The 20 best places to retire in Britain: From the Highlands and an average house price of £200,000, to the historic town within 90 miles of London
Retirement – it’s a great opportunity if you’re in the right place to indulge in your favourite activities.
But whether it’s savouring top restaurants, enjoying thought-provoking theatre or movies, or tackling the great outdoors, location is key.
We’ve chosen 20 of the best UK towns and cities that will make retirement a pleasure.
For each, we have also selected two properties that are on sale now so you can get an idea of what your money will get you, whether you are downsizing from a family home or just relocating to another part of the country.
Scroll down for our verdict on the 20 best places to retire in Britain.
BANBURY
Why? Charming Oxfordshire market town surrounded by pretty villages. The Cotswolds region is on your doorstep, yet it’s just 55 minutes to London by train.
Entertainment: The Mill Arts Centre hosts theatre, dance, music, comedy and films.
Supermarkets: Aldi, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.
High Street: Henry’s (near Banbury Cross, of nursery rhyme-fame) is a 60-year-old family clothes shop for men.
Average house price: £281,554.
On the market…
Charming Edwardian villa
Edwardian villas don’t come better than this. Six bedrooms, conservatory, stunning rear garden and parking for four cars. £850,000, Fine & Country, 01295 239666, fineandcountry.co.uk
Handsome stone cottage
Mid-18th century Grade II-listed handsome stone cottage with a large south-facing garden and a wood-burning stone. £475,000 through Fine & Country, 01295 239666, fineandcountry.co.uk
BOURNEMOUTH
Why? Family-orientated town with seven miles of coastline, parks aplenty and scores of attractions for the grandchildren. To top this off, the town has a mild climate, picturesque gardens, a high number of detached homes and bungalows, and offers easy access to London.
Entertainment: The art deco Pavilion for tea dances, plays and wrestling (yes, really), and the International Conference Centre for headline bands and comedians.
Supermarkets: Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
High Street: Midday Slow Living Store, Design Studio and Coffee Shop – a real one-off.
Average house price: £368,815.
On the market…
Ideal location
Near the town’s Upper Gardens, this detached house has four bedrooms, a patio and vegetable garden, off-road parking plus a garage. £789,950, Savills, 01202 708888, Savills.com.
Stunning summer house
There’s a summer house and potential for an annexe in this four bedroom house, which also has a garage and off-street parking. £550,000 through eXp, 03304 609968, exp.uk.com.
CANTERBURY
Why? A beautifully preserved small city – now a Unesco World Heritage site – with medieval architecture and cobbled streets. It’s close to Kentish fields and coastal towns, too.
Entertainment: The Marlowe Theatre is a large modern centre for the performing arts.
Supermarkets: Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons.
High Street: Queen Bee Home, perfect for hand-painted furniture, with a coffee shop too.
Average house price: £333,286.
On the market…
Historic wonder
A 1600s cottage, Grade II-listed, with inglenook fireplace, exposed beams, four bedrooms and a traditional Kent cladding. £675,000 from Fine & Country, 01227 479317, fineandcountry.co.uk.
City centre haven
A four-bedroom Grade II-listed Georgian town house with a private walled garden and garage right in the city centre. £850,000, Strutt & Parker, 01227 473707, struttandparker.com
CHELTENHAM
Why? A wealthy, elegant spa town that’s home to music, literary and horse racing festivals, with the Cotswolds on your doorstep.
Entertainment: It’s everywhere – The Everyman and Bacon theatres, Cheltenham Playhouse, plus music, book and art festivals using venues across the town.
Supermarkets: Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury’s.
High Street: A classy, pink-painted vintage clothing shop will take you back to your youth.
Average house price: £409,929.
On the market…
Impressive apartment
A ground floor apartment in this commanding period building in the town centre, with two bedrooms, high ceiling and parquet flooring. £675,000 through Savills, 01242 548000, Savills.com.
Montpelier majesty
In the town’s beautiful Montpelier area, this three bed apartment is in a Grade II-listed building and includes a private patio and parking. £655,000 through Hamptons, 01242 800653, Hamptons.co.uk.
CHESTER
Why? A walled cathedral city, resplendent with Victorian buildings, near the Welsh border, with a large, modern shopping town centre and numerous out-of-town retail parks.
Entertainment: Storypark is a modern arts complex, plus open air events at Grosvenor Park.
Supermarkets: Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s.
High Street: Chester Model Centre won 2023 Model Train Store of the Year.
Average house price: £285,517.
On the market…
Riverside four-bed
A four-bed house overlooking the River Dee, dating back to 1852, with more recent additions and various original features. £825,000, Jackson-Stops, 01244 328361, jackson-stops.co.uk.
Deluxe kitchen
Open plan living space aplenty in this five-bed house with an easy-to-maintain garden and a particularly well-equipped kitchen. £650,000, Savills, 01244 323232, Savills.com.
CONWY
Why? An old walled town in North Wales with a spectacular castle, suspension bridge and historic buildings galore. Nearby, there are mountains and a quayside loved by sailors.
Entertainment: The Royal Cambrian Academy of Arts is a world-class events and exhibition centre.
Supermarkets: Tesco, Aldi, Morrisons.
High Street: Check out Ewe Felty Thing, a trendy haberdashery based in a former bank.
Average house price: £236,391.
On the market…
Windmill wonder
A real one-off – a Grade II-listed ex-windmill, now a five-bedroom home in an elevated spot with sea and countryside views. £1.5million, Strutt and Parker, 01244 565092, struttandparker.com.
Castle view
An Edwardian semi-detached property that’s been partly renovated. There are six bedrooms over three floors, plus views to Conwy Castle. Purplebricks, 020 3907 3310, purplebricks.co.uk.
DARTMOUTH
Why? Quiet south Devon waterside town in the heart of the South Hams. It’s brilliant for sailing and walking.
Entertainment: The Flavel Centre specialises in films and concerts with occasional theatre.
Supermarkets: Co-op and M&S Outlet in town, Sainsbury’s and Lidl close by.
High Street: The Angel’s executive chef is Masterchef and Great British Menu star Elly Wentworth.
Average house price: £419,938.
On the market…
Your very own wine cellar
Mount Flagon House is a Grade II-listed period property over three floors with a basement – perfect for that wine cellar. £995,000 through Knight Frank, 01392 321625, knight frank.com.
Modern terrace
A modern four-bed house with views over the rooftops to the River Dart, complete with terraced front and rear gardens. £725,000 through Savills, 01392 321359, Savills.com.
HARROGATE
Why? Absolutely gorgeous spa town just a short drive from the Yorkshire Dales. It’s been three times voted Britain’s friendliest town. Need we say more?
Entertainment: The excellent Harrogate Theatre and Everyman Cinema.
Supermarkets: Waitrose, Asda and Sainsbury’s.
High Street: Betty’s Tea Room, a sweet treat institution in the town since 1919.
Average house price: £414,877.
Gorgeous garden
Here’s a four-bed detached house on the town’s south side, with paved terrace, lovely garden and parking for multiple cars. £995,000, Strutt & Parker, 01423 706771, struttandparker.com.
Sweet stone cottage
Beautiful stone cottage on the town’s outskirts – two bedrooms, two bathrooms with a study area and reception rooms. £495,000, Jackson Stops, 01904 625033, jackson-stops.co.uk.
HENLEY ON THAMES
Why? A charming riverside town with the Chiltern Hills on your doorstep. Plus, boating, rowing, a world-famous annual regatta, a private members’ club and a buzzing tourist attraction town.
Entertainment: The arty Regal Picturehouse cinema; the Kenton Theatre for plays and concerts.
Supermarkets: Tesco and Waitrose.
High Street: Artisan stores galore including Asquiths Teddy Bear Shop – give one a hug!
Average house price: £786,081.
On the market…
High-end apartment
Modern high-end open-plan apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and two parking spaces, all a short walk from the Thames. £850,000, Savills, 01491 843000, Savills.com.
Right in town
Brand new modern open plan house in a town centre location with two en suite bedrooms, balcony, parking space and EV charger. £995,000 through Savills, 01491 843000, Savills.com.
INVERNESS
Why? The capital of the Highlands is a vibrant but small, walkable city with glorious countryside all around.
Entertainment: Eden Court is a gallery and theatre; in July there are Inverness Highland Games.
Supermarkets: Tesco, Morrisons.
Average house price: £221,112.
On the market…
Buy your own B&B
If you want to retire to run a B&B, try this – five-bedroom home with off-street parking and a garden running down to the River Ness. £365,000, Galbraith, 01463 224343, galbraithgroup.com.
Magnificent mill house
A four bedroom former mill house in a totally secluded setting with ten acres of woodland and grazing land. £485,000 through Galbraith, 01463 224343, galbraithgroup.com.
NEWQUAY
Why? A North Cornish seaside town of palm trees, beaches, inland walks and an airport.
Entertainment: There’s the Lane Theatre and the ultra-modern Lighthouse cinema.
Supermarkets: Asda, Lidl, Sainmsbury’s.
High Street: Nalu coffee shop has inside and outside seating, a takeaway hatch and fabulous drinks.
Average house price: £350,902.
On the market…
Beach delight
Near Porth beach, a four-bedroom townhouse with living areas on the first floor to enjoy the views and a balcony. £695,000, Jackson-Stops, 01872 309544, Jackson-stops.co.uk.
Lush landscaping
A five bedroom detached house with a driveway, garage and beautifully landscaped garden, close to Newquay town centre. £875,000, Jackson-Stops, 01872 309544, Jackson-stops.co.uk.
NORWICH
Why? A well-preserved historic city, regarded as the capital of Eastern England, with great links – trains to London in 90 minutes, and an airport with UK and global connections.
Entertainment: The Halls, Norwich Playhouse and Arts Centre for all performing arts.
Supermarkets: Morrisons, Sainsbury’s Tesco.
High Street: St Giles Pantry for local goods galore, including the shop’s own gin and coffee.
Average house price: £276,746.
On the market…
Georgian home
Grade II Georgian home with three bedrooms, fireplaces, picture rails, original doors and sash windows. There’s a garden and garage. £595,000 through Savills, 01603 229229, Savills.com.
Perfect plot
This large detached property has four bedrooms, a double garage, workshops, sheds and sits on a large plot. £835,000 through Strutt & Parker, 0160 388 3602, struttandparker.com.
POOLE
Why? Down to earth seaside town with a spectacular harbour and a rich sailing tradition.
Entertainment: The Lighthouse arts centre is large but Brownsea Island Theatre is the most fun – it’s a ferry ride away.
Supermarkets: Asda, Sainsbury’s, Tesco
Average house price: £434,899.
On the market…
Old Town house
Georgian town house in the heart of Old Town Poole. Four bedrooms, a bright conservatory, with three storeys plus a spacious basement. £640,000 from Savills, 01202 708 888, Savills.com.
Perfect for hosts
Here’s one with good facilities for visitors: it’s a four bedroom house with a one bedroom annexe, plus a charming south-facing patio and garden. £1million through Savills, 01202 708 888, Savills.com.
RICHMOND
Why? Arguably London’s classiest, most tranquil suburb, 20 minutes from the West End, but with 300 acres of park on your doorstep in the form of Kew Gardens.
Entertainment: Richmond Theatre and more intimate Orange Tree Theatre.
Supermarkets: Whole Foods, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s.
High Street: The Open Book offers books, wrapping paper and oozes charm.
Average house price: £985,319.
On the market…
Park life
Near Richmond Park there’s this two-bed, two-bathroom apartment with large entertainment area and off-street parking. £750,000 through Savills, 020 8614 9100, Savills.com.
Close to the village
A two-bed ground floor apartment on Richmond Hill with a private south-west facing garden and close proximity to Richmond village. £875,000, Knight Frank, 0208 939 2809, knightfrank.com.
ST ALBANS
Why? Historical city with beautiful parks and a cathedral plus great rail links to London.
Entertainment: Alban Arena and Abbey Theatre are must-visits in the city centre.
Supermarkets: Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Waitrose.
High Street: Small and sweet Cafe Roma is a long-standing independent coffee shop.
Average house price: £667,035.
On the market…
Great for grandkids
Plenty of space for visiting grandchildren in this five-bedroom detached house on sale for the first time in 50 years. £950,000 from Fine & Country, 01727 221857, fineandcountry.co.uk.
Finest street in town
Fishpool Street is considered by many to be St Albans finest. This three bed house is full of period features. £915,000 through Street & Market, 01707 524361, struttandparker.com.
ST ANDREWS
Why? A gorgeous seaside town north of Edinburgh, famed for golf, its university (beloved by Royals) and breathtaking castle which dates back to 1200, and a relaxed cafe vibe.
Entertainment: The 1930s independent New Picture House cinema and the lively Byre Theatre.
Supermarkets: Morrisons, Aldi and an M&S Simply Food.
High Street: At the Nutcracker Shop it’s Christmas every day – decorations and presents galore.
Average house price: £480,939.
Edwardian lodgings
A two-bedroom apartment in an Edwardian House with a central hall connection, all the main rooms plus a private garden. £695,000 through Savills, 0131 247 3738, Savills.com.
Victorian cottage
This terraced three-bed Victorian stone cottage has a pitched slate roof with a front garden and back yard. It’s been recently renovated. £520,000, Savills, 0131 247 3738, Savills.com.
TAUNTON
Why? Somerset’s county town has a castle and county cricket ground at its heart, as well as brilliant road and rail links to Exeter and the South West, and eastwards to London
Entertainment: The Brewhouse Theatre sits on the banks of the River Tone.
Supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons.
High Street: Head to the independent shops at charming Bath Place.
Average house price: £279,203.
On the market…
Top townhouse
There’s a walled garden with this Grade II-listed three bedroom townhouse near the centre. It boasts a large attic room too. £475,000 from GTH, 01823 277121, gth.net.
Farmhouse chic
Recently renovated farmhouse with four bedrooms, timber framed walls, flagstone floors plus an inglenook fireplace. £765,000 from Jackson-Stops, 01823 325144, Jackson-stops.co.uk.
WINDSOR
Why? Live by the Royal Family, besides the Thames, in a town steeped in history, with easy connections to London.
Entertainment: Many festivals and shows in the park, plus the Theatre Royal arts hub.
Supermarkets: Tesco, Waitrose, Aldi.
High Street: Craft Co-op, showcasing local artists and handmade gifts and homeware.
Average house price: £574,865.
On the market…
Modern living
Modern living with smart technology through the home, an EV charger, four bedrooms and off street parking. £850,000 through Foxtons, 020 8613 6262, foxtons.co.uk.
Wrap-around garden
A detached three-bed house with wrap-around garden, driveway parking and a double garage converted into a one-bed studio. £925,000 through Hamptons, 01753 395148, Hamptons.co.uk.
WOKING
Why? Forget the commuter image, this town is 60 per cent common land in the Green Belt, with the 800-acre Horsell Common, and the David Attenborough Living Planet Centre. Plus, great connectivity to central London, 25 miles away.
Entertainment: The Nova Cinema and Lightbox arts centre are the places to be.
Supermarkets: Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury’s
High Street: Two Ducks – super stylish furnishings, accessories and homeware.
Average house price: £547,122.
On the market…
Family favourite
A detached five-bedroom property – ideal for the family to visit – with two bathrooms, a garage and off-street parking. £800,000 from Foxtons, 01483 967582, Foxtons.co.uk.
Super modern
Built in 2016, this four-bed, two bathroom home comes with driveway parking for two cars and an EV charging point. £700,000 through Yopa, 01322 952994, yopa.co.uk.
WREXHAM
Why? A charming Welsh town near the border with Cheshire, with a strong industrial past. Wrexham is now famous for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney owning the football club, and for having the largest shopping area of any town in mid- and north Wales.
Entertainment: Concerts, comedy and theatre at William Astor Hall; there’s a Mecca bingo hall too.
Supermarkets: Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons.
High Street: Moonlight Records to make your vinyl collection complete.
Average house price: £203,340.
On the market…
Retirement project
Want a retirement project? This Grade II-listed three-bed house is centrally located with off-street parking but it needs large scale renovating. £275,000, Savills, 01244 323232, savills.com.
Beautiful mill
A newly restored mill, this house has four bedrooms, a gym and almost an acre of grounds with al fresco dining areas. £1.2million, Strutt & Parker, 07919 128326, struttandparker.com.
