Retire to Gloucestershire
Nestled in the South West of England, Gloucestershire conjures up images of the rolling green countryside and rich pastures dotted with farms and honey coloured villages, and offers the perfect spot for a relaxing – and active – retirement. Gloucestershire is home to parts of the Cotswolds, the Forest of Dean, and its only city, Gloucester. The county town is famous for its impressive 11th-century cathedral, Gloucester Quays, and local produce like its tasty namesake Double Gloucester cheese.
Retirees love:
- Getting involved with the countywide passion of rugby, horse racing, and other sports.
- Taking in the rich local history in quaint villages, castles, and museums.
- Exploring gorgeous landscapes while having ample access to modern conveniences.
6 retirement developments in Gloucestershire
Hawkesbury Place | Stow-on-the-Wold
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 5 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £135,000
- Rent from £3,700 pcm
Cribbs Causeway | Cribbs Causeway
Retirement Living- Properties 50 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase available
- Rental available
Keatley Place | Moreton-in-Marsh
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £1,725 pcm
Llanthony Place | Gloucester
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £176,950
- Rental available
Magpie Court | Bristol
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Scudamore Place | Gloucester
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Rental available
Explore places in the Gloucestershire area
Retirement living in Gloucestershire
Life for the over 60s and 70s in Gloucestershire can be as relaxed and tranquil or as fast-paced and exhilarating as you want it to be. This varied county meets both ends of the spectrum, so you can enjoy retirement the way you’ve always wanted.
Activities for retirees in Gloucestershire
If variety is the spice of life, Gloucestershire is the perfect vehicle for delivery – offering a wide range of activities to enjoy during retirement.
Sports fans will love the atmosphere of cheering during games at Gloucester Rugby Club in Kingsholm and horse racing during the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Witness the unusual and dangerous Cheese-Rolling and Wake race, where participants chase a Double Gloucester wheel down the steep Cooper's Hill at Brockworth near Gloucester. While interesting, we would not recommend taking part!
There are plenty of free things to do in Gloucestershire, like exploring beautiful areas throughout the Cotswolds. Visit chocolate box villages like Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bourton-on-the-Water for afternoon tea, antique shopping, and riverside strolls.
Enjoy an active retirement in Gloucestershire
One of the main draws of Gloucestershire is the abundance of nature to roam, with access to three National Landscapes – The Cotswolds, Wye Valley and Malvern Hills.
The Forest of Dean consists of ancient woodlands, dramatic scenery used in several movies and TV shows, and wildlife habitats.
Malvern Hills spans Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire, and is perfect for long walks or bike rides. For a more challenging trail, try the 102-mile Cotswold Way from Chipping Camden to Bath.
Or for more urban experiences, follow the Banksy trails in nearby Bristol, shop ‘til you drop in Swindon, or visit award-winning Farmers Market and Shambles Market in the cobbled streets of Stroud.
Arts, culture and community in Gloucestershire
The spa town of Cheltenham, located 8 minutes from Gloucester, is a mecca for culture. Discover the likes of the Everyman Theatre and The Wilson art gallery and museum, plus some of the best restaurants in the UK, such as the Michelin-starred Le Champignon Sauvage.
Cheltenham Festivals hosts a variety of festivals for science, music, and literature to name just a few. Whatever your interest, you’re bound to find a local event dedicated to your passion.
Admire attractive architecture in the historic Roman town of Cirencester while you explore fantastic independent shops.
History lovers will be pleased to learn there are 25 palaces and castles in Gloucestershire, including Berkeley Castle and Sudeley Castle.
Transport links and connections
Gloucestershire is positioned conveniently in the South East, with easy transport links available within the county and connections to the rest of the UK.
- By car - The M4, M5, and M40 offer access to counties including Somerset, Warwickshire, and Wiltshire, as well as Monmouthshire in Wales. Visit the popular service station Gloucester Services Farmshop & Kitchen on the M5, and reach London in just under two hours.
- By bus - Gloucestershire is well served by buses, providing local services and connections to bordering areas, such as Oxfordshire.
- By rail - The county has frequent train services, primarily run by Great Western Railways. Enjoy the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, which offers vintage train rides through the spectacular countryside scenery.
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
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
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
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.
McCarthy & Stone community news from Gloucestershire
Retirement living in Gloucestershire FAQs
Whether you don’t drive or don’t see yourself driving long-term, Gloucestershire’s great public transport network means you can confidently rely on other modes of travel to get around. Trains and buses connect the towns and villages, and also offer routes to locations further afield.
Community is very important in this county, with welcoming locals eager to get newcomers involved. Discover hobby clubs and interest groups at community centres and churches where you can nurture your passions alongside like-minded people. Areas throughout Gloucestershire have dedicated walking clubs that encourage locals to meet each other and chat over leisurely strolls through the vast landscapes. There are also plenty of opportunities to volunteer, from afternoons in charity shops to weekend shifts at animal shelters.
Gloucestershire offers decent access to NHS services, including routine appointments, medication, and emergency care. Local GPs have good availability, as well as walk-in medical centres for out-of-hours support. The main hospitals in the county include Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Cheltenham General Hospital, and Stroud General Hospital.
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.
