Retiring to the Countryside
There is a lot to be said for retiring to the countryside. A slower pace, natural beauty, and space to breathe draw many people out of the town or city when they retire. Churchill Living has retirement apartments in market towns and villages across rural Britain, so you can enjoy the calm of the countryside with everyday comforts and a friendly community close by.
The Benefits of Country Retirement Living
Life in the country offers relaxation and a real connection to the outdoors. Fresh air, quiet lanes, and open countryside are all on your doorstep, along with the gentle rhythm of village and market-town life. For anyone who has spent years in a busy town or city, the peace of a rural setting can be a genuine tonic, and with maintenance and gardening taken care of, it comes without the hard work.
Things to Do in the Countryside
A country retirement is far from quiet if you want it to be active. Nature walks, gentle cycling, gardening, and wildlife spotting are all close at hand, along with National Parks, farmers' markets, country pubs, and historic houses and gardens to explore. Market towns bring their own calendar of fairs, shows, and community events, so there is always something to join in with.
Best Areas to Retire in the Countryside
Rural Britain offers enormous variety, from the fells of the Lake District to the rolling hills of Devon and the Cotswolds. Churchill has retirement apartments in some of its most sought-after areas, always in or beside a market town where everyday life stays easy. Here are a few worth getting to know.
Best Areas to Retire in the Countryside
Penrith, Cumbria
On the northern edge of the Lake District National Park, Penrith is a red-sandstone market town with a traditional centre, a regular market, and heritage trails. The fells and lakes are a short drive away, with Ullswater close by, making it ideal for anyone who loves open country and fresh air.
Kendal, Cumbria
Known as the gateway to the Lakes, Kendal is a characterful market town of largely pedestrianised streets and hidden 'yards', set among low hills just outside the National Park. Independent shops, a strong arts and heritage scene, and easy access to the fells give it the best of country living.
Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Built around a wide, historic market square, Thirsk is a traditional Yorkshire market town with a twice-weekly charter market and a well-known connection to the author and vet James Herriot. The Hambleton Hills and the North York Moors rise close by for gentle walks and wide views.
Honiton, Devon
Set on the River Otter within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Honiton is known as the antiques capital of the South West. Its long, level high street, the surrounding Blackdown Hills, and the Jurassic Coast a short drive away make it a rewarding rural base with plenty to explore.
Find Community in the Countryside
Country life is built around community, and it is often easy to feel part of things quickly. Village halls, community groups, social clubs, and traditional pubs all make it simple to meet like-minded neighbours. At a Churchill development, that sense of community is closer still, with a Communal Lounge, a Lodge Manager, and a programme of social events, so there is always company when you want it and privacy when you don't.
The Best of Both Worlds
Retiring to the countryside doesn't mean giving up the conveniences of town life. Our rural developments are chosen for their location, with shops, cafés, supermarkets, and good transport links close by, and larger towns and cities within easy reach for shopping, culture, and family visits. It is an easy way to enjoy the quiet of the country without feeling cut off.
How Much Does Countryside Retirement Cost?
Prices vary by location and by the apartment you choose. With Churchill, you buy your apartment and then pay a monthly service charge that covers the upkeep of the building and grounds, with no exit fees when you sell. Your Sales Executive can talk you through the costs for any development, and help you complete a Savings Calculator based on your current property. For more, see our costs and service charges guide.
Where You'll Find Us in the Countryside
Our countryside retirement apartments can be found across the UK, including in:
• Cornwall
• Cumbria
• Devon
For more information, or to book a visit, please call our friendly team on 01425 462104 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to retire in the countryside?
It depends on the landscape you love. The Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, Devon, and the Cotswolds are all popular for country retirement, and Churchill has apartments in market towns across these areas, each with amenities close at hand.
Will I be too far from shops and amenities?
Not with Churchill. Our rural developments are chosen for their location in or beside a market town or village, with shops, cafés, and services within a short, level walk, and larger towns within easy reach for anything else you need.
Is countryside retirement right for me?
The best way to decide is to weigh up rural and town living against what matters most to you, pace, scenery, community, and how close you want to be to shops, family, and transport. Visiting a development is the surest way to get a feel for it.
What does a countryside retirement apartment cost?
Prices vary by location and by the apartment itself. For a full picture of prices and what the service charge includes, speak to our team or see our costs and service charges page.
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.