Castle Howard and its gardens

Retire to Yorkshire and the Humber

This ancient Northern English county is famed for its proud heritage, and has plenty to offer those who call it home. From the beauty of Brontë country in West Yorkshire and the expansive Yorkshire Wolds in the East to sandy Scarborough in North Yorkshire and stately homes in Sheffield to the South.

Local retirees love:

  • Rich local history and culture.
  • Friendly, welcoming communities with  packed social calendars.
  • Plentiful access to nature and the coast.
  • Convenient transport links to the wider UK.

Read on to discover what makes Yorkshire and the Humber simply a wonderful place for a happy retirement. 


25 retirement developments in Yorkshire and the Humber

Explore places in the Yorkshire and the Humber area

Retirement living in Yorkshire and the Humber

From its incredible history and architecture to its vibrant communities and culture, it’s no wonder that spending retirement in Yorkshire and the Humber is top of the list for many people.

a large city with many buildings

Activities for retirees in Yorkshire and the Humber

While the vast Yorkshire region has endless activities to keep you occupied, its centuries of history must be explored.

  • Architecture - There are over 40 castles and medieval abbeys, seven different cathedrals, as well as Roman and Viking remains.  You can also tour stately homes and gardens, including Castle Howard.
  • Local spots - Visit the Yorkshire coal mines, or bring the family to the country's oldest seaside resort in Scarborough to enjoy arcades, a funfair, and miles of white-sandy beaches.
  • Cities - York was founded by the Romans and is still surrounded by medieval walls, while the seaside town of Whitby is famed for Dracula and Gothic splendour. Victorian cities, like Leeds and Sheffield, are also packed with intrigue.
a landscape with a tree and a body of water

Enjoy an active retirement in Yorkshire and the Humber

If there’s one thing Yorkshire has plenty of, it’s rolling green hills that are perfect for spending time outdoors, staying active, and staying socially engaged. From the romantic countryside, made famous by the Brontë sisters, to the protected wildlife, you could find yourself retiring to one of the most scenic parts of the country.

  • National Parks - The atmospheric North York Moors and patchwork fields of the Yorkshire Dales offer good walking opportunities. There are often senior-friendly walking excursions and countryside visits available.
  • Beaches - Find stretches of unspoilt coastline, including 36 miles of Heritage Coast that runs from Saltburn-by-the-Sea down to Scarborough. Admire the incredible view from Boulby Cliff in Staithes, the highest point on the East Coast of England.

a building with a blue sign

Arts, culture, and community in Yorkshire and the Humber

Yorkshire is famed for its northern hospitality, and our retirement properties put you right in the heart of thriving communities.

a train travels down the tracks towards Beverley Minster

Transport links and connections

Yorkshire and the Humber has adapted well to modern travel, with a strong public transport network to complement its road access.

  • By car - The region offers plentiful access to motorways and A-roads, including M1, M62, and the A1.
  • By bus - Towns and cities have frequent and reliable bus networks, while rural areas may have reduced services.
  • By rail - Trains are widely available throughout Yorkshire. Key cities in the region, such as Leeds, York, and Sheffield, offer direct connections to London and other regions.

Browse by property types in Yorkshire and the Humber

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 Yorkshire and the Humber FAQs

Yes, in many of the larger towns like Leeds, York, and Sheffield, there are robust public transport networks, senior bus passes, and amenities on every corner. If you choose to settle somewhere more remote, transport services might be less frequent, so access to a car or a community transport scheme would be helpful.

This region is a popular choice among retirees, as locations throughout Yorkshire offer easy access to larger cities and transport hubs, good amenities and healthcare facilities, and a strong community infrastructure. If you’re not sure where to settle down, get in touch with our friendly team, who will be happy to hear what you’re looking for and find a property in an area that suits your needs.

Towns and villages with a McCarthy & Stone retirement development will have access to GP surgeries and pharmacies—though it’s worth checking the local area out before moving. Major hospitals in each Yorkshire county include Leeds General Infirmary (West Yorkshire), York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals (North Yorkshire), Hull University Teaching Hospitals (East Riding of Yorkshire), and Northern General Hospital (South Yorkshire) – with more hospitals and medical centres throughout the region.

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Search for the best places to retire in the UK by selecting a city or county to explore.

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