Why retire to Essex?

With one of the driest climates in the UK, Essex is a glorious mix of charming towns and picturesque villages, all nestled in lush rolling countryside or perched along the 350 miles of rugged coastline, which soon gives way to a landscape of tidal inlets teaming with wildlife.

With so much to explore, Essex is an idyllic county for retirement living. And benefits from easy access to the bright lights and culture of London too.

Essex has countless attractions – from historic buildings, such as the oldest wooden church in the world at Greensted, to formal gardens like the Jacobean Audley End House and Gardens, close to the medieval charms of Saffron Walden. Then there’s the Norman Colchester Castle and Museum, in Colchester, Britain’s oldest town, which is also home to the beautiful Bourne Mill. Or the splendid Copped Hall set in magnificent parklands on the outskirts of Waltham Abbey. Each historic site has its own distinctive atmosphere and character.

Essex is jam-packed with country parks too. You can admire the deer in the woodland at majestic Weald Country Park or meander along the beaches of Cudmore Grove. But perhaps Essex is best known for its traditional seaside towns, like Southend-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea or the resort of Walton-on-the-Naze, which mix breath-taking cliff-top views and trails, with bucket-and-spade beaches and old-fashioned fairground fun – a big draw for the grandchildren too.

Unsurprisingly, Essex is steeped in a rich maritime tradition. Why not explore the cockle sheds at Old Leigh, just outside Southend-on-Sea or historic Maldon at the mouth of the Blackwater Estuary, famous for its sea salt and iconic barge trips? Maldon is built on part of the wild Saltmarsh Coast, an important haven for birds and nature and a fantastic place for bracing and dramatic walks.

Mersea Island, ten miles from Colchester makes for an unusual day trip, with sandy beaches, a traditional fishing village and plenty of watersports to enjoy, as well as a golf club. You can walk around the whole island in around 3 hours. In recent years, Mersea island has become famous for its food, particularly oysters, and wine – yes it even has a vineyard!

Tempted? McCarthy Stone has elegant retirement apartments for sale or rent in Essex that are carefully located to take advantage of everything this amazing county has to offer. Take a look though these retirement developments in Colchester, Waltham Abbey and Essex’s only city, Chelmsford.

Or browse all McCarthy Stone retirement apartments across the UK.

McCarthy Stone is the UK’s leading developer of retirement communities offering beautiful retirement properties to rent or for sale. For more information, please visit McCarthy Stone.