Avon

The UK offers plentiful options for people looking to relocate, with the possibility to embrace a new lease of life for soon-to-be-retiree

Whilst numerous Britons reach retirement contentedly settled in their ‘forever home’, others may discover they fancy relocating somewhere fresh – whether that’s seizing the chance to downsize, relocate nearer to relatives, or experience a different rhythm of life, reports the Express.

The UK provides abundant choices for those considering a move, with the prospect of different surroundings, the opportunity to release some equity when downsizing, and the capacity to embrace a fresh start all thrilling possibilities for the approaching retiree.

“Identity is a big issue in retirement, and when you move house, you can reinvent yourself,” wrote Celia Dodd, author of Not Fade Away: How to Thrive in Retirement. “People don’t know you as the person who used to go off to work on their bike every day, they don’t have preconceptions of you. Your new surroundings will encourage you to think differently about things.”

So where might the over -60s consider relocating to ‘shake things up’? Have a look at our compiled selection below.

Amersham and Chesham

Legal and General this year named verdant Amersham and Chesham as the premier destination for retirement, drawing on information concerning six ‘pillars’ of contented living, encompassing accommodation, wellbeing, social connections and community, financial circumstances, countryside and facilities. The Buckinghamshire area topped the list in a study by a financial services group, scoring an impressive 93 out of 100 for health.

This reflects the high number of over-65s in good physical and mental health, as well as excellent access to GPs. All other ‘pillars’ scored over 60, making this constituency a well-rounded environment for later life.

Tucked away in the picturesque Chiltern Hills, these towns offer a mix of rural charm and city convenience. The market town of Beaconsfield and Surrey Hills towns Dorking and Horley took 2nd and 3rd place in the rankings, respectively.

Llandudno

For those seeking a peaceful seaside retirement, the Welsh coastal town of Llandudno came out on top in a study conducted by personal alarm supplier Taking Care this year.

The research considered various factors, from life expectancy and property prices to the average cost of care homes if needed. In addition to these key statistics, the study also looked at the amount of green spaces, bingo halls, English Heritage properties and other leisure facilities.

This Victorian resort features a delightful promenade overlooking a breath-taking peninsula between the Great and Little Orme headlands. Other locations that made the cut were Glossop, Tynemouth and Ilfracombe.

Exeter

The Telegraph – alongside estate agents Savills – compiled a ranking this year of the top 10 retirement destinations, taking into account various crucial elements such as ‘the number of hospitals, GPs and dentists per 10,000 people and the availability of shops and green spaces nearby’.

Leading their rankings was the south coast gem Exeter. ‘Compact and convenient’, yet brimming with natural splendour, the historic city offers heritage at its doorstep, boutique retailers and independent coffee houses, plus a lively social atmosphere.

Regularly hailed as amongst the finest places to reside, work, and learn in the UK, there’s abundant choice for pensioners seeking to embrace a fresh chapter in life. Runner-up in the survey was Merton, South West London, whilst nearby Richmond-upon-Thames claimed third spot.

Wimborne

Analysis by retirement community developer McCarthy Stone reveals growing appetite for developments in more obscure towns, with Wimborne, Dorset leading their rankings.

Chrissy Fice, Marketing Director at McCarthy Stone, commented: “With access to local amenities being named as the top ‘must-have’ by three quarters of over 65s, other things people are looking for include good transport links, handy supermarkets, a central location within a 15-minute walk, and either a coast or country backdrop.”

Market town Wimborne fulfils those criteria – and beyond – offering waterside serenity, cultural attractions, independent retailers and dining establishments, plus a thriving retired population. Other hidden treasures that made the list by McCarthy Stone include the verdant Sutton Coldfield, the historic Stratford-upon-Avon and the medieval Waltham Abbey.

There’s a lot to think about when you’re moving for retirement, like healthcare access, chances to make new friends, being close to nature, local facilities and financial stability.

For those considering a move, Rangeford Villages, a retirement village firm, offers the following advice:

• Research and visit prospective areas – chat to locals already living there to get a well-balanced picture of a place
• Review your budget – if necessary, consult a financial advisor to ensure fiscal planning is thorough
• Assess your desired lifestyle – does the area you’re looking at provide the opportunities you need?
• Location evaluation – consider proximity to family and friends, healthcare, shopping and nature.

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This Somerset village offers a wealth of green spaces, woodlands and hamlets to explore – reachable by foot or bike. It is also a designated part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

If you’re in need of some staycation inspiration, then this Somerset destination should definitely be on your radar. Close enough to Bath that you can enjoy the comforts of the city while remaining distinctly on the outskirts, visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Freshford is just five miles from Bath, but its location at the junction of the River Frome and Avon makes it feel like a world away. The village’s landscape of stone buildings, fields and woodlands create a distinct serenity to the area that has been unmarred by tourists – mostly because it is relatively under the radar.

The civil parish of Freshford dates back to Saxon times and was once home to a mill from 1086 – the remains of which still stand in the village to this day. The mill is a notable site of interest, home to 17th-century buildings made predominantly from natural stone, clay tile, and slate. One of the unique features of Freshford houses is its lack of house numbers, which are replaced instead with names.

READ MORE: Magical UK village just as pretty as Bath but without as many tourists

Freshford is also home to many sites of historical interest, one of which is the Freshford Manor which dates back to the 18th-century. There are also some religious buildings you can visit, including the 15th-century St Peter’s Church which has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II* listed building.

Dating back to the early to mid 16th century, the Freshford Bridge stretches directly over the River Frome and is a truly picture-perfect spot. From Freshford, travellers will be able to see across the Avon valley to the Kennet and Avon Canal. But keep in mind, the nearest crossings are a bit further off at Avoncliff and Limpley Stoke.

Surrounded by hills and valleys, the village has plenty for nature-lovers to explore without needing to venture too far. Freshford is known for its rich diversity of flora and fauna and is even part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) within the green belt.

The village centre is also a conservation area, created during 1975 and extended in 2007. You would also be remiss not to stop by at the nearby hamlets of Friary, Sharpstone, Park Corner, Woodside and Staples Hill.

Freshford’s jurisdiction includes these hamlets, though they are all separated from the centre of the village by lush open fields. That said, visitors can make a day of exploring the many low-intensity paths to the surrounding hamlets.

Popular walks in and around Freshford

• The Ilford Loop : 2 hours and 4.5 miles long: beginning from the Freshford Galleries, you can head directly to the hamlet of Friary
• Circular Hike to Dundas Wharf : 2 hours and 5 miles long: This is an intermediate hike with one or two busy roads to cross. It leads from the Freshford Galleries down to Limpley Stoke.
• Farleigh Hungerford Loop : 2.5 hours and 5 miles long: A great country walk across open fields to the English Heritage site at Farleigh Hungerford Castle.
• Hike to Avoncliff Aqueduct : 1.15 hours and 2.85 miles long: This is a low-intensity walk from Freshford to Avoncliff along the River Frome and then the River Avon.