Retirement Renting in Hampshire
Posted 8th May 2024
Renting in retirement in Hampshire
Retiring to Hampshire offers a perfect blend of city, coast and countryside. There’s plenty to do all year round, with two National Parks, three cities and a beautiful coastline.
Every pace of retired life is catered for in Hampshire. Relaxing walks, vibrant cities, coast and countryside, there’s something for everyone.
Retiring to a city in Hampshire
Winchester
The county town is the city of Winchester, where you can explore the rich heritage. Situated on the outskirts of England’s South Downs National Park, there are many historical buildings to explore.
Winchester was built within walls, and some of the walls remain. When you walk through one of the medieval archways, you really get a feeling of stepping back in time.
Winchester Cathedral was constructed in around 1093 and is an impressive example of the architectural design of the time. There are regular events held there and it has a great welcoming sense of community.
The Cathedral nestles within the oldest part of the city, there are some wonderful 15th Century Jacobean properties, full of the characteristics of the period.
A couple of decades before the Cathedral was built, there was a castle. Only the Great Hall still stands, and it houses a museum which houses the famous Arthurian Legend, known as the Round Table.
Winchester college boasts some impressive architecture. Built in 1382, it still operates as a boarding and day school today. Very nearby to this is Jane Austen’s uncles house, where she spent the last of her days.
Winchester is situated close to the M3 motorway which in turn, gives access to the M25 and London and the M4. There is a bus stop outside of the development which makes navigating around easy. There are a selection of shops, pubs, and takeaways within a short walking distance. Plenty of Doctor’s surgeries and dentists are nearby, along with pharmacies. There are also multiple hospitals, including the Royal Hampshire County Hospital which has an accident and emergency department.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a Waterfront city which is packed with world-class attractions and events throughout the year. Whether you want to shop until you drop, or take a step back in time, this city has plenty to offer.
Gunwharf Quays is a renowned discount designer shopping centre with over 90 famous brands. There are also many restaurants in the area and the King’s Theatre to make a real day and evening treat.
For some heritage, you can visit Southsea Castle or the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which boasts over 500 years of naval history.
Southampton
Southampton is a vibrant city with a wealth of leisure facilities and an exciting nightlife. It also boasts a waterfront location and has a refurbished Tudor house and gardens in the old town, which shows you over 800 years of history.
You can also visit one of the many sites relating to the ill-fated Titanic with the Titanic Trail. If you fancy sitting and letting the world go by, there are many green spaces in the city to while away a sunny afternoon.
Retiring to a town in Hampshire
Fareham
Fareham is a lively market town which nestles between the cities of Portsmouth and Southampton. A characterful high street with historic buildings leads to a modern pedestrianized shopping centre. There are regular farmers’ markets and gardeners’ markets to enjoy.
Gosport
Gosport faces the harbour of Portsmouth and offers a wide expanse of waterfront with many safe beaches. Lots of watersports take place here, which is fun to either join in with, or watch. With historic trails and countryside walks, keeping fit will be easy to do.
Aldershot
Aldershot is famously the home of the British Army. A well documented history awaits you in one of the many local museums. There are many leisure facilities including theatres, a cinema, swimming pools and a dry ski slope. The Basingstoke canal runs through the area, offering many paths and trails for walking, cycling and fishing.
Fordingbridge
Fordingbridge is a small riverside town with a wealth of heritage dating back to the Domesday book, where it was recorded as ‘Forde’. The interesting history can be discovered at the free museum. The town is situated on the Avon Valley Path, which spans from Salisbury to Christchurch which is a great way to explore the countryside and views.
New Milton
New Milton is close to both the New Forest and Barton-on-Sea for the best of countryside and seaside on your doorstep. There is a variety of sports on offer in the town, with an indoor swimming pool and provisions for tennis, bowls, cricket and football. Ballard lake is nearby with picturesque walks around a duck lake. The town itself has plenty of shops for everyday needs.
Basingstoke
Basingstoke is a large and vibrant town with a large shopping centre. It offers an artistic flair with exciting programmes of dance, theatre, opera, live music and comedy. A leisure park offering swimming, cinemas, bowling and ice-skating, alongside which you can delve into the heritage of the town, walking along Victorian streets and visiting the museum.
Petersfield
Petersfield is an ancient market town which is described as the Gateway to the South Downs National Park. Nestling within pretty countryside, the town centre offers weekly markets and festivals throughout the year. The high street offers a meld of branded retailers and independent shops for a great everyday shopping experience.
Andover
Andover is a market town that dates back to the Saxon times which is reflected in the narrow walk ways and museums. Offering two markets each week, there is also a diverse offering of arts and entertainment, many of which are free to attend.
Farnborough
Farnborough is well known for the international airshow held there every two years. With a history in aviation spanning back to 1908, you can see a vast collection of aircraft and the associated equipment, photographs and films.
Emsworth
Emsworth is a small town that has grown from a historic fishing village. It boasts an eclectic array of architecture, spanning the growth of the town. There are interesting walks, including around the mill pond and the Oyster Trail. P.G. Wodehouse, famed author of over 90 books, 200 short stories and 40 plays lived here and there are many interesting discoveries awaiting you in the museum.
Eastleigh
Eastleigh is easily accessible to surrounding areas, due to its proximity to both the M27 and M3 Motorways. The Aerodrome in the town launched the Spitfire in 1936 and the site is now Southampton International Airport, making it ideal for holidays abroad. There’s a lakeside country park, heritage railway and a 9 screen cinema alongside a large shopping centre.
Lyndhurst
Lyndhurst is known as the capital of the New Forest and has had many Royal visits throughout the centuries. There is plenty of countryside to explore on foot or bike, or a high street with many branded and independent shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
Waterlooville
Waterlooville is within striking distance of the city of Portsmouth, yet is a peaceful and quiet town with plenty of countryside. It’s easy to get a balanced retirement here. Offering a golf course, a leisure centre, art galleries and the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, there is plenty to keep you entertained.
Retiring to the coast in Hampshire
Lymington
Lymington is a coastal town in the New Forest with a quay. There are lots of river walks alongside the Lymington River which is well known for it’s yachting centre. These walks connect with Keyhaven Nature Reserve. There’s a weekly market on Saturdays and lots of beaches nearby to visit.
Milford on Sea
Milford on Sea has a stunning coastline with a backdrop of the New Forest. It’s a popular destination for both walkers and water sport enthusiasts. In the town, a traditional village green is encircled with shops and cafes. Hurst Castle is a fortress on the seafront with a vast collection of military history.
Southsea
Southsea enjoys views over the sea to the Isle of Wight and is situated on the southern side of Portsmouth. Independent shops and eateries contribute to the seaside charm of the town and there are lots of water sports, ferries and Royal Navy ships that create an ever changing scene on the sea.
Lee-on-the-Solent
Lee-on-the-Solent is a traditional seaside resort which has plenty to entertain visiting friends and family. Stokes Bay seafront was included in the top ten locations to enjoy a picnic in the UK. Within a couple of miles, there is a Living History Village which shows what life on a farm was like in 1642.
Hayling Island
Hayling Island features miles of coastline and countryside which is a peaceful retreat. In contrast, you will find all of the attractions of a traditional seaside vibe and lots of water sports taking place. Did you know that Hayling Island was actually the birth place of Windsurfing? The island also holds a European Blue Flag award and a Tidy Britain Seaside Award for the water quality, cleanliness and safety of their beaches.
Retiring to a village in Hampshire
Cowplain is a village surrounded by the ancient Forest of Bere. It is a well appointed villages, with good bus services, a GP practice and a dentist. A small high street offers a selection of shops which cater for everyday shopping needs.
Brockenhurst is the largest village (by population) in the New Forest. Ponies, deer, donkeys and cows roam free which adds to the historic charm and beauty. With plenty of nature trails and cycle paths, getting out and about the countryside is easy. There is a train station with links to London and a well provisioned high street.
Pennington is a village near Lymington and is split into two hamlets of Upper and Lower Pennington. Within the village, there are a convenience stores and a cheese delicatessen with a farm shop a short drive away.
We are happy to accept customers who receive local housing allowance, and we offer long term assured tenancies for your peace of mind.
Find your perfect home to rent in retirement in Hampshire today.
