Retire to Somerset
Retire to Somerset and find yourself in the heart of the action in this green and pleasant county.
Somerset is famous for cider, cheese, and legendary pop festivals, and has an abundance of rolling countryside, traditional seaside towns, and stunning architecture from ancient history. With plenty of greenery, nature-filled marshlands, impressive local produce and a rich history to uncover, Somerset is home to some of the best places to retire and find your next adventure.
5 retirement developments in Somerset
Kingfisher Court | Taunton
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 6 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £105,000/£241 pcm
- Rent from £2,345 pcm
Minehead | Minehead
Retirement Living- Properties 35 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase Properties at this development have not been released for sale yet. The listed prices are guide prices only. £275,000
Lambrook Court | Bath
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
Lock House | Taunton
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,305 pcm
The Pottery | Clevedon
Retirement Living Plus- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £270,000
- Rental available
Activities for retirees in Somerset
From the ancient caves of Wookey Hole and its infamous witch, to the spectacular scenery of Cheddar Gorge and Mendip Hills, Somerset is full of unexpected wonders.
- Pay respects to the remains of one of the richest and most powerful monasteries in England at Glastonbury Abbey.
- Visit the historic hot springs and ancient temple of the Roman Baths in Bath. Or admire the glorious architecture of the 12th century Wells Cathedral and watch the famous bell ringing swans.
- Find more than 90 different aircraft on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Bronze Age armour and Roman mosaics at the Museum of Somerset at Taunton Castle, and over 400 cars and motorcycles at the Haynes International Motor Museum near Yeovil.
An active retirement in Somerset
As a county by the sea that's packed with history and surrounded by four National Landscapes plus Exmoor National Park, you'll find plenty of opportunities around Somerset for exercise and rambles in nature.
Bring the family for a donkey ride at the sandy seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare, go swimming in the infinity seawater pool in charming Clevedon, or even learn to kayak and canoe at Channel Adventure near Minehead.
If competitive sports is your passion, there are over 20 golf courses and almost 40 tennis clubs around the county. Enjoy coastal walks to Bream Fort and Burnham-on-Sea, wonderful views from Glastonbury Tor, and spot birds galore along the rhynes of the Somerset Levels.
Arts, culture and community in Somerset
Whether you're looking for local theatres or busy shopping centres, there's plenty to keep you busy around Somerset.
There are over 1,500 items on display at the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath, opera and ballet at the 600-capacity Playhouse in Weston-super-Mare, or musicals and drama at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil.
When you want to treat yourself, find over 90 different stores at the Clarks Village Outlet, craft goods and locally-produced food at the Frome Independent street market, and a huge range of independent shops, restaurants and cafés at Green Park Station in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city.
Spectacular sights
From sandy beaches and coastal cliffs to wooded valleys and stately gardens, there's plenty of scenic countryside to discover around Somerset.
Find limestone quarries and deep caves among the Mendip Hills, a 70-square-mile Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Hike through the lowland heath and ancient woodland of the expansive Exmoor National Park to see the magnificent views from the summit of Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in the county.
Spot falcons, eagles and hawks at the North Somerset Bird of Prey Centre, watch wild stags at the 100-acre South West Deer Rescue Centre near Crewkerne, or see a huge range of flora and fauna across more than 70 different nature reserves dotted around the county.
Transport links and connections
Travelling within Somerset and visiting areas further afield is straightforward and easy to plan, thanks to the easy road access and handy public transport options.
- By car - The M5 provides easy north-south access, offering links to Bristol, Birmingham, and Exeter. The A303 connects east-west towards Wiltshire and Devon.
- By bus - Local bus services connect towns and villages in the county. Where services are limited in rural areas, friendly volunteers and community transport schemes are available to help seniors get to where they need.
- By rail - Somerset is well-served by train stations in towns including Taunton, Weston-super-Mare, and Bath. You can reach London in about 2 hours.
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:
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 Somerset
Retirement living in Somerset FAQs
For those seeking seaside living during their retirement, areas such as Minehead, Clevedon, and Burnham-on-Sea are perfect. These areas promise walks on the beach, gentle sea breezes, and strong community networks. Plus, they are wonderfully peaceful in the winter months. Find the best senior living residences near the sea in McCarthy & Stone retirement developments and discover a welcoming community on your doorstep.
There are several major hospitals, including Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, Weston General Hospital in Bristol, and Royal United Hospitals in Bath among others. The hospitals offer access to A&E services, inpatient and outpatient care, and specialist services. GP surgeries and pharmacies are easy to find in towns and villages throughout Somerset, so you’ll be able to manage everyday health needs with ease.
Areas throughout Somerset are friendly and welcoming, so you’ll be able to find and make new friends in no time. Volunteer groups, hobby clubs, and local facilities such as libraries and village halls are strong hubs for communities.
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