Retire to Scarborough
Heralded as Britain’s first seaside resort, Scarborough’s position on North Yorkshire’s coast means locals enjoy beautiful beaches year-round, as well as a thriving community by the sea.
Local retirees enjoy:
- Exploring the vast North York Moors National Park, with an abundance of trails for nature enthusiasts to enjoy.
- A bustling high street with plenty of independent and brand name shops, as well as traditional pubs.
- The stunning seaside location, complete with fresh fish and chips year-round.
- Visiting charming coastal villages like Robin Hood’s Bay, Staithes, and Whitby.
1 retirement developments near Scarborough
Sycamore Court | Scarborough
Retirement Living Plus- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,535 pcm
Retirement living in Scarborough
Scarborough offers a fascinating local history that is well-balanced with modern amenities and transport links for when you fancy exploring the rest of Yorkshire.
Local amenities
Scarborough’s town centre is well-equipped with everything you need to thrive in retirement, from essentials like groceries and clothes to independent cafés and traditional pubs.
- Groceries - Take your pick of Morrisons, Sainsbury’s or Tesco for the weekly shop. International food stores and corner shops can also add a bit of variety to your kitchen.
- Healthcare - Scarborough Hospital offers accident and emergency services, as well as other types of essential care when you need it.
- Shops - The town centre and waterfront have a variety of shops where you can stock up on clothes, gifts, and books, as well as more unique items from independent stores.
Activities for retirees in Scarborough
Scarborough offers all the activities you’d expect of a seaside town, including access to nearby water sports in the summer, community festivals, and deliciously fresh seafood year-round. Highlights include:
- Scarborough Castle, an 11th century building that boasts dramatic views over the Yorkshire coastline, as well as a fascinating collection of artefacts.
- A variety of fun things to do on days out with the grandkids, from the Sea Life centre (complete with penguins and seals!) to the Scarborough North Bay Railway, a miniature steam train that runs regularly.
- Annual festivals like Seafest and Scarborough Jazz Festival, which celebrates the town’s thriving folk music community.
Enjoy an active retirement in Scarborough
Scarborough’s iconic beach might make you want to stop and enjoy the scenery, but it’s just the starting point – the North Yorkshire coast is renowned for its peaceful, charming appeal and numerous fishing villages. It’s the perfect place to explore on various walks and picnics.
- The North York Moors National Park is vast, and offers plenty of walking trails, scenic viewpoints, and hills that bloom purple with heather in summer.
- Towns and villages like Robin Hood’s Bay (named one of the UK’s best seaside retreats), Runswick Bay, and Staithes. Many of these have fascinating folklore and an array of cafés and traditional pubs to visit—not to mention sandy beaches!
- Spot puffins and gannets at the world-famous Bempton Cliffs.
Transport links and connections
As a popular coastal hotspot, Scarborough enjoys good connections to nearby towns and cities, and public transport here is perfectly suited for those who prefer not to drive.
- By car - The A171 runs through Scarborough, connecting the town to Whitby, Guisborough, and Bridlington.
- By bus - Buses run frequently from Scarborough to neighboring villages and towns like Whitby, Filey, Malton, Bridlington, and Pickering.
- By rail - Scarborough’s railway station offers a direct service to York, as well as Hull and beyond.
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 North Yorkshire
Retirement living in Scarborough FAQs
Yes, Scarborough’s coastal location, thriving community, and wide variety of local festivals and celebrations make it the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful retirement with just the right amount of activities on your doorstep.
Yes, Scarborough is easy to walk around. The town centre is flat and compact, with most amenities you’ll need packed relatively closely together. Buses frequently run from one side of the town to the other, with various stops in-between, so non-drivers don’t have to worry either.
The retiree community in Scarborough is thriving, with plenty of local walking groups, a no-audition community choir, and of course Scarborough U3A. The U3A offers plenty of interest groups for seniors, including yoga, pickleball, board games, and various arts.
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