Living in Somerset
Explore a county that’s packed with natural beauty and wildlife
With rolling hills, ancient parkland and a rich history to uncover, Somerset is a top spot for a new adventure. Our retirement properties in Somerset are conveniently located. Whether you’d rather stay by the sea or in an urban centre, there’s sure to be an option for you, allowing your retirement to be as relaxing or as active as you like.
Lifestyle in Somerset
Attractions
With ancient ruins, prehistoric rocks and architecture from nearly every era, it's no wonder that Somerset's such a popular location for choosing a retirement home. You can see the remains of one of the richest and most powerful monasteries in England at Glastonbury Abbey, explore the hot springs and ancient temple of the Roman Baths in Bath, or admire the profound architecture of the 12th century Wells Cathedral.
You'll find more than 90 different aircraft on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Bronze Age armour and Roman mosaics at the Museum of Somerset at Taunton Castle, and over 400 cars and motorcycles spanning more than a hundred years of history at the Haynes International Motor Museum near Yeovil.
Community
Whether you're looking for local theatres or busy shopping centres, there's plenty to keep you busy around Somerset. There are over 1,500 items on display at the Victoria Art Gallery in Bath, opera and ballet at the 600-capacity Playhouse in Weston-super-Mare, or musicals and drama at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil.
When you want to treat yourself, you'll find over 90 different stores at the Clarks Village Outlet, craft goods and locally-produced food at the Frome Independent street market, and a huge range of independent shops, restaurants and cafés at Green Park Station in Bath.
Sights
From sandy beaches and coastal cliffs to wooded valleys and stately gardens, there's plenty of scenic countryside to discover around Somerset. You'll find limestone quarries and deep caves among the Mendip Hills, a 70-square-mile Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Alternatively, you can hike through the lowland heath and ancient woodland of the massive Exmoor National Park to see the magnificent views from the summit of Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in the county.
Spot falcons, eagles and hawks at the North Somerset Bird of Prey Centre, watch wild stags at the 100-acre South West Deer Rescue Centre near Crewkerne, or see a huge range of flora and fauna across more than 70 different nature reserves dotted around the county.
Surrounding Areas
From challenging hill walks to a leisurely swim, you'll find plenty of opportunities around Somerset to help you keep up an active retirement.
You can bring the family for a splash at the seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare or even learn to kayak and canoe at Channel Adventure near Minehead. If competing is your passion, there are over 20 golf courses and almost 40 tennis clubs around the county where you can socialise with others or refine your own skills.
If you like the sound of a county by the sea that's packed with history and surrounded by five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, see if one of our retirement properties in Somerset is a good fit.
Retirement Homes in Somerset
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A Full Range of Lifestyle Options
“It’s just wonderful here and our social life has completely transformed since we moved in … McCarthy Stone has made the whole journey easy and stress-free.”