City living is a fantastic experience. Every city is a centre of civilization that boasts activities and unique features. Many UK cities are considered some of the best places globally to work and live but when it comes to retirement, a city residence and lifestyle can be overwhelming.
City living presents numerous challenges such as the provision of services, safety concerns, and affordability. However, residential parks all over the United Kingdom allow their residents to live in an affordable, secure and independent environment without losing the exciting and unique feel of being near the city.
Discover some of Berkeleyparks’ best ‘near the city’ residential parks below.
Cat & Fiddle Park, Exeter
Exeter is renowned as one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the United Kingdom. Despite its smaller size, Exeter is vibrant, attractive and boasts a rich history. The city predates the arrival of the Romans in AD 50 and many of its ancient sites are fascinating attractions that still stand today. From underground passages to Roman walls, the modern features of the city blend seamlessly with the ancient to create a city full of charm.
Away from the heart of the city, Exeter is equally known for the magnificent River Exe. From the city centre, beautiful cobbled streets wind downward toward Devon’s main river. It is here that the city makes this outstanding river its centrepiece and uses its banks as prime locations for restaurants, bars and parks. From here you can watch local rowing clubs practising in the waters or even catch some of the revered local regattas.
Only a short distance away, on the fringes of a designated area of natural beauty, Cat & Fiddle Park is a park that has it all. This unique location is close to the city of Exeter but far enough away that the bliss of the outdoors is right on the doorstep. Easy access to major roads and transport links such as two mainline rail stations and Exeter airport are nearby with frequent domestic flight locations all across the UK.
Buses stop at the entrance of the park every 30 minutes and travel to Exeter and Sidmouth. These transport links are one of the best attributes of this ‘near the city’ park. For ease, you can be somewhere with more amenities in no time at all but will be able to return to your much quieter place of residence to escape the bustle. If you don’t want to venture into the city then local tradesmen and essential products deliveries come to you at the park!
Cat & Fiddle Park offers all the possibilities of being in the city without being overwhelmed by it. This location truly is unique and has the West County Showground and many other leisure facilities close by, making it perfect for new (or old) hobbies or entertaining family members. For extra exciting days out for any young ones (or thrillseekers), Crealy Theme Park & Resort is less than a mile away!
So whether you want historic charm, great shopping facilities or the stunning natural beauty of Devon, Cat & Fiddle Park has it all.
If you would like to visit this park, please call us on 01392 875008 and we’ll arrange for someone to show you around.
Broadway Park, Brighton
Bohemian, cultural and bursting with life, Brighton is a seaside city that encapsulates traditional coastal nostalgia from days gone by. From the world-famous Brighton pier to the North Lanes, this city is packed full of unique activities, exciting opportunities and welfare facilities.
Located in East Sussex, Brighton has plenty of landmarks and amenities that are as great for everyday living as they are for entertaining the family. The Royal Pavilion is one of the most stunning feats of the city and is full of history and amazing decoration. Food and drink facilities at the Royal Pavilion make it a beautiful place to enjoy afternoon tea before heading into the city for a touch of shopping or exploration of the many museums.
Brighton Pier, all 537m of it, is full of the attractions that make the coast such a fun place to be. From whirring arcade machines and food stalls to beautiful views back at the esplanades, the pier is great for grabbing a bite to eat or just sitting down to relax.
In Brighton, stopping to relax is easy. Despite its status as a city, Brighton is well-known as one of the most laid back and accommodating places in the UK. The numerous bars, restaurants and cafes throughout the city are fantastic rest stops along the seafront or as you wind back through the cobbled lanes into the city centre.
Only 6 miles to the West, Broadway Park is situated in the small town of Lancing, close to Brighton City Airport and just as close to the ocean. The location of these residential parks makes living near a city a breeze; a coastal one. Bus services run regularly from Lancing and go to Worthing, Brighton and Shoreham. The town itself also has a good selection of shops, a Doctor’s Surgery and Post Office.
The site itself is home to a thriving social club where tea dances, darts, snooker and keep-fit sessions are held. At this park, you can really feel the sense of community that so many residents adore.
As if the beautiful coastal location and all the spoils of Brighton weren’t enough, Broadway Park is located only a short distance from the natural beauty of the South Downs National Park.
Brighton is one of the most vibrant and unique cities in the United Kingdom and if you think it’s the near the city experience for you, call Broadway Park on 01903 752552.
Elstree Park, London
When people think of cities in the United Kingdom, the first to come to mind is undoubtedly London. As the nation’s capital, London is a cultural and commercial hub full of life and attractive prospects.
With thousands of restaurants to dine at and just as many ways to spend your days, London is a hive of activity that makes filling your time and accessing facilities an adventure. With sights on every corner and people from all walks of life, London is a much-desired location for living.
However, living in London is definitely not for the faint of heart. Luckily, there are some idyllic locations surrounding the nation’s capital that offer an easy commute. From these locations, you can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle but still benefit from the abundance of activities and resources.
Elstree Park is a residential park located only 12 miles from Marble Arch. Marble Arch is one of the most prominent historical landmarks in the city and stands on the corner of the expansive green spaces of Hyde Park. Marble Arch is also located only a few minutes walk from the luxurious borough of Mayfair, a tube ride from quirky Covent Gardens and a stone throw from the endless shopping on Oxford Street.
Elstree Park is situated on the edge of Borehamwood, only 3 miles from Barnet and less than 20 minutes drive from Watford. Buses run frequently from outside the park going to Borehamwood, Barnet, Edgware and Burnt Oak. There are tube stations at Barnet and Edgware for easy and fast access to London locations.
Closer to the park, local sporting facilities including golf and swimming are abundant. Traders and amenities also frequent the park regularly and milk is delivered daily. No matter your big city preferences, this park gives all the luxury of being in a peaceful location but has all the advantages of big-city opportunities close by.
If you think a new life near London would be your ideal next step then contact Elstree Park today on 020 8953 4294 to find out more or even book a visit!
Glenholt Park, Plymouth
Come rain or shine, Britain’s Ocean City is a picturesque masterpiece that idyllically takes all the power of its maritime history and immerses it into an active, exciting cityscape. From world-class events and extensive shopping to the beautiful waterfront and well-known Hoe, Plymouth is a city that has it all.
Located on the south coast of Devon, Plymouth is known historically and presently as an active port city. The narrow cobbled streets remind tourists and residents alike of a time gone by where fudge shops and rock stores drew excited visitors to the windows.
Although the city centre offers an impressive array of eateries, cafes and shopping facilities, the city’s old port, the Barbican, is truly the jewel in the crown of the city of Plymouth. Whether you’re looking to relax with a beverage or host family and friends, there’s an abundance of things to do. The fantastic National Marine Museum on the edge of Sutton Harbour has resident sharks and rays for all ages to enjoy and afterwards you can go and enjoy the views with some of the best fish and chips in the country.
Only four miles away, in a quiet suburban area, is the sought after and fresh-faced Glenholt Park. This residential park has fantastic access to the city with a Park and Ride nearby and plenty of alternative transport links. Closeby amenities include a post office, general store, and hairdressers, bringing convenience to your doorstep.
Away from the city proximity, access is simple to health and leisure centres as well as large superstores for shopping. For the outdoor lovers among you, Dartmoor National Park is only two miles north and the immediate area is flanked by woodlands for pleasant walks.
Being near to the city also provides access to the mainline train services to London Paddington and Penzance. And for those with an adoration for everything French or Spanish, Brittany Ferries operates seasonal services from Plymouth to France and northern Spain.
If a new life in a residential park close to a beautiful and historic port city is what you’re after then contact the team today and arrange a visit at the park by calling 01752 708555.
Woodlands Park, Bristol
If you’re looking to live near a city with character and flair then there’s nowhere quite like Bristol. This quirky and lively city is a hotspot for art, culture and maritime historians in mass. Home of Wallace and Gromit, biggest manufacturer of hot air balloons globally and location of the UK’s own leaning tower of Pisa, known as Temple Church, Bristol is thriving with things to do and places to fall in love with.
The city has a heritage that is centuries old and significant landmarks such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the harbourside, known for its heyday bidding famous sailors (and pirates) off on their adventures, reflect the vast way of life of this city.
Like any city, the hustle and bustle of Bristol, especially around the famous Cabot Circus, can make living centrally overly expensive and taxing. Only eight miles away, away from the central hustle and closer to the wilds of Somerset and Avon, sits Woodlands Park.
For those that enjoy sporting activities, there are many available in the Almondsbury area nearby. The park is connected to all major local areas by frequent bus services that run from the park entrance and there’s easy access to the M4 and M5.
On site, the atmosphere is just as lively. There’s a lively (licensed) club that is run by the residents for the residents that invokes community spirit in abundance. It is open daily for Bingo, coffee mornings and the occasional line dance! Living in this park means that you can have just as fun on your doorstep as you can by using the easily accessible travel routes close by to see the city and beyond.
If you’d like to make this park your new home, call today on 01454 612603 to arrange a visit or find out more.
Why retire near a city?
Cities are great opportunities to have access to everything you could ever possibly need. However, living within them can be overwhelming and expensive. With a Berkeleyparks residential park near a city, you can have the best of both worlds with excellent travel routes to get you city bound while still enjoying the safety, security and financial advantages of residential park home living.
To find out more about any of our residential parks or learn more about how park home living could benefit you, contact the Berkeleyparks team today on 01935 862079 or email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
