The best places in the UK to retire have been revealed in a new study by Legal & General, which ranked UK constituencies based on six key pillars of later-life happiness
If you’re fantasising about a peaceful, rural retirement whilst staying within reach of the capital, one idyllic spot in Buckinghamshire could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Fresh research from pensions provider Legal & General (L&G) has revealed that Britain’s top retirement destination is the delightful constituency of Chesham and Amersham – a verdant sanctuary at the terminus of London’s Metropolitan line.
The analysis assessed UK constituencies using six essential factors for contentment in later years – housing, health, community, financial security, nature, and proximity to amenities.
Utilising official statistics from the Office for National Statistics, census information, property price data and responses from 3,000 British pensioners, Chesham and Amersham claimed the crown with a total score of 74 out of 100.
L&G’s research characterised the location as “a well-rounded environment for later life”, emphasising its remarkable health rating of 93, which demonstrates the robust physical and mental fitness of area inhabitants and outstanding availability of GP services, reports the Express.
Encircled by the undulating Chiltern Hills, the traditional market towns of Chesham and Amersham blend quaint appeal with a robust community spirit and convenient links to London. Despite being a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of London, life in Amersham moves at a more leisurely pace.
With its charming cobbled High Street and stunning Georgian architecture, it has been crowned one of Britain’s most picturesque towns. The Old Town, which dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, is home to over 160 listed buildings, ranging from timber-framed pubs to quaint cottages.
Not far away, Amersham-on-the-Hill, which sprung up following the arrival of the Metropolitan Railway in 1892, boasts its own unique charm – a mix of Arts and Crafts architecture, snug cafés and independent boutiques.
For those seeking tranquillity and a sense of community in their golden years, the area offers a vibrant cultural scene. Local events such as the Amersham Festival of Music and Ley Hill Music & Beer Festival are annual highlights, while The Elgiva Theatre in Chesham hosts a variety of concerts, comedy shows and film screenings throughout the year.
The area’s practicality also adds to its allure. The Metropolitan Line and Chiltern Railways provide direct links from Chesham and Amersham to central London in less than an hour, while the M25 and M40 motorways are conveniently close for longer trips.
Property prices are steep – a testament to the area’s appeal – but they remain lower than many of London’s outer boroughs.
The neighbouring towns of Beaconsfield and Dorking & Horley came second and third on L&G’s list, both situated within an hour’s journey from the capital.
Yet Chesham and Amersham distinguished themselves through what researchers described as “balance” – offering residents the chance to experience both lively community spirit and peaceful, natural settings without feeling cut off.
Throughout the years, the location has also attracted the interest of film-makers.
Both Chesham and Amersham have provided filming locations for Four Weddings and a Funeral, Midsomer Murders and Cuckoo.
Local residents characterise it as “a place where people know your name at the café and strangers still say good morning on the High Street.”
