MAKING MEMORIES: THE BEST PLACES TO RETIRE

When the time comes to leave your job and enjoy the fruits of your labour, you may start looking for a change of scene in a place that suits your interests and needs going into the future. As you start this next chapter of your life, remember that retiring doesn’t have to mean slowing down if you don’t want to. In fact, it often means having the time to live a more spontaneous, energetic life than you did before! 

However, you decide to spend your post-work years, this is the time to fill your photo albums with countless happy memories of trying new things, seeing the sights, and spending time with loved ones. If you’re looking for somewhere new to enjoy your well-earned retirement, bespoke keepsake company Write From The Heart have shared their pick of the best spots to retire to in the UK. 

Brighton

Perched on the south coast of East Sussex, this seaside town is famous for its iconic pier and beautiful pebble beaches. With the South Downs as its impressive backdrop, Brighton is also surrounded by some stunning sections of the Sussex countryside that can either be started straight from the town itself (such as the Undercliff Walk) or reached by a short drive. The South Downs National Park actually boasts over 3,000km of footpaths and rights of way, so there’s no shortage of walks to enjoy on a clear summer’s day. What’s more, for the art-lovers out there, Brighton is also a cultural hub full of vibrant art galleries and music venues. A diverse and inclusive place, this seaside town is welcoming to people of all walks of life and is sure to inject your retirement with some colour.

The Lake District 

Ideal for those wanting to stay active and experience the great outdoors during their retirement, the Lake District is one of the UK’s most popular staycation destinations for a reason. Whether you’re exploring the waterfall trails in Ambleside, taking a boat trip on Windermere Lake, or sampling the delights of Grasmere’s famous gingerbread, the Lakes is a fantastic place to settle down. While it can get busy during the summer months or school holidays, many residents take this opportunity to rent their homes and spend a few weeks on their own adventure, either for a trip abroad or to explore even more of the British Isles. 

Dorset

If you want your retirement to feel like a constant holiday, Dorset is one of the best places to go that doesn’t require emigrating from the UK! As well as its beautiful sandy beaches, this area also boasts access to the Jurassic coastline (ideal for finding fossils) and its famous natural landmarks of Durdle Door and the layered cliffs of Lulworth Cove. The mild temperature in this part of the country also makes it an excellent location for breath-taking parks and gardens to spend the afternoon exploring, such as Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. Accompanying these gardens are fascinating heritage sites like Highcliffe Castle and Hardy’s Cottage, perfect to satisfy any history buff’s curiosity. While house prices can be on the steeper side, the gorgeous cottages are part of Dorset’s charm and are sure to win any visitors over with their twee thatched roofs and stunning views. 

York

As a well-known weekend destination, York can get a little busy at times — especially during school holidays or special events. It’s always worth heading into town though, as its famous shopping street The Shambles is dotted with cafés, major retail stores, and independent boutiques as well as countless bars and restaurants to enjoy a drink or two in the evenings. But don’t think it’s just a bustling tourist attraction: York can also offer you the best of city and country living, as it’s an ancient town with traffic-free cobbled streets to explore and only a short drive from the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors National Park. In these vast areas of natural beauty, you’ll find famous destinations on the East Coast like the Cleveland Way trail, Robin Hood’s Bay, and picturesque fishing towns like Whitby or Staithes. Similarly, if you want to enjoy all York has to offer while staying out of the city centre, you can always opt for one of its surrounding market towns like Malton, Selby, or Tadcaster (where you’ll also find cheaper house prices!).

“Your retirement is for making special memories that last a lifetime, whether that be with your spouse, grandchildren, or closest friends. So, when you enter this exciting, long-awaited chapter of your life, finding hobbies and places that bring you joy is essential to making the most of your well-earned retirement. 

“If you’ve started craving a change of scene for your post-work years — or have always dreamed of retiring in a place that’s special to you and your family — then there are plenty of destinations throughout the UK that are well-suited to a varied, fulfilling retirement. Whether it’s a city of culture like York or the quiet rolling hills of the Lake District, take this time to fill your photo albums with the people and places that mean the most to you.” 

Kirsty Prankerd, Manging Director, Write from The Heart

For more information and further reading visit writefromtheheartkeepsakes.co.uk