The Hollies Rest Home
CQC GoodThe Hollies Rest Home is a 31-bed care home in Southborough, Kent, providing residential care.
Care homes in Southborough
Southborough is a South East England town with a slightly higher-than-average share of residents aged 65+, suggesting an established later-life community. Crime is very low, and the area offers a settled, accessible base for retirement living — though you'll want to check local care-home availability and proximity to family support.
Average residential fee in Southborough: £1,800/week — above the UK average of £1,279
Living in Southborough
Low Recorded Crime
What do these badges mean?
- Low Recorded Crime — Ranks among the safer areas of its type on recorded police crime (Police.uk).
SafetyA
Excellent — safer than 88% of similar areas (per head of population)
Based on Kent data (town-level not yet available)
Green SpacesC
Limited — parks, playing fields & outdoor space nearby
Based on Kent data (town-level not yet available)
Daily ConveniencesC
Limited — shops, supermarkets & places to eat nearby
Based on Kent data (town-level not yet available)
How we grade areas
Grades are relative, comparing this area against others of the same type across the UK. Amenity grades are based on OpenStreetMap counts within a fixed radius. The Safety grade ranks recorded police crime — per head of population where ONS figures are available, otherwise by total recorded crime. Figures are estimates to aid research, not a substitute for visiting an area.
Sources — crime: Police.uk, April 2026; amenities: OpenStreetMap, updated June 2026.
How care costs compare
The estimated average residential care fee in Southborough is about £1,800/week, above the UK average of £1,279.
Estimated from published weekly fees for homes in the area. Actual costs vary by care needs and room type.
Council funding & top-up in Southborough
The average residential care home in Southborough costs about £1,800/week, while Kent’s published usual rate is around £1,187/week (2025). If you qualify for council funding, expect a likely third-party top-up of about £613/week (≈ £31,876/year) to bridge the gap.
Average fee in Southborough
£1,800/wk
Kent usual rate
£1,187/wk
Likely top-up gap
£613/wk
Estimate only. Councils fund care only when the person’s assets are below the means-test threshold, and actual fees, funding and top-ups vary by home, room and assessed needs. Compares the area average against Kent’s published usual cost of residential care (2025).
Care homes in Southborough on the map
- Good
Care homes (8)
Fountains Lodge Care Home
CQC GoodNestled in the heart of Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, you'll find Fountains Lodge, a warm and inviting care home renowned for its exceptional dementia care.…
DementiaRespiteNursing
Tunbridge Wells Care Centre
CQC GoodTunbridge Wells Care Centre is a 70-bed care home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, operated by BRAND Care Concern Group.
Birchwood House Rest Home
CQC GoodBirchwood House Rest Home is a care home with 38 registered beds in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Crossways Community
CQC GoodCrossways Community is a small care home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with 17 registered beds.
Beulah Lodge Care Home
CQC GoodBeulah Lodge Care Home is a 21-bed care home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Nestled in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Hallmark Chamberlain Court, a part of the esteemed Hallmark Luxury Care Homes group, is a distinguished care…
ResidentialDementiaRespiteNursing
Hallmark Chamberlain Court is a 74-bed care home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, providing residential and nursing care.
What care costs in Southborough
Residential (avg)
£1,800/week
Dementia (avg)
£1,463/week
Nursing (avg)
£1,463/week
Is Southborough a good retirement location?
Southborough suits people seeking a quieter South East location with a welcoming older demographic and reassuring safety record. At 20.5% of residents aged 65+, it's above the national average, indicating good local provision and social networks for later life. The main question is whether the available care homes and their fees match your needs and budget, and how close you are to family — these are personal rather than place-based factors, but worth weighing carefully.
Health & support
- Medical access: You'll want to confirm the number and location of local GP surgeries and the nearest pharmacy; check distance to the nearest hospital for emergency care.
- Safety: Recorded crime is very low, with only 4 offences recorded in the latest period, making this a secure place to live.
- Family & connection: Consider how close your family members are to Southborough; regular contact and support networks are important in retirement.
Finances & daily life
- Cost of care: Care-home fees in this region vary; compare local weekly rates against the national average to understand your costs.
- Transport: The South East generally benefits from good road and rail links to nearby cities; check bus routes and train stations near your chosen home.
- Housing options: As a town with an established older population, Southborough will have a range of care homes; visit several to compare size, facilities and what suits your needs.
Lifestyle & environment
- Green space & hobbies: Explore local parks, walking routes and community groups in the area; many South East towns have active social clubs and hobby groups.
- Community: Ask care homes about memory cafés, social events and networks for residents — these help build a sense of belonging.
- Climate: As South East England, expect a generally mild, temperate climate with moderate rainfall throughout the year.
Things to weigh up
- Local provision fit: Check that the available care homes match your preferred care level and budget; choice and availability may vary, so early viewing is wise.
- Family proximity: Southborough's appeal will depend heavily on how accessible it is to your support network; distance to loved ones is a real factor in later-life wellbeing.
Common questions
How many care homes are there in Southborough?
There are 8 care homes listed in and around Southborough on AskBart. You can filter them by care type, CQC rating and facilities to find the right fit.
How much does a care home in Southborough cost?
Care homes in Southborough range from around £1,125 to around £1,800 per week, with averages of £1,800 for residential, £1,463 for dementia, £1,463 for nursing care. Fees vary by home, care type and the level of support required.
How do care home fees in Southborough compare to the national average?
The average residential care fee around Southborough is about £1,800 per week — above the UK average of £1,279. Individual fees depend on the home, room and level of care.
Which care homes in Southborough are rated Outstanding or Good by the CQC?
8 of the 8 care homes in and around Southborough are rated Good or Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. Ratings are published by the CQC following regular inspections.
What types of care are available in Southborough?
Homes in and around Southborough offer dementia (2), nursing (2), respite (2), residential (1). Availability varies by home — use the filters above to find homes offering the specific care type you need.
How many care homes in Southborough offer dementia care?
2 care homes in and around Southborough offer specialist dementia care. Use the dementia filter above to see them, and check each home's CQC report for its record on caring for people living with dementia.
Do any care homes in Southborough offer respite care?
Yes — 2 care homes in and around Southborough offer respite (short-stay) care, for recovery after a hospital stay or to give a regular carer a break. Availability changes often, so contact the home directly to check.
How safe is the Southborough area?
Southborough is graded A for safety on AskBart (based on Kent) — safer than 88% of similar areas (per head of population). This is drawn from police-recorded crime data and compared against similar areas.
Can I get council funding for care in Southborough?
If the person needing care has savings and assets below £23,250, Kent Council may contribute towards fees. You can request a free care needs assessment and financial assessment through the council's adult social care team before choosing a home.
What's included in a care home's weekly fees in Southborough?
A care home's weekly fee in Southborough usually covers accommodation, all meals, day-to-day personal care, housekeeping, laundry and activities. Extras such as hairdressing, chiropody, outings and one-to-one care are often charged separately, so ask each home for a full breakdown of what is and isn't included.
What's the difference between residential and nursing care?
Residential care homes help with everyday personal care — washing, dressing, meals and prompting medication. Nursing homes provide the same support plus a qualified nurse on site around the clock for residents with ongoing medical needs. Homes in Southborough may offer one or both, so check each listing for the care types it provides.
Could the NHS pay for care in Southborough?
If a person's needs are primarily health-related rather than social, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which can fully fund a care-home placement regardless of their savings. Eligibility is decided by the local NHS integrated care board after an assessment — it's separate from means-tested council funding.
How do I choose a care home in Southborough?
Start by shortlisting homes in Southborough by the type of care needed and their CQC rating, then visit in person. On a visit, read the home's latest CQC report, ask about staffing levels and fees, and see how residents are supported day to day. AskBart lists each home's rating, facilities and fees so you can compare before arranging a visit.
Who regulates care homes in Southborough?
Care homes in Southborough are regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. The CQC rates each home as Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate following regular inspections — you can read each home's latest report on the CQC website.
What other nearby areas have care homes in Kent?
If you're widening your search beyond Southborough, nearby areas with care homes include Ashford, Birchington, Broadstairs, Canterbury and Charing. You can browse each from the list of nearby locations on this page.
Talk to a Southborough care expert.
Our independent advisors know the local homes inside out. Get free, friendly guidance with no obligation — just clear answers when you need them.