Retirement properties in Wales

Famed for its walking routes and hidden gems, Wales is the perfect place to enjoy fantastic days out, such as visiting puffins at St David’s – the UK’s smallest city.

• Historic sites - Visit Caerphilly Castle, the second-largest in Britain, or marvel at the imposing 13th-century Conwy Castle.
• Museums - Learn more about local history at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea. Develop knowledge of archaeology, botany and geology at the National Museum Cardiff. Go deep underground at the Big Pit National Coal Museum.
• Vintage rail trips - Revel in the glamour of the Snowdon Mountain Railway and get transported back in time with the Vale of Rheidol Railway's steam trains.

Wales is renowned for its friendly communities, as well as its vast natural beauty, making it an ideal place to stay social and active.

• Nature - Discover five National Landscapes, including the Gower Peninsula, and three National Parks, including Eryri, and spend time walking, cycling, or merely enjoying the clean air.
• Sports and fitness - The Welsh Government and Sport Wales fund 60+ Active Leisure Schemes, offering free sport activities for older people. Sessions include swimming, climbing, and tai chi.
• Socialising - Find local interest and hobby groups, such as craft circles, book clubs, or simply enjoy coffee with friends. Re-engage is a charity for older people that runs a wide range of engaging activities across Wales.

Community engagement is strong in Wales, making it easy to settle in quickly. There are also innumerable opportunities to appreciate the rich culture.

• Arts - Wales is famous for being the birthplace of notable artists. There are multiple arts centres that allow creativity to flourish, such as the Wales Millennium Centre, which puts on large-scale performances.
• Festivals - Laugh until your sides ache at the Aberystwyth Comedy Festival, experience literary and arts at the quirky Laugharne Weekend, or celebrate the Welsh language at the National Eisteddfod.
• Sports - As the national sport, Rugby is a core part of Welsh culture. Visit Principality Stadium in Cardiff, the home of the Welsh rugby team. The venue also hosts concerts and football games.

One of the best things about Wales is its compact size, which means many places are within reach. Roads are straightforward and accessible, while Transport for Wales offers free bus and train travel for people over 60 on certain routes.

• By car - Wales has good road links, including connections from England. With spectacular views along the way, road trips are guaranteed to be a favourite.
• By bus - Regular bus services in cities, towns, and villages make travelling around local and surrounding areas easy.
• By rail - Reliable train services offer a great way to travel further afield without needing to drive, with several lines operating through the country.