Retire to Gloucestershire: where country charm meets urban convenience
05 December 2025
Unsure on where to retire? Gloucestershire consistently earns high marks as a top place to live, and it’s easy to see why. Here, a strong sense of community and famously vibrant market towns like Gloucester and Cheltenham boasting incredible history, meet breathtaking natural landscapes like the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean. The county is also known for its low crime rate, a range of recreational activities, and excellent transport links - you have all you need for a comfortable and fulfilling retirement destination.
At Pegasus Homes, we understand this unique appeal better than most, which is why we have thoughtfully positioned our later living communities across the county to allow residents to fully embrace the best of Gloucestershire living.
From our country spa-like Steepleton community in Tetbury, to our Latheram House and One Bayshill communities in the historic regency spa town of Cheltenham. Pegasus Homes forms a welcoming cluster across this sought-after county. If you're considering a move to one of the UK’s most desirable locations, here are the top reasons to make Gloucestershire your next move.
What makes living in Gloucestershire the perfect fit for joyful later living for the over 60s?
The great outdoors
The county boasts picturesque areas like the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, whether a keen rambler or a stroll with a coffee in hand is more your thing.
For example, Tetbury, home to our Steepleton community, really is in the middle of everything, with easy access to the rolling Cotswold hills and almost endless miles of public footpaths and walking trails, including the 100-mile-long Cotswold Way.
The best of both worlds
Gloucestershire offers a lovely blend of thriving urban centres and serene countryside escapes. On one hand, you have the vibrant energy of towns like Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud, while on the other, you have the quiet charm of quaint villages such as Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Cirencester, all framed by the picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Our delightful Latheram House community is perfectly located within the popular Regency spa town of Cheltenham, it offers an amazing wealth of retail options both high street and independent, and the buzz of its many annual festivals. For your day-to-day essentials you’ll find pharmacies, banks and convenience stores, all within a short walk on the Promenade. It’s a less-than-ten-minute walk to John Lewis and Waitrose.
Excellent transport links
Gloucestershire is very well connected, so getting to family and friends is hassle-free. Major routes like the M5 run through the county, providing excellent connectivity to other parts of the UK, including London, Bristol, and Birmingham.
From our One Bayshill Road community, Bristol is reachable within 40 minutes, London in under 2 hours. Staying connected is also convenient for our Steepleton residents - Cirencester and Stroud are 15 minutes away by car and nearby Kemble train station takes you to Bristol in under an hour and London in 90 minutes.
If you don’t drive or simply like the convenience of hopping on a bus. Gloucestershire bus links are good for running errands and getting to your hairdresser appointments is effortless!
Don’t fancy cooking?
If you want a day off from cooking, there are plenty of foodie hotspots to choose from for all palettes and wallets.
For delicious flaky pastries, why not try an independent bakery like Knead - an ideal pitstop on your stroll from our Steepleton community. Also right on your doorstep for our Steepleton residents is The Deli, perfectly placed within this community. Or enjoy high street classics like Zizzi located in the centre of Cheltenham - perfect for visiting families of our One Bayshill Road or Latheram House residents. For special occasions (or if you are looking to treat yourself) Gloucestershire towns also offer fine dining - gourmets can enjoy Michelin-starred dining at Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham or Wilder in Stroud.
For those who enjoy a mosey around a Farmers’ Market, there are lots to choose from. Stroud holds one every Wednesday and Sunday (and has won Best Farmer’s Market of the year twice and is an old favourite with the locals). Cheltenham is home to a bustling market on the second and last Friday of the month on the Promenade. Chipping Norton holds theirs on the 3rd Saturday of the month in the Market Place - which is great for coffee lovers with its unique selection of hot specialty coffee & espresso based drinks, freshly roast & ground coffee beans.
A cultural haven
The area has a rich cultural scene and offers many leisure activities, from arts and culture to shopping.
Gloucestershire is rich in cultural spots, offering a blend of interesting history, architecture, and natural beauty. Architectural wonders include Gloucester Cathedral, famed for its Gothic design and Harry Potter filming locations; the impressive Roman ruins of Chedworth Roman Villa; and historic fortresses like Sudeley Castle and the medieval Berkeley Castle.
The county's heritage is further explored at the Jet Age Museum, which celebrates its aviation past, and the Dean Heritage Centre, focusing on the Forest of Dean. For unique cultural experiences, visitors can explore the preserved artistry of Painswick Rococo Garden, the timeless charm of Bibury (often called one of England's most beautiful villages), and the sophisticated atmosphere of the spa town Cheltenham. Other notable sites include the Baroque Dyrham Park and the Nature in Art museum.
Making your next move to Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire offers a wonderful lifestyle for life over 60: one where the natural beauty of the Cotswolds is always within easy reach, yet the unrivalled connectivity to London, Bristol and beyond are just moments away. Our Pegasus Homes communities are perfectly placed to ensure you get the absolute best of this sought-after county. Discover the perfect blend of country calm and urban convenience.
If you’re looking to enjoy your next chapter in the heart of Gloucestershire, get in touch with our friendly customer advisor team to find out more and to book a viewing.