Retirement Living by the Sea
For many people, retirement is the moment to finally live by the sea. If you have always pictured stepping out of your front door to fresh sea air, wide skies, and the sound of the waves, a coastal retirement apartment could be the place to make it happen. Churchill Living has retirement apartments in seaside towns right across the UK, combining an easy, independent lifestyle with the coast on your doorstep.
The Benefits of Retiring by the Sea
Life on the coast suits an active, unhurried retirement. A gentle walk along the promenade, a morning by the water, or a slower afternoon watching the boats can all become part of everyday life. Sea air and open space are good for body and mind, and the calmer pace of a seaside town tends to bring a strong sense of community. With the upkeep of your apartment and its grounds taken care of, you are free to make the most of it all.
Things to Do by the Coast
The coast offers no shortage of gentle ways to fill your days. You might stroll the seafront, potter around a harbour, or follow the coastal path at your own pace. Many of our seaside towns have theatres, galleries, tea rooms, and traditional markets close by, along with sailing clubs, bowling greens, and gardens. When family visit, sandy beaches and classic seaside attractions make for easy days out together. Open-water swimming, birdwatching, and fishing are all within reach too, for those who want them.
Best Places to Retire by the Sea in the UK
Britain's coastline offers something for every taste, from the milder south coast to the wilder shores of the south-west and the wide skies of East Anglia. Churchill has retirement apartments in some of the country's most popular seaside towns. Here are a few worth getting to know.
Best Places to Retire by the Sea in the UK
Lymington, Hampshire
A Georgian waterfront market town on the edge of the New Forest, Lymington pairs a lovely high street and a Saturday Charter Market with sailing, a historic sea water swimming pool, and a ferry to the Isle of Wight. With the Solent on one side and open forest on the other, it is a fine base for an active coastal retirement.
Christchurch, Dorset
With the New Forest on one side and the Dorset coast on the other, Christchurch is built around a historic priory and a riverside quay where the Stour and Avon meet. A sheltered harbour, the sandy beaches of nearby Mudeford, and a lively centre of shops and cafés give it broad, year-round appeal.
Exmouth, Devon
At the start of the Jurassic Coast, where the Exe meets the sea, Exmouth has a two-mile sandy beach backed by a level esplanade and gardens. Add the traffic-free Exe Estuary Trail, a high street of independent shops, and a direct rail link to Exeter, and it suits those who want an active seaside life.
Cromer, Norfolk
On the North Norfolk coast, Cromer is a classic seaside town of cliffs, sandy beaches, and a Victorian pier with one of the country's last end-of-pier theatres. Famous for its crab and its friendly community, it offers wide skies, an unhurried pace, and the countryside of the Norfolk coast close at hand.
Your Coastal Community
Wherever you choose, the Churchill lifestyle is the same. Each development has a Lodge Manager, a Communal Lounge, and landscaped gardens, with a lift to all floors and a Guest Suite for visiting family. There is a programme of social events through the year, from coffee mornings to seasonal celebrations, so company is always there when you want it. Shops, cafés, banks, and medical services are usually a short, level walk away, keeping day-to-day life simple.
How Much Does Coastal Retirement Cost?
Costs vary by town and by the apartment you choose, and property in the most sought-after seaside spots can carry a premium. With Churchill, you buy your apartment and then pay a monthly service charge that covers the upkeep of the building and grounds, and there are no exit fees to pay when you come to sell. For a full breakdown of what to expect, see our costs and service charges guide.
Renting a Retirement Apartment by the Sea
A seaside apartment doesn't have to mean buying. Many people choose to rent, whether to try coastal living before making a permanent move, or simply for the flexibility it offers. Renters enjoy exactly the same lifestyle and facilities as everyone else at the development, and need to meet the same age criteria as buyers. You can read more on our guide to how renting works.
Where You'll Find Us by the Coast
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to retire by the sea in the UK?
It depends on what you are looking for. The south coast, from Hampshire to Kent, is popular for its milder climate and good transport links, while Devon, Cornwall, and Norfolk offer a quieter, more scenic pace. Churchill has apartments in seaside towns across all of these areas, so the best approach is to visit a few and see which suits you.
Where is the cheapest coastal place to retire?
As a rule, the north-east and north-west coasts and parts of East Anglia tend to cost less than the south coast, though prices vary from town to town. Churchill has apartments across a range of coastal locations and price points, and your Sales Executive can talk you through the costs for any development you like.
Can I rent a retirement apartment by the sea?
Yes. Many of our developments offer apartments to rent as well as to buy, giving you the same lifestyle and facilities with added flexibility. Renters need to meet the same age criteria as buyers.
Is coastal living suitable for later life?
It can suit it very well. Level promenades, sea air, and a relaxed pace make the coast an easy place to stay active, and our apartments are designed for independent, low-maintenance living, with support close at hand.
Thinking about moving?
Book a no obligation visit, download a brochure, or speak to our team. However you'd like to explore your options, we're here to help.