When it comes to moving to a town or city for retirement, there are fewer places that are more suitable for many than Windsor.
Known for its historic castle and, of course, being a historical town, it may seem at a glance that Windsor is more suited to tourists than it is for people who are looking to retire or spend their senior years in comfort.
However, if you are looking to retire in Windsor or are even looking to move there as part of your assisted living plan, there are a fair few things to consider.
So, when it comes to moving to Windsor, what do senior individuals need to know about settling down here?
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There Are Lots of Homes!
OK, so while you may be initially moving to Windsor to stay near relatives or just to get away from London, it is important to look at the surrounding area should you need help at any time in the future.
With that in mind, there is an array of supported living complexes, as well as a fair few Signature care homes near Windsor, which will allow you easy access to the town centre without needing to go on a full-day trip. Also, Windsor is generally a safe and peaceful place to live.
It has one of the lowest crime rates of any town in the UK and a strong sense of community, which can provide seniors with a sense of security and well-being.
Access to Cultural and Recreational Activities
Windsor is known for its historical landmarks and cultural attractions, including Windsor Castle and the Royal Windsor Racecourse. Seniors can also enjoy the scenic Windsor Great Park and the Thames Path National Trail.
So, when you move here, there will always be something to do! Also, if you or any of your party are wheelchair users, you will be happy to learn that areas have been adapted to accommodate wheelchair users, and there are also wheelchair-friendly transport options available.
For example, going back to Windsor Castle, the castle itself has a limited number of wheelchairs available for loan, and there are accessible routes around the castle grounds. Similarly, Windsor Great Park has a number of designated accessible trails.
The town of Windsor itself has many wheelchair-accessible shops, restaurants, and accommodations, and the public transportation system is generally accessible as well. Buses operated by the local authority are equipped with low floors and wheelchair ramps, and the train station has accessible platforms and staff available to provide assistance.
That being said, it’s always a good idea to research specific locations and attractions in advance to ensure that they are fully accessible and to contact businesses or organisations ahead of time if there are specific accessibility needs.
So, irrespective of your level of mobility, you will be able to get around without too much hassle!
Excellent Transportation Links
If you have friends or family in London, Windsor is well-connected to other cities in the UK via its train and bus stations. This can make it easier for seniors to travel to visit family and friends or to explore other parts of the country.
For instance, by train, the journey from London Paddington Station to Windsor & Eton Central Station takes around 25 minutes, and trains run regularly throughout the day. There is also a direct train service from London Waterloo Station to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, which takes around 50 minutes.
As before, to save yourself some hassle beforehand, it is always worth checking ahead to ensure that the trains are on time; you are going into London, after all!
Vibrant Community
If you are someone who has always loved the nightlife or has enjoyed activities during the day, then you will be glad to know that Windsor has a friendly and active community with many clubs and groups for seniors to get involved with. This can provide opportunities to make new friends and pursue hobbies and interests.
To name a couple of clubs, there is Age Concern Windsor, which is a charity that provides support and services for older people in the local area. They offer a range of activities and events, including exercise classes, day trips and social groups.
Or, if you want something a bit more specialised, why not try Windsor & Maidenhead U3A? This is a nationwide organisation that provides educational and social opportunities for retired and semi-retired people.
The Windsor & Maidenhead U3A has over 120 interest groups covering topics such as history, music and languages.
