Retire to Stratford-Upon-Avon
Retirement living in Stratford-Upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire is renowned as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, but there’s much more to this charming Tudor market town.
At McCarthy Stone’s retirement developments in Stratford-upon-Avon, you’ll be welcomed into a thriving community with plentiful attractions on the doorstep.
Local retirees enjoy:
- The close proximity to rolling countryside, the beautiful river Avon and Cotswolds as well as major cities like Birmingham.
- A fantastic mix of independent cafes, restaurants and pubs, as well as boutique shops and High Street names.
- A range of sports and leisure activities locally, from riverside walks and fishing to golf, tennis, swimming and more.
Retirement developments in Stratford-Upon-Avon
Explore McCarthy Stone retirement developments nestled in the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire.
Retirement living in Stratford-upon-Avon
Aside from all its unique historic attractions, Stratford-upon-Avon has everything you need for day-to-day life. This beautifully maintained town is packed with amenities and considered a safe place to live.
Local amenities
Stratford-upon-Avon is walkable town with several supermarkets, a choice of healthcare providers and an abundance of independent shops.
- Groceries
Stratford-upon-Avon has several supermarkets, including Aldi, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, with some offering delivery if preferred. - Shopping
The compact town centre features high street retailers, independent boutiques and specialty stores. Pretty Henley Street has shops selling antiques, sweets and curios and the town puts on regular weekly markets. - Healthcare
There are several GP surgeries including Rother House Medical Centre and Trinity Court Surgery, as well as a choice of dentists and pharmacies. Stratford Hospital offers outpatient services, while the larger Warwick Hospital is a short drive from Stratford-upon-Avon.
Activities for retirees in Stratford-upon-Avon
With its world famous theatres and iconic attractions, there’s plenty to do in this Elizabethan town. Here are some of the highlights:
- Shakespearean history from Shakespeare's birthplace and his grave at the beautiful Holy Trinity Church to his wife Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.
- Theatres including the Royal Shakespeare Company put on glorious productions all year around. Senior discounts are often available.
- Museums like the unique MAD museum - the only Mechanical Art and Design Museum in the UK, you can experience and interact with mind-boggling machines.
- The Butterfly Farm is a tropical paradise filled with stunning butterflies and mini-beasts.
- The river Avon and the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal are ideal spots for river cruises and outdoor pursuits.
Get involved in the community
Stratford-upon-Avon has a strong and proud community spirit and plenty for locals to enjoy.
- The Old Slaughterhouse Arts Centre is a much-loved community art gallery with a small café and space for events.
- Fitness fans will find fitness classes, cricket, snooker, squash, and tennis at Stratford Sports Club. Stratford Leisure Centre has a swimming pool and gym and Stratford-on-Avon Golf Club is a picturesque place to tee off.
- Community festivals, including the traditional annual Mop Fair in October, the annual food festival in September and celebrations of Shakespeare’s birthday every April.
- Various societies and clubs catering to a range of hobbies and interests, including Bridge, line dancing and rambling.
Explore the surrounding areas
Stratford-upon-Avon is conveniently located close to both picturesque countryside and several large cities.
Famed for the beauty of its rural landscapes and traditional clotted-cream-coloured chocolate box towns and villages, The Cotswolds is accessible in around half an hour from Stratford-upon-Avon. From river walks in the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, beautiful Bourton-on-the-Water, to antique shopping in Stow-on-the-Wold, or fine dining in Cheltenham, there are plenty of options to explore.
For something completely different visit the UK’s second city, Birmingham, a cultural hub with its historic Jewellery Quarter and iconic Bullring and Grand Central shopping centre, the ‘city of a thousand trades’ offers shopping, nightlife, theatre, museums, history and more.
Transport and connections
As a tourist hotspot, Stratford-upon-Avon is extremely well-connected. The town has easy access to The Cotswolds, Coventry, Leamington Spa and Oxford, making it an ideal base to explore a variety of world-class attractions in retirement.
- By car
The M40 connects the town to the rest of the country. Reach London in an hour and 45 minutes or Birmingham in around 40 minutes. - By bus
The town has a reliable local bus network, offering links to local villages and towns including Warwick, Coventry, and Leamington Spa. Many bus companies offer discounted bus travel for seniors. - By rail
Frequent trains from central Stratford-upon-Avon Railway Station can take you further afield. A train to London Paddington takes under three hours, while Birmingham is just 50 minutes away. - By air
Birmingham International Airport is about 45 minutes away by car and 1 hour 50 minutes away by train.
Retirement living in Stratford-upon-Avon FAQs
Stratford-upon-Avon is, perhaps confusingly, found in the Stratford-on-Avon district of Warwickshire in the West Midlands. As the name suggests, the town is set on the banks of the River Avon in the heart of England in the UK. It’s an ideal location located both to countryside destinations such as The Cotswolds, and vibrant cities including Coventry and Birmingham.
Retirement living services and amenities at McCarthy Stone
We offer a range of amenities and assisted living services at our Stratford-Upon-Avon retirement developments. 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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