Tŵr Mawr Lighthouse on Ynys Llanddwyn on the coast of Anglesey in North Wales.

Retire to Wales

With spectacular coastlines and countryside, friendly communities, and vibrant culture, Wales is a truly wonderful place to retire. The physical features make Wales a uniquely gorgeous part of the world to live in. It has 2,700km of glorious coastline, five National Landscapes, and three National Parks.

Local retirees love:

  • Opportunities to stay active outdoors through walking and cycling.
  • Relaxed pace of life, with towns and villages having a strong community feel and local identity.
  • Access to exciting modern cities like Cardiff and Swansea, as well as a rich and legendary history with over 600 castles to explore.

If you’re looking for retirement villages in Wales, our developments are located in desirable areas, with convenient transport connections and amenities on the doorstep.

6 retirement developments in Wales

Retirement living in Wales

Whether you choose a retirement home in North Wales or South Wales, you’re guaranteed to enjoy an exciting lifestyle with plenty to explore. Wales has a long, proud history, from ancient castles and ruined abbeys to industrial canals and coal mines. Discover what Wales has to offer retirees in later life.

A beach in Wales

Activities for retirees in Wales

Famed for its walking routes and hidden gems, Wales is the perfect place to enjoy fantastic days out, such as visiting puffins at St David’s – the UK’s smallest city.

A wooded area in Wales with a waterfall and stream

Enjoy an active retirement in Wales

Wales is renowned for its friendly communities, as well as its vast natural beauty, making it an ideal place to stay social and active.

  • Nature - Discover five National Landscapes, including the Gower Peninsula, and three National Parks, including Eryri, and spend time walking, cycling, or merely enjoying the clean air.
  • Sports and fitness - The Welsh Government and Sport Wales fund 60+ Active Leisure Schemes, offering free sport activities for older people. Sessions include swimming, climbing, and tai chi.
  • Socialising - Find local interest and hobby groups, such as craft circles, book clubs, or simply enjoy coffee with friends. Re-engage is a charity for older people that runs a wide range of engaging activities across Wales.
A stadium in Wales

Arts, culture, and community in Wales

Community engagement is strong in Wales, making it easy to settle in quickly. There are also innumerable opportunities to appreciate the rich culture.

  • Arts - Wales is famous for being the birthplace of notable artists. There are multiple arts centres that allow creativity to flourish, such as the Wales Millennium Centre, which puts on large-scale performances.
  • Festivals - Laugh until your sides ache at the Aberystwyth Comedy Festival, experience literary and arts at the quirky Laugharne Weekend, or celebrate the Welsh language at the National Eisteddfod.
  • Sports - As the national sport, Rugby is a core part of Welsh culture. Visit Principality Stadium in Cardiff, the home of the Welsh rugby team. The venue also hosts concerts and football games.
People walk outside Borough Theatre and Market Hall in Abergavenny, Wales.

Transport links and connections

One of the best things about Wales is its compact size, which means many places are within reach. Roads are straightforward and accessible, while Transport for Wales offers free bus and train travel for people over 60 on certain routes.

  • By car - Wales has good road links, including connections from England. With spectacular views along the way, road trips are guaranteed to be a favourite.
  • By bus - Regular bus services in cities, towns, and villages make travelling around local and surrounding areas easy.
  • By rail - Reliable train services offer a great way to travel further afield without needing to drive, with several lines operating through the country. 

Browse by property types in Wales

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 in Wales FAQs

Yes, towns and well‑populated areas have several local GP surgeries and access to both community and major hospitals. Access in very remote rural locations may be more limited. McCarthy & Stone retirement development locations are carefully selected to ensure you have easy access to the amenities and services you need. Major NHS hospitals in Wales include University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, Neath Port Talbot Hospital in Port Talbot, and Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend.

Wales has seven cities. The most populous is the capital, Cardiff, followed by Swansea in second place. The other Welsh cities are Newport, Wrexham, Bangor, St Asaph and St David’s, the smallest city in the UK.


For many, retiring in Wales means spending more time near a beautiful beach. With thousands of kilometres of coastline, there are plenty of options, each with its own unique appeal, from tranquil seaside villages to lively towns. On the island of Anglesey, Benllech is a serene coastal retreat, ideal for retirees seeking a more relaxed pace of life. Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan has a welcoming small-town atmosphere, a strong historic character, and an active social scene. Its close proximity to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast offers rural beauty without sacrificing modern conveniences.

On the north coast, Llandudno is one of Wales’s most popular retirement spots. Its long promenade, elegant pier, and easy access to the Great Orme make for a scenic yet walkable environment. In contrast, Cardiff, the nation’s capital, suits retirees looking for a more metropolitan lifestyle. Alternatively, Swansea offers the best parts of both coastal and city life. Each of these desirable locations demonstrates Wales’s rich variety for retirees and a high quality of life that makes the country an idyllic home.