7 Welcoming Towns to Retire in the UK
The United Kingdom offers a fascinating mix of culture, history, and iconic landmarks. Combined, they make the UK an excellent destination for retirees to enjoy their golden years. Sure, the weather can be unpredictable, but Brits are resilient and have made the best of it—so much so they rank among the 20 happiest nations in the world. That's not all. The UK was also recently recognized by US News & World Report as one of the best countries, ranking eighth-best overall. This article will explore seven welcoming towns to retire in the UK.
Bath, England
This UNESCO World Heritage town is among the most famous towns in Somerset County. Bath draws six million visitors annually who flock to witness top-notch Roman ruins. Among these ruins are The Roman Baths, an ancient bathhouse, and a temple that features an exhibition and an interactive tour. For sanitary reasons, patrons cannot soak in the thermal waters, though there are numerous spas in town to make up for it, including the Gainsborough Bath Spa and the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. The former sits in a five-star hotel and features majestic pillars with a calming ambiance, while the latter features a soothing pool, a steam room, and an outdoor garden to walk through after your tranquil dip. Aside from the healing waters of Bath, residents in this town enjoy year-round scenic beauty thanks to the towering Georgian architecture, the National Trust gardens with all its lush greenery, and two general hospitals located north and south of town. The price tag for home buyers here is roughly $567,209, while renters can expect to fork out $1,714 per month.
St. Ives, England
You may not find many ruins in St. Ives, but you will find golden sand and azure waves. There are several beaches to explore here, including Porthminster Beach and Porthmeor Beach, both of which are perfect spots to relish the waves if you're a surfer or a beach lover hoping to enjoy some coastal views. Other key landmarks include the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, a former home turned art museum once frequented by Princess Anne, a member of the British royal family. The captivating garden boasts a serene outdoor display in addition to mysterious-looking sculptures. Another perk of making this town your home is the many festivals, such as the two-week music and art festival in September called the St Ives September Festival, as well as a winter festival during late November, where residents come together to celebrate the season with workshops, theatrical shows, and winter-themed exhibitions. According to home.co.uk stats, the average cost for home buyers in St Ives is around $503,360, while the typical monthly rent costs an estimated $1,838.
Stratford-upon-Avon, England
This town is primarily known as the birthplace of Shakespeare, yet it offers countless other treasures to seek out. One such landmark is the MAD Museum, the only permanent ongoing exhibition in the UK related to mechanical art. Unlike other museums, spectators can enjoy a fascinating collection of unique exhibits, ranging from kinetic art to automata machines. Another popular activity is hopping on Avon Boating—where, for just ten pounds, you can revel in scenic views of the verdant banks of the River Avon. And finally, as the birthplace of one of the most famous writers and poets in history, William Shakespeare, Stratford boasts a wide range of landmarks to celebrate the life and legacy of this literary giant, including the world-class Royal Shakespeare Theatre, his childhood home, and Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall. Based on Zoopla's data from the last 12 months, average home prices in Stratford-Upon-Avon cost $497,000 across all property types, with varying prices depending on whether the listing is detached, semi-detached, or terraced.
Harrogate, England
Like vast spaces and greenery? Harrogate is calling your name! Laden with endless acres of public space and gardens, this town is ideal for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of metro cities in search of a more quiet and relaxing environment. Uncover and start your journey at one of Harrogate's premier destinations for all your shopping needs in Commercial Street, where you can indulge in a shopping spree with over 25 independently owned shops and restaurants. Following your shopping adventure, immerse yourself in the rejuvenating Valley Gardens, a 17-acre park offering stillness through historic mineral springs, lush greenery, and floral displays. The Grade II listed landmark is free to attend and is open year-round but is especially trendy during the summer months. On the same topic, The Stray is another mesmerizing outdoor spot notable for housing a long line of cherry blossom trees that bloom and create surreal-looking scenes between late March and early May. The vast park is perfect for enjoying a picnic or relishing the sun. Embrace the opportunity to make Harrogate your perfect retirement haven, with homebuyers paying an average of $470,035 for all property types, while renters can expect to pay $1,130.
Llandudno, Wales
Llandudno is home to the historic and world-famous Greate Orme Tramway, the only cable-hauled tramway in the UK. The project has been operational since 1902—treating passengers with once-in-a-lifetime views of the rugged coastline, green hills, and the Irish Sea. If you're lucky to ride it on a clear day, you may even see the Isle Of Man from afar. In addition to interactive tours, this seaside town is brimmed with elegant Victorian architecture; the seafront area is particularly famous for housing Victorian-themed hotels, terraced houses, and the town's main beach, North Shore Beach. Residents here also benefit from having access to the Llandudno General Hospital, which ranks among the top 14 hospitals in North Wales based on community feedback on Google, ensuring their health is well cared for and properly managed. Retiring in this charming town and enjoying all its amenities costs $293,400 for all properties, including detached, semi-detached, terraced, and flats.
Canterbury, England
Like many other towns on this list, Canterbury boasts a wide range of historic landmarks. However, in the cathedral category, Canterbury is in a league of its own. The Canterbury Cathedral is the oldest in England, established in 597 AD, thanks to St. Augustine, who started the project. The stunning blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture towers over the skyline and was awarded the prestigious designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. This senior-friendly town also features The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, an award-winning gallery with exhibitions, workshops, art, books, and more. Other standout features of Canterbury include a robust healthcare system, safe neighborhoods, and a soothing river that flows through the heart of the town. These factors combined culminated in Canterbury being ranked the best place to live in Kent last year. Purchasing a home in Canterbury costs on average $421269, while renters fork out roughly $1,857 based on 390 listings from home.co.uk.
Bowness-on-Windermere, England
Capping off the list is the enchanting lakeside town of Bowness-on-Windermere. The populace here enjoy year-round access to Windermere, an 11-mile-long ribbon lake, which is the longest in England. The lake serves many purposes, including boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. Other vital spots include The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Windermere Jetty Museum, and endless natural areas in and out of town. Furthermore, with a population of only a few thousand, the town's community are close-knit and know each other well—to join them and relish all of the outdoor activities Bowness-on-Windermere has to offer, homebuyers can pay a median price of $597494. While that is a bit on the pricier side, there are semi-detached homes that are far more affordable.
In summary, these friendly and welcoming UK towns offer a diverse range of culture, beauty, and community. From the historical allure of Bath, to the coastal charm of St. Ives, each town presents unique experiences and amenities to make your retirement years golden. Whether your cup of tea is a scenic landscape or a tranquil garden, these towns provide enriching options to make the best of your retirement years and forge new memories.
