There are many reasons to retire by the coast and Devon ticks all the boxes: 400 miles of glorious coastline, rugged clifftops, bustling harbours and stunning golden sandy beaches. Many beaches including, Seaton, Beer, Exmouth and Sidmouth have Blue Flag status and Woolacombe is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. Pretty fishing villages abound too: Clovelly, Appledore and Salcombe are all picture perfect. It also has lush green countryside and is home to both Exmoor National Park and Dartmoor National Park.

Wildlife lovers are in their element. You can spot dolphins, porpoises and whales off the coast and wild ponies on Dartmoor. Lundy Island is famous for its puffins and the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth makes for a great day out.

There’s plenty for history enthusiasts too. Agatha Christie famously wrote ‘And then there were none’ in the Art Deco hotel on Burgh Island. You can view the astronomical clock at Exeter Cathedral, ride the Dartmouth Steam Railway, or visit Castle Drogo, the youngest castle in the country.

Life in your retirement apartment or bungalow in Devon will never be short on culture and community spirit either. There are music, theatre, arts and sports events in the buzzing cities of Exeter and Plymouth and the smaller towns and villages host a range of annual fayres and regattas celebrating their maritime heritage and local food.