Many Brits dream of leaving the rat race and retiring to the countryside or the coast.
The idea of a slower pace of life, open fields and salt air is enough to make almost anyone want to pack their bags.
It comes as Legal & General has revealed the best places to retire in the UK in its latest guide.
The ranking awarded a score out of 100 to 632 areas across a range of factors, including access to healthcare, opportunities to build social connections, access to nature, local amenities and financial security.
Lorna Shah, managing director, Retail Retirement at L&G, said: ‘This research gives us a more complete picture of what shapes a happy later life.
‘It’s not just about one factor – it’s the combination of health, social connections, environment, and financial security that all play a part in retirement wellbeing.’
Read on to find out the top 20 places to retire to in the UK.
Pictured: Grade II-listed buildings in an alleyway, Old Amersham, Buckinghamshire
Chesham and Amersham, Buckinghamshire
The leafy market towns of Amersham and Chesham took the top spot, scoring 74 out of 100 overall.
You may recognise the locations as providing the backdrop for the Midsomer Murders TV series and 1994 film Four Weddings And A Funeral.
Unsurprisingly, the leafy market towns of Amersham and Chesham took the top spot, scoring 74 out of 100 overall
It performs exceptionally well on health, with a score of 93, reflecting a strong proportion of over 65s in good physical and mental health, as well as good access to GPs.
Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
Another Buckinghamshire spot took second place with a score of 72.
Beaconsfield, just a 25-minute train journey from London, is known for its picturesque Old Town and houses the world’s first model village.
In the index, it scores an impressive 91 for health and 79 for financial.
Beaconsfield, just a 25-minute train journey from London, is known for its picturesque Old Town and houses the world’s first model village
Dorking and Horley, Surrey
In third place, Dorking and Horley received a score of 71.
Located within the beautiful Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the area is home to England’s largest vineyard, Denbies Wine Estate, and Box Hill, a popular viewpoint.
Godalming and Ash, Surrey
Fourth place went to Godalming and Ash, situated in the River Wey valley, surrounded by the Surrey Hills.
The area is considered part of the ‘stockbroker belt’ of Surrey, attracting wealthy residents who commute to London for work.
It has an index score of 71 and 86 in the health category.
Mid Sussex, West Sussex
With a score of 70, Mid Sussex made its way into the top five.
Many visitors stay for the South Downs National Park and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The area is home to Bluebell Railway, one of the country’s most famous heritage steam railways, with a line running through the Mid Sussex countryside.
Woking, Surrey
In sixth place, with an index score of 70, is Woking, famous for being the setting of H.G. Wells’ novel The War Of The Worlds.
The ruins of a Tudor palace, which was home to Henry VII, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, are located in the borough.
Farnham and Bordon, Surrey
Also with an index score of 70, Farnham is known for its historic market town centre, Georgian architecture and craft heritage.
It is a popular commuter town due to its excellent transport links and is undergoing significant regeneration and development with a focus on creating new communities and green space.
Esher and Walton, Surrey
Pictured: Walton on Thames, a market town on the south bank of the Thames in northwest Surrey
If you’re seeking a relatively short commute to central London, Esher and Walton could be a good option.
With a financial score of 76, the area is considered part of the ‘Stockbroker Belt’, attracting high-earning professionals who work in finance and other sectors in London.
It also has a very high health score at 91, reflecting a strong proportion of over 65s in good health.
Suffolk Coastal, Suffolk
For those craving coastal beach walks (and maybe even a cold Boxing Day swim), Suffolk Coastal scored within the top ten.
The coast is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with wildlife-rich wetlands like Dunwich Heath.
It has an index score of 69, scoring particularly highly for social and community (78).
For those craving coastal beach walks (and maybe even a cold, Boxing Day swim), Suffolk Coastal scored within the top ten. Pictured: Southwold pier on the Suffolk Coast
Pictured: Coloured houses on Aldeburgh Beach seafront in Suffolk
East Grinstead and Uckfield, Sussex
With its historic medieval High Street, in tenth spot is East Grinstead and Uckfield in Sussex, with an index score of 68.
The town of East Grinstead has one of the longest continuous runs of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England, many of which now house independent shops and cafes.
Henley and Thame, Oxfordshire
Known for the Henley Royal Regatta, this area has an index score of 68 with a high rating for health (85).
With a picturesque riverside setting on the River Thames and its historic Georgian architecture, it is not surprising that this location scores within the top 20.
Sevenoaks, Kent
Kent makes its first appearance on the list at number 12.
Sevenoaks is situated in the rolling hills of the North Downs with plenty of scenic hiking spots and lakes.
New Forest West, Hampshire
New Forest in Hampshire has no shortage of ancient woodlands and open heathlands, which are home to free-roaming ponies and other wildlife
It’s a key part of the larger New Forest National Park, a protected area with significant ecological and natural importance.
New Forest in Hampshire has no shortage of ancient woodlands and open heathlands, which are home to free-roaming ponies and other wildlife
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, Outer London
Pictured: A view of Ruislip Lido, a 60-acre lake with sandy beaches located in the London Borough of Hillingdon
The only location in the capital named in the list of 20 was Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner in outer London.
This north-west London constituency came in 14th place with an index score of 68
London scored high across the board when it came to access to amenities like pharmacies, supermarkets, post offices, banks, libraries and theatres, but failed to match the others when it came to financial security and house prices.
Tatton, Cheshire
Pictured: The Japanese Garden at Tatton Park in Cheshire, England
In the north of England, with an index score of 67, Tatton in Cheshire took spot 15.
It has a very high financial score of 91, which is likely due to the area covering a prosperous area of Cheshire, including towns like Knutsford and Wilmslow.
It is part of the commuter belt for Greater Manchester.
West Dorset, Dorset
Pictured: Sea thrift covers cliff edge in Dorset near West Bay, Jurassic Coast
Forming part of the Jurassic Coast, West Dorset has an index score of 67. It is home to historic towns like Dorchester, Sherborne and Bridport.
Popular coastal spots include the picturesque harbour at West Bay and the town of Lyme Regis, famous for its historic Cobb and fossil hunting.
Surrey Heath, Surrey
In spot 17 is Surrey Heath, home to one of the largest National Nature Reserves in the southeast.
Once home to highwaymen, it is now recognised for its mix of rural and suburban environments and green spaces.
Maidenhead, Berkshire
Maidenhead on the River Thames is home to the iconic Brunel railway bridge and (perhaps even more significantly) was the home of the Spice Girls in their early years.
In the past, Maidenhead was a popular Thameside resort and a stop for coaches on the Great West Road.
Windsor, Berkshire
Looking past Windsor Castle and Legoland, Windsor is a desirable retirement location due to its historic charm and proximity to London.
The town has a good selection of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and pubs, as well as peaceful walking spots along the Thames.
Guildford, Surrey
Pictured: A historic, cobbled alley in Guildford, Surrey
At number 20 is Guildford, known for its historic, cobbled High Street and Norman castle.
With a score of 67/100 overall, it also boasts a health score of 88 and a financial score of 76.
Often cited as being one of the places that inspired Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, it is a charming riverside town and a great retirement option.
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