Your dream lifestyle could be waiting for you after you retire. If you have monitored your pension fund well by taking economic downturns into account and have a flexible design for your personal paradise, then this could really be a time to look forward to. But where will you spend your retirement?
As much as this seems an essential question, it is also one which is dependent upon each individual’s needs. For instance, you may want to live nearer to your family. Or your priority maybe to move somewhere where you can commit to a favourite hobby, relax or explore.
Location of course is ultra-important and the need for somewhere which is far from the city and work hubbub may well be the first consideration. With that in mind, we have listed some of the most popular places for retirement in the UK and abroad.
If people are more wary about moving abroad now, it’s understandable. Since Brexit, changes to laws and regulations are more unpredictable. Plus, on top of the pandemic, events across the world are unsettling.
So, why not look closer to home? And, if you are wanting to live a life of relaxation without the hassle of getting to know another country’s culture, boundaries, regulations, then the UK and its beauty can be ideal.
If you do move abroad, in most cases you are having to learn new cultures. As much as a new country can be very intriguing on a holiday, getting used to different currencies, driving regulations, trade and languages can often be frustrating when all you want to do is enjoy the lifestyle you have waited for all your life. You may find those creature comforts we take for granted in the UK are not always on tap abroad.
Looking for sunnier climes? Ok, Britain has never been top of the league for great weather, but we think you can take a holiday abroad whatever age you are!
Cornwall is popular as a retirement location and subsequently the population tends towards this age group and caters for appropriate accommodation including nursing and residential homes.
If you are looking for idyllic landscapes, sea, sand and relaxation, then few locations beat the wonderful scenery of Cornwall.
This beautiful south-western English county offers exceptional natural vistas, a gentle and relaxing culture, an intriguing history to learn about and explore and lots of fascinating places to visit.
Almost one third (over 350 square miles) of the Cornish landscape is considered to be outstanding natural beauty. But maybe you’re more of a sporty type? If you fancy checking out the sea-sports you will find a great choice – with schools for both surfing and scuba-diving.
The Cotswolds, set in the glorious mid-English countryside, boasts stunning views as well. However, being some sixty miles from the nearest seaport the landscapes tend to be beautiful hills and valleys than sea-views! In The Cotswolds, which stretches from Worcestershire to Oxfordshire, you will find picture-perfect villages and small towns offering history, superb scenery, and intriguing places (i.e. Bristol, Bath and Oxford in easy reach) to visit and enjoy.
Anglesey is a little island jewel in the north of Wales, which is often under-estimated. A perfect retirement hideaway, the culture is slow and relaxing, the scenery stunning, and, even though it is an island, it has all creature comforts at hand. The sea is all around and offers breath-taking vistas as well as a myriad of water sports for young and old.
The weather can be a little unpredictable and winters colder than the south, but the joyous and relaxing atmosphere certainly makes up for it. Spring and summer on Anglesey are a joy to behold. This friendly island is great for those interested in walking and birdwatching, and you are not too far from the magnificent mountains of Snowdonia if you fancy a spot of gentle mountain climbing.
The Scottish capital, located on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth really is a cultural goldmine. Historic buildings, museums, art exhibitions, exciting festivals and gorgeous food – this city offers so much. From Arthurs Seat (an extinct volcano) to its ancient castle, there is just so much to experience and explore. For those who enjoy literature and art there is the superb Edinburgh Art Fair and the Edinburgh Book Festival. As you would imagine this vibrant city provides all the transport you would need – from train networks to buses and trams to air travel.
The Isle of Wight is a beautiful British Island in the English Channel, just five miles from the coast of Hampshire. So, there you have it – the magnificence of a fantastic countryside with sea-views – just a stones-throw from the mainland. With a strong historic background, mild climates and great attractions, it is a fine location to get away from it all.
From castles and museums to military galleries and prehistoric fossils, there is always something to explore on this intriguing little island. Social clubs and village communities are welcoming and friendly and if you like your theatre then you really must take a trip to the Shanklin Theatre. Then there is the renowned Isle of Wight Festival and the Ventnor Fringe Arts Festival. With ferries to the mainland and yachts at Cowes, the Isle of Wight really is a getaway and a place to explore and enjoy.
Everyone will have their own unique ideas as to where they need to retire to. This may be led by a need for a closeness to family and friends, hobbies or favourite locations etc. While locations abroad may suggest economic unpredictability and a knowledge of the culture, the UK offers an easier move and lifestyle. And there are so many beautiful places to explore in the UK, this article suggests perhaps the most popular but at the same time it really is just a taster!
The 7 Best Places to Retire in Europe (restless.co.uk)
6 of the Best Places to Retire in the UK (restless.co.uk)
Retirement homes in Isle of Wight – McCarthy Stone (enjoy.ccarthyandstone.co.uk)
Retirement homes in Isle of Wight – McCarthy Stone (mccarthyandstone.co.uk)
https://cornwallcare.com/about-us/news/10-reasons-cornwall-great-place-retire
https://www.cornwalllive.com/whats-on/whats-on-news/cornwall-voted-one-best-places-3102585
We can help you to make the best possible decisions when it comes to your pension.
