Five of the best retirement towns in the UK
We’re lucky enough to have some of the world’s best places to retire to in the UK, including beautiful towns in stunning locations that combine jaw dropping natural wonders with plentiful amenities, including shops, eateries and leisure facilities.
With so many wonderful locations to choose from, we’re spoilt for choice. To help narrow down the options, we’ve listed our favourite five of the best towns to retire to in the UK.
1. Ambleside, Cumbria
The Lake District is home to many scenic towns and villages, but Ambleside is a cut above the rest. Lying at the top of Lake Windermere, it’s a great base for hiking but there’s much to enjoy in the town itself.
From charming architecture and serene countryside to museums, restaurants, bars, and more, it’s clear to see why Ambleside is one of the best retirement towns in the UK. And while it doesn’t boast the rail or road links of other towns on our list, the winding A-road routes in and out of Ambleside are in many ways an asset, providing breathtaking views.
Why it’s one of the best places to retire in England
Ambleside is a wonderful retirement destination for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. Its peaceful and tranquil surroundings make it a top choice for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle.
That said there’s enough to do in the town to keep you entertained, including many historical and National Trust sites to visit.
Ambleside also boasts a lovely community spirit, with plentiful festivals, events and gatherings held all year round by local organisations.
Discover retirement properties for sale and rent in Cumbria.
2. Poole, Dorset
Let’s face it delightful Dorset is very desirable, and Poole is one of Dorset’s most desirable places to live, with its beautiful coast making it one of the best seaside towns for retirement. From the miles of sandy Blue Flag beaches, including the renowned Sandbanks Beach, to one of the biggest harbours in the country, an attractive old town and all the amenities you could want on its iconic Quay and Harbour, there’s plenty to justify its appeal.
Despite being located in the lower regions of the South West, it’s a well-connected place to live, with frequent trains running to popular destinations like London, Bournemouth and Southampton.
Why it’s one of the best places to retire in England
In addition to its stunning waterfront, Poole’s warmer-than-average climate gives the place a lovely Mediterranean feel — ideal for enjoying expat life without leaving the UK. As well as beautiful and safe beaches for swimming and sunbathing, you’ll also find water sports and Yacht Clubs.
This location is also fantastic for lovers of the great outdoors, with nature reserves nearby like Ham Common and the dramatic Jurassic Coast or the pretty New Forest easily accessible. Poole is also filled with wonderful places to eat and drink and fans of fine dining can revel in the feast of high-end seafood restaurants.
Want to find out more? Discover our retirement housing for sale and to rent in Poole.
3. Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Harrogate boasts the most beautiful Victorian and Edwardian architecture, set against the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire countryside. It’s a quaint spa town though by no means sleepy. A sprawling place brimming with excellent amenities, including boutique shops and restaurants — the hundred-year-old Bettys Café Tea Rooms being the most famous — Harrogate has plenty on offer to enrich the lives of those who live there.
It’s also well connected to the rest of the country, Harrogate offers direct train and road routes to Leeds, and further afield courtesy of the nearby A1(M). You can easily hop on a train or bus and be in central Leeds in under half an hour.
With all this and much more, it’s no surprise Harrogate makes it onto our list as one of the best retirement towns in the UK.
Why it’s one of the best places to retire in England
Harrogate is a great place to retire in the UK for nature lovers. With the Yorkshire Dales National Park right on its doorstep, there are endless walks to peruse.
If you enjoy your rural living close to civilisation, the town has many award-winning restaurants and entertainment venues like the Royal Hall.
4. Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Royal Tunbridge Wells is an upmarket town in Kent, famous for its natural springs, green spaces and fantastic amenities. The town is home to a wealth of attractions, notably the iconic Spa Valley Railway where you can enjoy a heritage train ride and cream tea. The town also has a fantastic local museum and busy art gallery, as well as a range of theatres featuring a variety of shows from family events to classical music.
It also has excellent transport links, with rail connections that can take you to London in just 30 minutes and the M25 close by.
Why it’s one of the best places to retire in England
Tunbridge Wells offers a high quality of life and you won’t be short on things to see and do. Whether it’s the beautiful Scotney Castle and Gardens [pictured], the blue plaque trail that charts some of the town’s famous citizens or all of the events throughout the year at the pretty Calverley Grounds Gardens.
You’re also a stone’s throw from everything the South East of England has to offer like trips to Canterbury to see the Cathedral or a visit to Dover’s famous white cliffs.
If you’re considering this area, take a look at our retirement housing for sale in Kent.
5. Worthing, West Sussex
Worthing, West Sussex, is a popular seaside town that’s as desirable as top coastal locations like Brighton, but without all the hustle and bustle. On top of the stunning beachfront, nature lovers living in Worthing will enjoy having the South Downs on their doorstep.
Despite being tucked away, the town is very well-connected with direct trains to London and fantastic road links.
Why it’s one of the best places to retire in England
If you love wining and dining with family and friends, you’re in luck. Worthing is well-known for its array of quality places to eat—such as the award-winning seafood restaurant ‘The Crab Shack’.
Culturally, there’s also a great deal on offer with many museums, cinemas and art galleries hosting regular events and festivals celebrating the area’s creative talents.
Head further afield into Sussex to see other top attractions like the 1066 Battlefield, the Bolney Wine Estate and the beautiful South Downs National Park.
With so much going on, it’s easy to see why retirement housing in Worthing makes it onto our list of the best places to retire in the UK.
Find your ideal retirement spot with McCarthy Stone
The UK offers many exceptional places to retire beyond the five listed above. And it’s important to consider what makes a retirement home right for you.
Can’t whittle your retirement down to one location? No problem! When you live in a McCarthy Stone retirement home, our on-site guest suites mean you can take short breaks at most of our developments across the UK. They are also perfect for when friends and family come to stay.
Start your search for a new retirement home today and discover how our flexible options such as retirement rentals work for your finances too.
Do you have a question? Contact our friendly sales team online or via phone on 0800 201 4811 or visit our FAQs for more information.