VerifiedCQC Good
Wilbury Gardens is a small care home in Hove, East Sussex, run by Achieve Together.
Care homes in Brighton and Hove
Brighton and Hove is a vibrant seaside city with a well-established retirement community — over a quarter of residents are 65 or older. It offers excellent restaurants and cafes, strong social life, and good medical access, though it's a busier, pricier area than many UK retirement destinations.
42 properties
VerifiedVerifiedZ & M Care Limited is a 37-bed care home in Hove, East Sussex.
Is Brighton and Hove a good retirement location?
Brighton and Hove suits active retirees who value urban buzz, cultural life, and a ready-made older population. The 26.6% over-65 share signals a mature retirement area. Care-home provision here is smaller than in some regions; the five listed homes range from around 20 to 105 beds and all carry CQC "good" ratings. Expect higher costs than the national average. It's less suitable if you prefer a quieter setting or have a tight budget.
Health & support
- Medical access: GP surgeries and pharmacies are well distributed across the city; the Sussex Coast University Hospital is within reach for emergency care.
- Safety: Recorded crime is on the higher side — 865 offences recorded recently, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour among the most common. Quieter residential streets exist, but the city centre carries greater risk.
- Family & connection: Consider whether family and support networks are local; the city is well-connected to London by rail, useful if relatives visit from further afield.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Care-home fees in Brighton and Hove are above the national average, reflecting the South East's higher costs. Budget accordingly and ask homes for their current weekly rates.
- Transport: Buses run throughout the city; rail links to London and other South Coast towns are frequent. The seafront and many services are walkable from residential areas, though some neighbourhoods require a car or taxis.
- Housing options: Five care homes are listed locally, all rated good by the CQC, ranging from smaller independent homes to larger facilities. Choice is limited compared to bigger retirement hubs; early planning and contact with homes is advisable.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: The city has 42 parks and 20 allotments, plus the seafront promenade for walks. A strong cafe and restaurant culture — 438 eating venues and 186 pubs and bars — supports an active social life.
- Community: The high concentration of older residents creates natural peer networks. Pubs, cafes, and community groups are abundant; cultural events and the arts scene are particularly well developed.
- Climate: Typical South East England — mild winters, moderate rainfall, and occasional sea breezes from the coast.
Things to weigh up
- Higher crime rates: Violent crime and anti-social behaviour are recorded more frequently than in many quieter UK retirement areas; choice of neighbourhood matters.
- Limited care-home choice: Only five homes are listed locally, all good quality but fewer options than larger retirement centres; early contact is important.
- Cost premium: Fees are above the national average; affordability depends on your budget and available capital.