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Retirement homes in Dorset

From sandy beaches and historic buildings to miles of unspoilt countryside, buying a retirement home in Dorset is an ideal way to experience the best of rural England.

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Retirement Living PLUS

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Retire to an area of natural beauty and diverse wildlife

With over half the county designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's no wonder that Dorset is such a popular place to retire to.

You can explore a thousand acres of woodland, trails and outdoor activities at Moors Valley Country Park, take in the expansive views over Devon and Somerset from the county's highest point at Lewesdon Hill, or take a stroll through the diverse gardens of Bournemouth.

You can take llamas for a walk at New House Farm, see colonies of swans at the 600-year-old Abbotsbury Swannery, or take a short trip out to Brownsea Island, where you'll find rare red squirrels and a huge variety of birds.

Discover the sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast

Whether you're looking for seaside resorts or secluded caves, you'll find plenty to explore along nearly a hundred miles of picturesque Dorset coastline.

You'll find soft sands and safe swimming at the popular beaches at Weymouth, clear waters at the seaside resort of Swanage, or immense views from the high cliffs at West Bay. You can sail, windsurf, swim or snorkel your way across the entire Jurassic Coast – and you might even be lucky enough to find a fossil or two!

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As if moving into my beautiful new apartment wasn’t enough, everything that led up to the move was handled by McCarthy & Stone. I couldn’t believe how easy it all turned out to be; I was left with just two boxes to unpack which suited me and Meira just fine.

Jackie Follett, Homeowner at Silversands Court

Retirement Living - The perfect blend for many buyers - your own apartment, maintenance taken care of and the chance to socialise.

Retirement Living PLUS - All the benefits of Retirement Living plus support and on-site catering for those wanting a little more help.

Lifestyle Living - This pioneering concept provides luxurious homes in stunning locations for active over-55s.

My son wanted me to move a bit closer to where he lives, and Atherstone is very pretty, so I was easily persuaded. I was a little bit worried about some parts of the move, but McCarthy & Stone’s Smooth Move service made it so easy for me, I had signed within a fortnight!

Shirley Davenport, Homeowner at St Clements Court

Explore the deep history of Dorset

From ancient hill forts to ruined castles, you'll find a huge number of intriguing historical sites and museums across the county.

You can see a thousand years of history at the ruins of Corfe Castle, take a tour of the Grade I listed Forde Abbey, or see the restored shell of the 17th-century Lulworth Castle.

You'll find almost 300 military vehicles on display at the Tank Museum, life-sized reconstructions at the award-winning Dinosaur Museum, and a working 17th-century watermill surrounded by scenic valleys at Mangerton Mill.

Keep fit and stay active in a rural county

Whether you're an adventurous explorer or just dedicated to sports, there's plenty to do around Dorset to help you stay active in your retirement.

You'll find a range of water sports centres dotted all over the coast, and there are nearly 5,000 footpaths and bridleways to traverse, connecting charming villages and scenic backdrops. You can keep up your game at 40 golf courses and more than 20 tennis clubs, or you can get involved in a number of different sports at the £8 million Dorchester Sports Centre.

If you'd like to start a new adventure in a county full of sandy coastlines and sweeping green hills, have a look at some of our coastal retirement properties in Dorset.