Our pick of the best towns to retire to in the UK tick several of the most important boxes: house prices are reasonable, opportunities for actives such as golf or sailing are abundant and there is an easy commute into London (or elsewhere) for visiting family. After a lifetime of hard work who doesn’t dream of packing up and retiring to a tranquil seaside town or countryside village for a slower pace of life? If you’re in need of inspiration, look no further. We spoke to local agents in seven of the UK’s most stunning areas that are statistically the most popular with retirees to find out what makes them stand out.
New Forest, Hampshire
The New Forest national park stretches from the south of Salisbury down to the sea and is renowned for its free roaming ponies, pigs snuffling for acorns and stunning scenery. Riding and walking are common past times for New Forest residents and direct links to Bournemouth, Southampton and London’s Waterloo make it easy to see London-based grandchildren. For peace and quiet away from the summer tourists head to the northern part of the forest to the villages of Brook and Woodgreen, advises Chris Husson Martin of the agency Hamptons, adding that thatched cottages are a norm for the area. Brook boosts two 18-hole golf courses, pubs and a hotel while Woodgreen, next to the River Avon, promises community spirit with its cricket club and local pub, the Horse and Groom which is central to village life.
Robertsbridge, East Sussex
The historic village of Robertsbridge, which dates back 800 years, is brimming with community spirit, scenic footpaths and woodland walks. Annual highlights include the midsummer run, a Bonfire Night procession and every December residents and shop owners come together for the Christmas Capers festival full of carolling and craft stalls.
Located just off the A21, Robertsbridge offers strong links between East Sussex and Kent, and a direct line into London makes it easy for family to meet you for Sunday lunch in the 18th century George Inn, in the heart of the village. ‘Robertsbridge is home to Gray Nicolls cricket bats and boasts a rich history, sporting ties, and Grade II Listed buildings from the 14th–15th centuries,’ says Matthew Wright, branch manager at Freeman Forman. ‘We see a lot of retirees moving from larger properties to homes in the village to be closer to the community itself.’
Skegness, Lincolnshire
With its wide, sandy beaches and bracing sea breeze, Skegness offers the older community simple joys such as morning strolls along the seafront and beach, afternoons in a café, or summer evenings watching the sun dip over the North Sea. This seaside favourite boasts coast and country affordability as well as an active social scene. Become a regular at the Embassy Theatre, a cultural cornerstone, offering a packed programme of shows, concerts, and performances year-round. Or, sign up for art circles, beach clean ups and walking or running clubs. ‘We see many people downsizing from the south, Yorkshire and even Wales and, with many moving from higher priced areas, it’s a great way to free up some cash in retirement,’ says Emma Blades, local and branch manager of agents William H Brown.
North Norfolk
North Norfolk is a magnet for those relocating from big cities, drawn by the space and lifestyle Norfolk provides. It is particularly appealing as one of the best places to retire in the UK, with 20% of new residents in 2024 being over 66. The region is full of history, particularly in East and West Runton, which are known for their fossil hunting.
One of the main attractions is Cromer, a traditional Victorian seaside town. Stretched along 5 kilometers of coastline, Cromer delivers local activities and places of interest in spades. Cromer Carnival, the Pavilion Theatre, lighthouse, lifeboat museum, its country club and scenic coastal walks are just a handful of its delights. Local eateries are in abundance such as The Gunton Arms in Thorpe Market, Dun Cow in Salthouse and Rocky Bottoms in West Runton. Golf lovers will been keen to head down to one of two prestigious courses in Cromer or nearby Sheringham.
Conwy, North Wales
With its formidable 700-year-old castle built by Edward I towering over the town below and stunning marina to indulge your passion for boating, Conwy is a jewel in the crown of the North Wales coastline. Peace and tranquillity are easy to come by while watching the sun set over the estuary sipping a glass of wine from the warmth of The Mulberry pub which overlooks the marina.
Coney is seen as one of the more affordable coastal towns, with new two-bed apartments selling for £350,000 and property styles range from traditional Welsh cottages to modern developments of glass and steel. And, with Snowdonia and Conwy Falls on your doorstep, you’re never short trails to explore and breathtaking scenery to photograph. Conwy’s connectivity is also second-to-none says Stephen Cheshire of estate agency Jackson Stops: ‘Conwy is directly off the A55 dual carriage way which runs from Chester all along the North Wales coastline while Liverpool and Manchester are both in easy reach by motorway.’ Hop over to the neighbouring town of Colwyn Bay to sample food from award winning chef Bryn Williams, whose eponymous restaurant celebrates the best of local produce.
Exeter, Devon
If your ideal retirement combines city life with maritime pursuits, the small, walkable city of Exeter is perfect for you, says resident and agent Nick Jane of Savills. For the adventurous, kayaking and paddle boarding down on the River Exe might be your idea of heaven. Those who enjoy less strenuous pursuits might prefer a spot of fishing, hiring a boat for the afternoon or a pint in of the pubs down in Exeter’s historic harbour.
Unlike many other towns and cities in Devon and Cornwall, Exeter, says Nick, gets quieter during the summer months as its large student population heads home at the end of term. St Leonards is one of Exeter’s most popular residential areas where semi-detached houses start from £450k.
Tendring, Essex
With rows of brightly painted beach huts lining the sandy beaches, the district of Tendring – another of our best places to retire in the UK – plays host to the traditional seaside resort of Clacton-on-Sea and far quieter towns such as Frinton-on-Sea and Brightlingsea – all within easy reach of London. What better way to spend retirement than a beach hut restoration project? Or, before investing tens of thousands of pounds in an icon of the British summertime, hire one first.
Once an island, Brightlingsea is known for its community spirit, independent shops and Blue Flag beach with excellent water quality. Frinton, meanwhile, is famed for its peaceful vibe and treelined avenues – but be warned, it’s known as a ‘dry’ town with fewer pubs than neighbouring resorts.
