Best places to retire in the UK

Are you considering the best places to retire in the UK?

Whilst it will ultimately depend on the retiree’s lifestyle and preferences there are certain areas of the UK that are better suited for those retiring than others.

It doesn’t mean that these areas are filled to the brim with over-65’s, although, for some this might be preferable, it’s simply that the amenities and surrounds are typically a better fit.

Retiring doesn’t necessarily mean a move away from the buzz of a town or city, in fact, it’s usually easier if the amenities are nearby.

Access to golf courses, sports clubs, a local doctor’s surgery, community events and good pubs are all often on the list provided to us by clients moving for retirement.

Downsizing or not, house prices are always an important factor, especially once you are of retirement age as financing is not as easy to come by.

Here’s a collection of the locations which might be considered to be the best places to retire in the UK. 

West Sussex, South

In the south of England, West Sussex is reported to offer retirees the highest quality of life.

West Sussex has a beautiful coastline to enjoy and for inland adventures, the South Downs and the wider South Downs National Park which includes parts of the Weald are nearby.

Within the West Sussex part of the South Downs National Park is the Cissbury Ring, the most historic hill on the South Downs.

The area is ideal for those who wish to enjoy the many walking trails on offer or one of the many country pubs in the area.

Worthing

Towns such as Worthing, which is a seaside town, are particularly popular places to live.

Public transport in the area is excellent with Worthing being easily connected to other popular destinations such as Brighton and Chichester.

The Southern Coastal service and the 700 bus route also allows for easy access to pretty nearby coastal towns such as Littlehampton, which is another place we’d suggest considering for retirement in West Sussex.

Chichester

Located between the sea and the South Downs, the cathedral city of Chichester is another location on our list of the best places to retire in the UK.

Chichester has a good hospital and a reputable theatre and isn’t too far from Goodwood spa and golf course.

Devon, South West

If you dream of retiring by the sea it is likely that Devon has a home that will match your requirements. The area is incredibly well suited for retirement with towns such as Torquay being one of the UK’s official Age-friendly Communities. 

Devon offers better weather than much of the UK and allows for a busy social life with golf, sailing and many other sporting clubs throughout the county.

Devon might have miles of coastline but it also has much to offer inland with the moorlands of Exmoor and Dartmoor ready to explore.

If you’d prefer to live in a city in Devon both the historic cities of Exeter and Plymouth have much to offer.

Torbay

For the sun, the resort-like amenities and the golf, many choose the Torbay area for retirement.

Torbay is a borough that covers a stretch of the South Devon coastline and includes Torquay, Paignton and Brixham; the area is a popular English Riviera and an increasingly popular place to retire in the UK.

There is a range of activities from sailing clubs to golf courses, and a strong community spirit. Few places in the UK can offer quite such a permanent holiday feeling as Torbay.

Yorkshire, North East

In Yorkshire you have the option of living inland, surrounded by beautiful countryside and backdrops such as the Yorkshire Dales National Park or the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You can also choose to live near the coast, and within or near the North York Moors National Park.

One thing is certain, Yorkshire is a very attractive place to live and has many idyllic places to retire. 

York

The city of York has long been a popular place for retirees to live, and with so much to see and do both in York and within the surrounding area, it has previously been voted the top place to stay active in retirement.

Harrogate is another popular choice, followed closely by Skipton and Wetherby. On the coast, Scarborough, Staithes and Runswick Bay are all desirable locations for retirement.

Fife, Scotland

Fife is a peaceful and scenic part of Scotland that benefits from ready access to the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth allowing residents to find a balance with being removed from the busyness without being too out of touch.

And for those who like to travel abroad frequently, the road and train network also provides easy connections to Edinburgh Airport.

Without question, Fife is the home of golf with over 50 courses in the area including the Old Course, Kingsbarns and St Andrews Castle.

Fife also has an abundance of other activities on offer such as sailing and walking along one of the many routes.

Norfolk, East

Norfolk is a vast county that allows residents to enjoy a feeling of being entirely removed from the rat race. From the stunning sandy beaches to nature-filled Norfolk Broads there is a location in Norfolk to suit those seeking a slower pace of life.

The North Norfolk Coast is particularly popular with locations such as Wells-Next-the-Sea and towns such as Aylsham which are a little further inland offering an excellent quality of life. 

Lincolnshire, East Midlands

Lincolnshire is England’s second-largest county meaning it’s generally not overpopulated. The landscapes are impressive, with rolling hills that stretch for many miles and plenty of scenic walking routes to enjoy.

The county is particularly flat meaning it isn’t too arduous for those who prefer a more leisurely walk, the flatness of the county also makes it very popular with cyclists.

Lincolnshire also occupies a large stretch of coastline with Skegness being particularly popular with retirees.

Stamford

At the very southern tip of Lincolnshire, the historic town of Stamford is a resounding favourite with retirees and generally with all demographics as a place to live.

From beautiful architecture to the local community, independent shops and excellent transport connections – Stamford ticks many boxes.

Dorset, South West

Dorset is an incredibly popular place to retire in the UK; from the stunning Jurassic Coast, the sailing clubs and events throughout the year, to the inland beauty spots and pretty historic towns and villages, this county in the southwest has much to offer those retiring.

Prime locations such as Sandbanks are highly desirable as are homes within the city of Bournemouth and the nearby town of Weymouth is seeing its popularity increase.

Best places to retire in the UK

If you’re currently actively seeking a place to retire or are simply planning for the future and wish to purchase a home now in anticipation of retirement our team of property experts could be a great help.

Offering advice and guidance on locations and property to ensure you make a well-informed purchasing decision; contact us to discuss your plans and how our services might be suited to your search.