Retire to London
London isn’t just for young people these days: it’s also a rich cultural haven for retirees. England’s capital is ideal if you’re craving a lively retirement full of thrills and activities.
Local retirees love:
- Plentiful activities to enjoy and things to do, from visiting museums to enjoying immersive experiences.
- Unmatched access to healthcare and essential amenities.
- A surprising wealth of green spaces like Kew Gardens, Richmond Park and Hampstead Heath.
- A variety of communities, from riverside boroughs towards the centre to close-knit, village-like areas on the outskirts.
Our retirement homes in London are within easy reach of the city’s finest sights and amenities, whether you choose a property on the outskirts or an apartment closer to the city centre.
8 retirement developments in London
Randolph House | Harrow
Retirement Living PLUS- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £249,995
Medford House | Purley
Retirement Living- Properties 10 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £345,000
- Rent from £2,660 pcm
Samuel House | Oakwood
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £349,995
- Rent from £2,925 pcm
Lewis House | Upper Norwood
Retirement Living- Properties 2 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase from £375,000
- Rent from £3,285 pcm
Atwood House | South Croydon
Retirement Living- Properties 1 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rent from £2,900 pcm
Beck House | Isleworth
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Purchase available
Shepheard's House | Chislehurst
Retirement Living PLUS- Properties TBC
Rosen House | Harrow
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
Explore places in the London area
Retirement living in London
London has a little bit of everything, from quiet, peaceful parks to historic boroughs and modern, vibrant communities. The world-renowned public transport system makes it easy to get around and explore new areas and old favourites alike.
Activities for retirees in London
England’s capital is home to some of the most spectacular days out in the UK, with new items constantly being added to the must-do bucket list.
- Enjoy world-class museums and historic landmarks, from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament to the Museum of Natural History, the Tower of London, and many more.
- Explore London’s greenery. The city is technically classed as a forest due to the concentration of greenery here, but in particular, you can enjoy scenic strolls along Green Park and Primrose Hill, or take in waterside views beside the River Thames.
- Perfect your swing at any of the 30 golf clubs on the outskirts of Greater London, like Royal Wimbledon Golf Club.
Enjoy an active retirement in London
Retiring in London doesn’t just mean you’ll have cultural and intellectual pursuits - you can also enjoy activities that get you up and moving, too.
- Sports - From tennis courts to football clubs and yoga classes, if you have an interest in a sport, you can find a related group in London.
- Boating - Whether you’d like to explore the Thames from a rarely-seen angle, or get out on the water at Regent’s Park Boating Lake, you can enjoy river cruises and other boating experiences in London.
- Nature - Join one of London’s many walking groups to explore the many heritage trails, or practice birdwatching at Walthamstow Wetlands, or plan a picnic at one of the many parks throughout the city.
Arts, culture and community in London
London is the cultural heartbeat of the UK, a true melting pot of rich cultures and lively communities. The arts scene here is unparalleled, but you’ll also enjoy:
- Heritage - Enjoy heritage walking tours, museums like the Museum of London Docklands, or dive into England’s iconic history at any of the royal heritage sites around the city.
- Music and theatre - The world-famous West End is on your doorstep, home to the UK’s most successful musicals. Likewise, you can enjoy dramatic, cutting-edge and classical shows at The Old Vic and National Theatre.
- Community - London is made up of thousands of tight-knit communities, each with plenty of groups, book clubs, sports clubs, and other activities to enjoy as you meet new people.
Transport links and connections
Like the rest of the city, London’s transport system is famous for its reliability and extensive reach. You can even hop on a Eurostar and be in Paris in just over 2 hours—très bien!
- By car - London is surrounded by major roads, including the M1, A1, and M25, which connect to the rest of the country from Luton to Leeds.
- By bus - London’s iconic red buses run through every borough very regularly, even in the suburbs. The Freedom Pass also allows retirees to travel for free.
- By rail - The London Underground, Overground, and National Rail can all be used to travel across the city, with multiple major train stations like Kings Cross and Paddington offering services for further afield.
Browse by property types in London
Our retirement villages and developments offer a range of property types from superb apartments to brilliant retirement bungalows.
Browse by property type
Browse our retirement housing by the number of bedrooms you'd like.
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 London
Retirement living in London FAQs
Even if you live in the suburbs and not in the centre, London’s healthcare is some of the most cutting-edge in the country. The city is home to several major hospitals, like Guy’s and St Thomas', St Mary’s, and The Royal London Hospital, as well as specialist centres, GP services, and even walk-in clinics.
London is an excellent choice for retirement as it offers some of the best sights, attractions, amenities and facilities in the UK, if not the world. And, while it’s vast in size, it’s home to a variety of small close-knit communities, so you can still enjoy a friendly neighbourhood feel. Areas on the outskirts of London, like Harrow and Uxbridge, can also be ideal for finding a balance between the liveliness of the city and the peace of the countryside.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to retirement living options in London. The nation’s capital has something for everyone. If you want easy access to the top attractions, choose a central borough like Kensington and Chelsea or Greenwich. However, if you’d prefer the best of the city mixed with green spaces, explore Harrow, Kingston upon Thames or Richmond, which offer closer proximity to beautiful parks, golf courses and the countryside.
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.
