West.
• Festivals - Dorchester’s annual Cider Festival is a crowd favourite, along with Bridport Hat Festival, Dorchester Literary Festival, and Dorset Seafood Festival.

Whether you’re planning a beach trip or countryside getaway, travel throughout Dorset is easy, and public transport options are plentiful.

• By car - While no motorways run through Dorset, a network of A-roads like the A35 and A31 connect major towns in the county, and provide links to the wider South, such as London.
• By bus - Popular operators include Morebus and Damory, with a regular network of routes that connect Dorset’s villages and towns even in more rural areas.
• By rail - Bournemouth, Weymouth, Dorchester, and Sherborne all have their own train stations and offer services to London, Exeter and Bristol.