A historic building in North Yorkshire, illuminated with multicoloured lights.

Retire to the North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is perfect for those who want a little bit of everything from retirement: dramatic dales and open moors, traditional seaside fun, craggy coastal paths, historic castles, and cultured cities.

Local retirees love:

  • Rugged coastline and sandy beaches in Scarborough, Whitby, and Saltburn, all of which include seaside promenades and world-class fish and chips.
  • The rich history and culture of the area, from the literary and Victorian heritage of Whitby to the fascinating museums and art exhibits in York.
  • Easy access to amenities and public transport for a peaceful daily life.

Our retirement properties in North Yorkshire will leave you well-placed, allowing you to visit all the unique sights while keeping you close to the amenities you require.

6 retirement developments in the North Yorkshire

Explore places in the North Yorkshire area

Retirement living in North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire offers many coveted retirement locations, with sprawling moorland landscapes and idyllic seaside towns, welcoming communities, and a variety of things to do.

Filey Beach

Activities for retirees in North Yorkshire

From stately homes and sandy coastlines to some of the biggest expanses of unspoilt countryside in England, North Yorkshire is a top spot for a rural and active retirement.

A sunset on the pier at Whitby, overlooking the lighthouse and the Abbey.

Enjoy an active retirement in North Yorkshire

From adventurous water sports to leisurely hikes, you'll find plenty of ways to stay fit and healthy around the county.

  • Sports - Swim, surf and sail around the beaches and bays near Scarborough, or explore endless miles of trails and paths around Nidderdale, or work on your swing at nearly 50 golf courses across the area.
  • Nature - The heather-covered hills and ancient woodlands of the North York Moors offer peaceful pathways and ambitious trails, with several senior-friendly walks available, guided or solo.
  • Wildlife - See owls, hawks and eagles at the York Bird of Prey Centre, and terns, lapwings and peregrines in the wetlands of the RSPB Saltholme Nature Reserve.
a person standing on a street

Arts, culture, and community in North Yorkshire

Whether you're looking for classic opera or modern art, there's lots to keep you busy when you buy one of our retirement properties in North Yorkshire.

Sailboats docked in Whitby marina, with houses and the Abbey in the background.

Transport links and connections

While the rural areas of North Yorkshire can be difficult to reach without driving, the majority of the area is well-connected via public transport and the A1.

  • By car - The A1 runs through the centre of the area, connecting to Leeds, Durham, and London.
  • By bus - Buses regularly run throughout the region, offering scenic transport between settlements like York, Harrogate, Ripon, and further afield.
  • By rail -  Rail stations are located in York, Scarborough, Malton, Harrogate, and Thirsk, connecting to Newcastle, Manchester, London, Leeds, and Edinburgh.

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 in the North Yorkshire FAQs

Yes, North Yorkshire offers a comprehensive network of buses and train stations, as well as senior-friendly travel discounts for public transport. In more rural areas and smaller villages, driving may be necessary; however, McCarthy & Stone developments are always thoughtfully located near the amenities you need most, like groceries and transport links.

Market towns like Harrogate and Whitby bring with them a historic charm and easy access to the nature on the moors or (in the case of Whitby) the rugged Yorkshire coastline. Larger settlements like Scarborough and York provide a wider variety of modern comforts, including shopping centres and various cultural attractions like museums and festivals.

Scarborough General Hospital, York Hospital, Harrogate District Hospital, and Whitby Community Hospital are all on hand with a range of services, from minor injuries to emergency care and specialist treatments. For daily care, GP surgeries, dentists, opticians and pharmacies are available throughout the region.

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.

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