Retire to Gloucestershire
Retirement living in Gloucestershire
Nestled in the South West of England, this county has just one city, gorgeous Gloucester, famous for its impressive 11th century cathedral, Gloucester Quays and arts and culture. But when you think of Gloucestershire, you are likely to picture rolling green countryside and rich pastures dotted with farms, honey coloured villages and fine produce like its famous Gloucester Old Spot pigs and tasty local cheese. This rural idyll contains the Cotswolds as well as the Forest of Dean, and it makes the perfect spot for a relaxing – and active – retirement. It’s not surprising so many people are desperately seeking ‘retirement communities Gloucestershire’.
McCarthy Stone developments in Gloucestershire
Things to do in Gloucestershire
If you love the community feel of cheering from the stands, Gloucestershire offers plenty for sports fans, including Gloucestershire County Cricket Club (based in Bristol), Gloucester Rugby Club and of course the horse racing Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival. It is also famous for the unusual and dangerous sport of cheese rolling – i.e. chasing a Double Gloucester down a steep hill - which takes place annually on the spring bank holiday at Cooper’s Hill near Gloucester.
Cheltenham is the region’s cultural capital with events and festivals throughout the year including the Cheltenham Science Festival, the Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival the Festival of Literature the Cheltenham Music Festival, the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and the Cheltenham Cricket Festival - something for everyone then!
Searching for retirement communities, Gloucestershire? 83% of McCarthy Stone homeowners experience a sense of community in their new retirement home. McCarthy Stone offers beautiful retirement properties to rent in Gloucestershire as well as retirement homes for sale in Gloucestershire.
Culture, arts and community in Gloucestershire
So what are the top places to visit in Gloucestershire? There’s a lot to choose from. The pretty spa town of Cheltenham is a mecca for culture, offering the likes of the Everyman Theatre and Wilson art gallery and museum. It also has some of the best restaurants in Gloucestershire – the Michelin starred Le Champignon Sauvage is one of the best in the UK.
The historic Roman town of Cirencester is attractive to explore but also offers fantastic independent shopping. And, if you love history then you’ll be pleased to know there are 25 palaces and castles in Gloucestershire – Berkeley Castle and Sudeley Castle being amongst the best.
There are also plenty of free things to do in Gloucestershire, like exploring the beautiful Cotswolds. The stunning chocolate box villages include Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water. Popular walks in Gloucestershire take in all or parts of the Cotswold Way or the trails in the tranquil Forest of Dean.
An active retirement in Gloucestershire
The Cotswolds offers everything from river walks in the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, beautiful Bourton-on-the-Water to antique shopping in Stow-on-the Wold. For longer treks try the Thames Path or the 102 mile Cotswold Way National Trail.
The Wye Valley and Forest of Dean offer ancient woodlands, dramatic scenery and a picturesque river ideal for canoeing and water sports. Visit Symonds Yat rock for a beautiful view. The Malvern Hills are perfect for long scenic walks or cycle rides – perhaps ending up in the indulgent Malvern Spa.
For an urban fix explore Banksy trails in Bristol, wander the ancient attractions of Worcester or shop ‘til you drop in Swindon.
Getting out and about in Gloucestershire
All McCarthy Stone retirement homes for sale in Gloucestershire – or for rent, are in excellent locations close to shops, amenities and attractions and with easy transport links. Somerset, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire are all close by, as well as the Welsh county of Monmouthshire, which are all easily accessed by road via the M4, M5 and M40. The county even has a destination service station on the M5. Gloucester Services is family owned, sustainable and offers a farm shop and kitchen. Gloucestershire to London takes just under two hours by road.
The country is also well served by bus and rail – the latter is mostly run by Great Western Railways. For more leisurely train travel try the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway which offers vintage trains rides through some spectacular scenery.
Gloucestershire incorporates, or borders, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: the Cotswolds, Wye Valley and the Malvern Hills.
Popular places to retire in the Gloucestershire area
Explore more brilliant retirement locations close to Gloucestershire.
Browse by Retirement Living Services and Facilities
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.
Retirement living Gloucestershire. Frequently asked questions
There are lots of variables that make this a difficult question to answer, but one simple tip is to multiple the amount you’d like to live on every year (say £24,000) by 25 (in this case the answer is £600,000). That is the amount you’d need to save. However this figure doesn’t consider things like your annual state pension, benefits, tax, or the equity you might hold in your home. Ask McCarthy Stone about flexible retirement property and retirement communities in Gloucestershire.
Browse our retirement homes by county and region
Search for the best places to retire in the UK by selecting a county or region to explore.
