Updated 28/11/2023  •  Written By Emma Breedon

Top Places to Retire to in the UK

Retired elderly couple

One retired person has a lot of hobbies they want to pursue after retirement. Some enjoy travelling, while others enjoy making crafts, gardening, and other activities.

After retirement, many choose to move to a smaller, more manageable home. Coastal towns are proving to be very popular to retirees, as they are peaceful, provide flat land closer to the sea, excellent scenery and views, and cleaner air with less pollution. Towns with amenities close by and a good pace of life are also very important.

We’ve made a list of our favourite places to retire to in the UK.

Retirement in Devon

Retirement in Devon
The Guardian reported on a survey commissioned by SAGA which found that elderly people living in Devon are the happiest in the country. So our number one retirement destination, of course, has to be Devon! Interestingly, the report also found that regardless of where they actually lived, one in ten people chose Devon as the best place for retired people to live.

Retirement in East Sussex

East Sussex
Picturesque cobbled streets and antique shops fill Cinque Port Rye. With art galleries and cafes, it’s the perfect place to retire. It’s only a short journey to two sandy beaches. Rye Harbour is close by too, and the area is dotted with nature reserves.

Retirement in Isle of Wight

Retirement in Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is considered the ‘retirement capital’ of the UK, with over 40% of residents receiving the state pension. Located right on the south coast, the Isle of Wight is ideal for those who enjoy living by the sea.

Retirement in Chichester

Chichester
The historic city of Chichester is characterised by its unique heritage. Chichester offers an enticing mix of designer boutiques, shopping streets, renowned art galleries as well as stylish restaurants and modern cafes. The South Downs National Park is to the north. Chichester Harbour is to the south. There is plenty to explore for those who want to stay fit and active in retirement.

Retirement in Cornwall

Cornwall
With its dramatic coastlines, captivating fishing harbours and spectacular beaches it’s hard not to be drawn to Cornwall. It also has outstanding areas of natural beauty, perfect for relaxing strolls. Not forgetting the cream teas!

Retirement in Dorset

Retirement in Dorset
For those looking for an idyllic lifestyle, the cheery seaside town of Christchurch in Dorset is a great place to retire to. Christchurch hosts the wine and food festival in May, a music festival in July, and a regatta in August. With plenty of old cottages, coffee shops, places to walk and nice beaches, it’s easy to see why so many have already chosen to retire here.

Retirement in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire
Steeped in history and brimming with life, the cathedral city of Lincoln is the perfect place for pottering. With a large percentage of residents of Louth retired, the sleepy market town has wonderfully Georgian streets lined with beautiful buildings. There are plenty of local amenities; six butchers, two grocers, a cheese shop, an old fashioned tailors, a cobblers, a fish shop and even a trophy shop!

A survey found that the most important factors about the area that retirees were moving to were being close to family, quality of life, scenery and peace and quiet! After working hard for all of your life, it’s time to take some time out and relax.

Hopefully this list has given you ideas if you are planning on moving after retirement. If you find this article helpful, please share it with your friends and family. If you would like to see more about this, please check out our blog.