As you approach retirement, choosing where to settle down is an important decision. The UK offers more than 730,000 retirement housing units that balance the cost of living, amenities, healthcare, and overall quality of life.
At Baron & Cabot, we’ve researched locations across the country and uncovered 12 of the best places to retire in the UK.
Whether you want your retirement relocation in an urban hub or a quaint village set within coastal views or rolling hills, this list provides ideal destinations for retirees. With stunning scenery, rich history and culture, and communities catering to retirees, these hand-picked locations allow you to maximise your golden years.
We’ll kick start by outlining those characteristics every good retirement area should have.
What Makes a Great Retirement Location in the UK?
Desirable features to look out for in a retirement location include the following:
- Affordable cost of living
- Health care facilities
- Amenities and activities
- Safety and security
- Transport links
1. Affordable Cost of Living
For most retirees, finding a location with an affordable cost of living is crucial to ensure accommodation costs don’t eat into your retirement savings. Look for areas where housing costs and living expenses won’t strain your budget. Some of the most affordable cities in the UK include Northern cities like Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds, where housing and living costs are generally lower.
2. Health Care Facilities
As you age, access to high-quality healthcare becomes increasingly important. When making your retirement planning, consider locations with reputable hospitals and medical practices, especially those with geriatric and long-term care services. Locations like Eastbourne, Bournemouth, and Portsmouth offer both public and private healthcare options for retirees.
3. Amenities and Activities
An ideal retirement destination should provide opportunities for an active social life with amenities and activities that match your interests. Look for locations with shops, restaurants, recreational facilities, volunteer groups, and clubs. Coastal towns like Brighton, Eastbourne, and Cromer attract many retirees with their picturesque surroundings, cultural attractions, and community events.
4. Safety and Security
Low crime rates and a safe environment are essential factors in a retirement location for peace of mind in your later years. National statistics show that rural and suburban areas generally have lower crime rates than major cities. Towns in central and southern England, like Stratford-upon-Avon, Stamford, and Woodbridge, are known for their safety, charm and community spirit.
5. Transport Links
For many retirees, staying connected to friends and family is a top priority. Look for locations with reliable public transport options like bus or rail services, especially those providing direct routes to major airports and transport hubs. Towns within an hour of London, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Windsor, offer the perfect combination of country charm and convenient transport links.
The good news is that you can get a comfortable apartment in the best retirement locations, offering the best amenities for retirees. At Baron & Cabot, we make this process as seamless as possible, requiring only a 20% downpayment to get started. Contact us now to learn more.
We’ll now go on to list our top picks for where to retire to in the UK. These retirement locations are picked after factoring in the various essentials discussed above.
Top Affluent UK Cities to Spend Your Retirements
If you prefer an affluent city living, here are some of the best places to retire to:
1. Essex, East England
Essex is a popular destination for affluent retirees seeking an extravagant lifestyle.
With over 350 miles of coastline, Essex offers scenic beaches and seaside resorts. Retirees can enjoy golfing at top clubs, fine dining, and shopping. The proximity to London also provides opportunities for culture and entertainment.
Although property prices are above the national average, for those seeking an active social life in retirement filled with lavish pursuits, Essex is an optimal choice.
2. Wiltshire, South West England
Wiltshire is often regarded as one of the happiest places to retire in the UK. Set in the peaceful English countryside, Wiltshire provides a high quality of life with lower costs of living.
Some of Britain’s most famous prehistoric monuments, including Stonehenge and Avebury, are located in Wiltshire. Outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and horseback riding are popular pastimes for retirees. The market towns also have well-preserved Tudor architecture and a vibrant cafe culture.
For retirees seeking natural beauty, history, and community, Wiltshire offers an idyllic escape from city life.
3. York, North Yorkshire
York is a historic walled city in North Yorkshire with Roman roots. As a university city, York has a young, intellectual energy combined with a rich cultural heritage.
Museums, theatres, restaurants, and independent shops provide entertainment and amenities for residents. Picturesque cobblestone streets, mediaeval architecture, proximity to attractions like the Peak District National Park, and city walls give York a charming character.
For retirees who value culture, community and history, York is an appealing city in which to settle during retirement.
But what if you’re seeking a location that allows you to enjoy the serenity that beaches offer? Read on to discover some of the best retirement towns for beachcombing retirees.
The Best Coastal Towns and Cities for Retirement Living
If you prefer proximity to the coast, the following UK towns offer some of the best places for retirement:
4. Weymouth, Dorset
This picturesque coastal town in Dorset offers a mild climate, scenic surroundings, and opportunities for an active lifestyle. Retirees can enjoy sailing, fishing, and walking along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Worthing, West Sussex
Worthing is a beautiful coastal town with a rich historical background, including Georgian and Victorian architecture. It has a vibrant cultural scene, quality healthcare facilities, and low crime rates that appeal to retirees. What’s more, the town is home to a bustling city centre, tranquil gardens and green spaces, and a seafront promenade along its pebble beach, making it a perfect retirement location.
These towns are top retirement locations for pensioners to enjoy an active and independent lifestyle. Investing in property in one of these locations could provide an attractive retirement destination and solid returns. And if you seek idyllic regions, check out the next section for some of the most charming villages to spend your retirement in the UK.
Charming Villages and Countryside Retreats: Best Rural Retirement Spots
The United Kingdom is home to some of the most picturesque countryside and villages, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retirement.
With their their natural beauty, amenities, green space, and community, the following locations stand out as the best places to live in the UK for over 60s:
6. Shropshire
The rolling hills and meadows of Shropshire hold much appeal for retirees. Towns like Ludlow and Church Stretton provide a charming small-town feel with a thriving community centre.
Shropshire is renowned for outdoor pursuits like hiking, cycling, and bird watching. The area also boasts a rich culture — apart from hosting music and food festivals, Shropshire is home to many historical sites. Last but not least, healthcare and amenities are easily accessed in Shrewsbury, just a short drive away.
7. Suffolk
Suffolk is known on the east coast for sleepy villages, nature reserves, and beaches. Towns like Southwold, Aldeburgh, and Woodbridge offer a relaxed seaside retirement with sailing, walking, and bird-watching opportunities.
Local produce like fish, strawberries, and Adnams’ ale is popular in the area. Also, access to Ipswich and Norwich provides excellent shopping and healthcare facilities. For a traditional English retirement in a scenic, coastal setting, Suffolk deserves consideration.
These lovely villages and countryside with stunning natural surroundings, strong communities, amenities, and activities provide appealing locations to enjoy your retirement years. For single retired females, you’ll want a gentle environment with security and a low crime rate — the locations below are some of the best places to retire to in the UK as a single female.
Best Places to Live for Single Retired Females in the UK
As a single retired female, you’ll want a vibrant community with social activities like cultural events, educational classes, or hobby groups, as well as security and adequate healthcare facilities.
The following locations offer most of these features:
8. Torquay and Exeter
Two popular coastal towns in Devon for single retired females are Torquay and Exeter. Torquay, known as the “English Riviera”, offers a mild climate and scenic harbourside setting. Exeter, a historic cathedral city, provides culture, shopping, and dining along with plentiful outdoor recreation in the surrounding countryside. Both locations have affordable housing options and lively communities of active older residents.
9. Dorset, Norfolk and Cornwall
The rural counties of Dorset, Norfolk, and Cornwall also attract many single retired females looking to settle in scenic, peaceful surroundings.
Dorset features stunning beaches and cliffs; Norfolk, known for scenic broads and beaches, offers birdwatching, boating and walking; Cornwall has a dramatic coastline, historic fishing villages, and opportunities for surfing, sailing and beachcombing.
Property values are also within the range of the national average house price. Cornwall’s average property price, for example, is about £338,003.
A combination of natural scenery, cultural amenities, community support, and affordability makes these towns attractive to single female retirees. With prudent investment in suitable property, you can enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling retirement in these areas of the UK. Contact Baron & Cabot to learn more about investing in retirement properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where in the UK is the best place to retire?
The best places to retire in the UK include tranquil Sussex, vibrant Brighton, scenic Dorset, charming Devon, the majestic Peak District, coastal Pembrokeshire, the serene Lake District, and the peaceful Yorkshire Dales, which boast stunning landscapes.
Where is the best coastal town to retire in the UK?
Some of the UK’s best coastal towns for retirement include Torquay and Exeter, as well as the charming Sidmouth and Beer. Devon’s northern coastline offers more affordability, with average house prices around £300,000, providing a balance of liveliness and value.
How much money do you need to retire comfortably in the UK?
To retire comfortably in the UK, a single person requires around £14,400 annually for a basic lifestyle, £31,300 for a moderate one, and £43,100 for more comfort and luxuries in retirement.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom offers many attractive options for retirement living, whether you prefer affluent cities, coastal towns, or rural villages. With excellent infrastructure, healthcare, culture and natural beauty, retirees can find their ideal home while still benefiting from everything this dynamic nation has to offer.
The destinations profiled in this article are some of the best places to retire UK based on cost, amenities, and quality of life. As you consider where to settle down, reflect on your priorities and visit these locales to experience them firsthand.
If you intend to invest in property in any of these locations, contact B&C for the best property deals.
