Retire to Blandford St Mary
Retirement living in Blandford St Mary
On the south bank of the River Stour directly opposite the centre of Blandford Forum, Blandford St Mary is a pretty village with a thriving retired population.
Local retirees enjoy:
- A close proximity to supermarkets, pubs, eateries and open green spaces.
- A lively U3A with 35 interest groups where you can enjoy board games, learning languages, painting, music, dance, and various sports.
- Craft beer or coffee and cake at the historic Brewery Tap in the heart of Blandford.
- Local history at sites like Blandford Fashion museum, which also boasts a charming tearoom.
- Riverside walks plus easy access to the delightful Dorset coast and countryside.
Retirement developments in Blandford St Mary
Explore retirement property for sale or rent in Blandford St Mary, and find your ideal home for senior living.
Amenities in Blandford St Mary
The village provides all the amenities you need for day-to-day living, with more options in nearby Blandford Forum-just a 15-minute walk from the centre.
- Groceries
There’s a Tesco Superstore in the village and a Morrisons just across the river, stocking everything you’ll need on your weekly shop. In Blandford Forum you’ll also find an Iceland and M&S Food. - Shops
In Blandford St Mary you’ll find a Homebase with a garden centre. For options including a bookshop, clothing stores and more, pop to Blandford Forum. - Healthcare
You’ll find all healthcare provision you need in Blandford Forum. The closest GP is Blandford Group Practice while Blandford Community Hospital offers more substantial treatment, with outpatient, X-ray, and physiotherapy departments. There’s a Boots Pharmacy too plus several dentists.
Things for retirees to do in Blandford St Mary
Blandford St Mary and the nearby Blandford Forum offer activities to suit every taste.
- Nearby walking and hiking trails allow you to explore the vast green spaces surrounding Blandford, such as Hambledon Hill, the North Dorset Trailway, and Badbury Rings.
- Annual events from music to hidden gardens, or the Blandford Literary Festival, provide great opportunities to get involved in the local community.
- Local museums explain historical fashion and the history of Blandford and the surrounding area – or take a brewery tour to learn about the village’s roots.
- Sport and leisure. As well as a number of walking trails, you can keep fit at Blandford Bowling Club, Ashley Wood Golf Club or Blandford Leisure Centre which has a pool.
Exploring the wider area
Blandford nestles in the heart of the gorgeous Dorset countryside and is close to an array of attractions including the impressive National Trust Kingston Lacey estate, with its scenic walks down to the Eye Bridge or Pamphill Green.
You can reach the breath-taking Jurassic coast in under an hour, for cliff tops walks, fossil hunting and kayaking at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. The beaches of Bournemouth are just 40 minutes away and it is easy to hop onto the Blandford to Bournemouth or Blandford to Poole bus to enjoy a traditional seaside day out.
Transport and connections
Our retirement homes in Blandford St Mary have good transport links to the surrounding countryside and cities.
- By car
The A354 and A350 flow through the village, providing connections to Poole, Shaftesbury, Salisbury, and other areas in Dorset. - By bus
There are a range of buses to nearby settlements like Weymouth, Shaftesbury, and Poole. State Pension age? apply for a senior bus pass and receive free transport. - By rail
The nearest train station is a 25 minute drive away in Poole. From there, you can reach Dorchester, Southampton and London on a direct train. - By air
Bournemouth International Airport can be reached in around 35 minutes by road. Perfect for holidays in the sun.
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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
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.
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