Retire to Kent
Home to the ridges and valleys of the Weald and the hills of the North Downs, it's no wonder that Kent's known as ‘The Garden of England’.
From the White Cliffs of Dover to Canterbury Cathedral, Kent is an area of staggering views and rich heritage. There are 26 castles, over 50 wildlife reserves, and more than 300 miles of shoreline to explore across the county.
So, whether you're looking for a friendly market town or a bustling seaside retreat, you’ll find plenty of beautiful places to call home. Take a look at our retirement apartments and properties in Kent to find a beautiful retreat near London.
12 retirement developments in Kent
Elkington House | Dover
Retirement Living PLUS- Properties 32 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £102,500/£235 pcm
- Purchase from £215,000
- Rent from £2,470 pcm
Eastry Place | Canterbury
Retirement Living PLUS- Properties 9 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £137,500/£316 pcm
- Purchase from £285,000
- Rent from £3,120 pcm
Pearson House | Broadstairs
Retirement Living- Properties 15 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £137,500/£316 pcm
- Purchase from £274,500
- Rent from £2,090 pcm
Weavers House | Hawkhurst
Retirement Living- Properties 12 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 50% example share/50% rent £217,500/£499 pcm
- Purchase from £299,000
- Rent from £2,270 pcm
Juliette House | Westgate-on-Sea
Retirement Living- Properties 3 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared ownership available
- Purchase from £275,000
- Rent from £2,180 pcm
Aylesford | Aylesford
Retirement Living- Properties 50 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. £302,000
Gravesend | Gravesend
Retirement Living PLUS- Properties 69 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase available
Tonbridge | Tonbridge
Retirement Living- Properties 36 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. £350,000
Corn Mill Place | Dunton Green
Retirement Living- Properties 6 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £423,750
- Purchase from £425,000
- Rent from £3,860 pcm
Southborough Gate | Tunbridge Wells
Retirement Living- Properties 4 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £1,850 pcm
The Dairy | Tunbridge Wells
Retirement Living PLUS- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £4,200 pcm
Oak Tree Court | Tenterden
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Explore places in the Kent area
Retirement living in Kent
Senior life in Kent can be as exciting and adventurous or leisurely and calm as you want it to be, with a broad range of locations to explore. The county provides access to some of the most beautiful landscapes and seascapes the country has to offer.
Activities for retirees in Kent
As a county wrapped in coastline, Kent has deep roots in maritime history, with several must-see spots to visit.
- The Historic Dockyard in Chatham covers more than 400 years of warships, including HMS Victory, the flagship of Lord Nelson.
- The Dover Museum holds the Bronze Age Boat, the oldest sea vessel known to man.
- Dover Castle has over 800 years of history and secret tunnels, and was even used in World War II.
- Find tours of famous manors, such as the homes of Charles Darwin and Winston Churchill, or the preserved Roman Villa at Lullingstone, dating back to 100 AD.
- Discover museums, including the Fleur de Lis Heritage Centre in Faversham, the Canterbury Roman Museum – and its incredible cathedral.
An active retirement in KentÂ
Kent's landscape has plenty of green spaces to stay active during your retirement years. Explore the seemingly endless coastal and countryside paths to discover Kent's forests, beaches, and hills. Stroll towards the South Foreland Lighthouse by the White Cliffs of Dover to get the best view.
There are over a hundred different golf courses (including the Regal Five). Many of them – such as Leeds and Hever Castle – let you swing away among castles, lakes and landscaped gardens.Â
The Royal Military Canal was built in the 1800s in anticipation of an attack from Napoleon's armies. Today, it’s a popular trail for walking, cycling, and to spot a variety of wildlife, such as the mute swan and the grey heron.
Arts, culture and community in Kent
From quirky workshops and galleries of Folkestone's Creative Quarter to the modern art of Margate's Turner Contemporary gallery, there's something for everyone in Kent.
The Canterbury Festival attracts 60,000 people each year, while the Tenterden Folk Festival is a four-day musical event set in the small town on the edge of the Weald.
When the family visits, enjoy Dreamland in Margate. Dreamland was once one of the most popular seaside amusement parks in Britain. When it was nearly shut down in 2003, a local campaign rescued it. Dreamland has since opened its doors as a re-imagining of the original park. There's a roller disco, mirror maze, dodgems and tea-cups – perfectly recreated from the golden age of British seaside holidays.Â
Transport links and connections
Living your retirement years in Kent means you’ll have easy access to locations near and far, and even international destinations.
- By car - The M2, M20, A2, and A20 allow for drives to London, Surrey, and the coast. Heathrow and Gatwick airports are reachable within 1.5 hours.
- By bus - Local and regional buses offer regular services to towns and villages throughout the county.
- By rail - Reach London St Pancras in under 40 minutes from Ashford, Canterbury, and Ebbsfleet. Frequent services run from other areas, including Tunbridge Wells and Dover.
- By sea - Dover is uniquely positioned to offer ferry services to mainland France, so you can make an international trip within a day!
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:
It has opened a lot of doors for me and given me more time to focus on the things I enjoy. There’s a great sense of community here. A few of the homeowners have a weekly ritual to visit one of the local pubs to have a meal out.
John, homeowner, Roslin Place
It gives us a real sense of security, especially with staff on-site at all times. Moving in has allowed us to futureproof our retirement, as we can opt-in to tailored domestic support and personal care packages should we need to.
Peter and Jean, tenants, Campbell House
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 Kent
Retirement living in Kent FAQs
One of the best things about Kent is you can truly experience the best of all worlds. There are quieter coastal villages for those who want a peaceful retirement, lively market towns for those who want a balance of community and tranquility, and bustling commuter towns closer to London for those who thrive in busier areas. You have the option to choose the pace of life that suits you in one of our retirement apartments across the county.
There are several major hospitals in the country, such as William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent & Canterbury Hospital, and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, to name a few. You’ll easily find outpatient clinics, GP surgeries, and walk-in centres in most towns, while pharmacies are readily available throughout to cover your day-to-day needs.
Browse our retirement homes by city and county
Search for the best places to retire in the UK by selecting a city or county to explore.
