As the later stage of life approaches – either for ourselves or for our loved ones – it’s easy to see why many will yearn to be by the sea. But along with the pleasant feeling of waking up each morning to lovely views and coastal strolls, accompanied by a soundtrack of gentle waves lapping against the shore, such a location has further benefits, too.
Sea air is generally cleaner and fresher than the air inland, helping your body to absorb oxygen. What’s more, research has shown that coastal residents are more likely to exercise than their inland counterparts – not least due to the presence of beaches, promenades and coastal paths.
When selecting a retirement location, as well as looking for factors like good transport links, good access to medical care and a strong, friendly community, you ideally want to live somewhere with year-round appeal and which suits your interests. If you’re into the arts and culture, you’re more likely to enjoy an area with galleries, arts venues and theatres, while a nature lover will want easy access to country walks.
To help your search, here we have selected some of the best coastal locations and retirement homes and villages in the UK to suit all budgets.
Worthing, West Sussex
Worthing Pier is just one of the attractions of the popular Sussex seaside town
This seaside town has long been popular with retirees – and when you add up the plus factors, it’s easy to understand why. It offers accessible, beautiful beaches, low crime rates and regular transport links to its more expensive neighbour, Brighton.
Worthing has independent shops, a cinema and galleries, as well as easy access to Chichester’s theatres and the South Downs for country pubs and walks.
For the over-60s, McCarthy and Stone’s Walnut Tree Place development in Worthing currently has a one-bedroom retirement apartment available for £235,000, or for rent at £1,905 per month.
A one-bedroom retirement apartment at Walnut Tree Place is available for £235,000
Alternatively, you can register your interest in Churchill Living’s proposed new Worthing retirement development for the over 60s located right on the seafront.
Exmouth, east Devon
Exmouth beach is at the western end of the UK’s Jurassic Coast
With around two miles of sandy beaches on the Jurassic Coast, a Unesco World Heritage Site and designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, property prices in Exmouth are generally more affordable than neighbouring resorts such as Lympstone and Budleigh Salterton. As well as a diverse range of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, there are sailing and walking clubs, art societies, an independent cinema and theatre.
At McCarthy and Stone’s The Curlews development, there is a choice of buying from £316,000, renting from £2,965 per month, as well as shared ownership from £132,500, plus £304 per month, all for a one-bed.
Reserved for those over 70, the development is two miles away from the beach, and has fantastic communal facilities including a bistro, wellness suite and communal lounge.
The Curlews offers a range of excellent facilities, including a wellness suite
Whitby, North Yorkshire
Whitby is high on charm – and excellent fish and chips, and has links to Dracula
Perched on the edge of the North York Moors, Whitby has lots of historic charm, with its cobbled streets of the old town and famous abbey. With boutique shops, independent cafes, pubs and restaurants, sandy beaches, dramatic clifftops and a historic harbour, it is an attractive place with a thriving arts scene.
Meadowfields Court Retirement Housing has purpose-built properties for people over the age of 55 to rent from £784.85 per month. There are excellent transport links to the town centre, Scarborough and Leeds.
Meadowfields Court Retirement Housing has purpose-built properties for people over 55
Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Campbeltown offers access to beaches, fishing and a number of golf courses
According to the 2025 Lloyds Bank Coastal Homes Review, Campbeltown, on the Kintyre peninsula in west Scotland, is the most affordable coastal town in which to retire in the UK. With average house prices at just over £100,000, you get a lot for your money when selecting a retirement home.
Lorne Campbell Court in Campbeltown is the primary dedicated retirement housing development on the Kintyre peninsula. There are no properties currently available; however, interested parties can be added to the waiting list.
Managed by Cairn Housing Association, it is designed for those aged over 50, and provides a secure environment, with a communal lounge and gardens. As well as the beautiful beaches and coastline, loch fishing and various golf courses are nearby.
Lorne Campbell Court caters for those over the age of 50
Clevedon, Somerset
Clevedon overlooks the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel
Clevedon, situated on a series of low rocky cliffs, has long been a highly regarded place to retire, combining the appeal of seaside living with practical conveniences. Quiet and charming, it overlooks the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel.
The Hawthorns Retirement Village at Clevedon is set within four acres of landscaped grounds, offers easy walks to the seashore, and has its own nine-hole putting green. Its fully serviced rental apartments start at £2,450 per month for a studio, £4,000 per month for one-bed apartments, and £5,250 per month for two bedrooms.
At The Hawthorns you can watch the sun set over the Bristol Channel
Bournemouth, Dorset
With seven miles of uninterrupted sand, Bournemouth beach is one of the longest in the UK
As well as a mild climate and miles of sandy beaches, Bournemouth has a wealth of shops, cafés, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, a bowling alley and several golf courses. A bit further afield are Poole and the beautiful New Forest.
Buying a resale property can really lower the cost of moving to a retirement home. For example, Churchill Living currently have for sale a one-bedroom apartment in good order at £89,995 at Wellington Court, a development of 61 one and two bedroom apartments they built in 1990. It is ideally situated for all Bournemouth has to offer, and organises social activities for residents such as coffee mornings.
Built in 1990, Wellington Court remains an ideal base for life on the south coast
Frinton-on-Sea, Essex
Frinton offers an old-fashioned seaside lifestyle, with independent shops and cafes
Essex’s north-east coast boasts several attractive seaside towns, including Brightlingsea and Walton-on-the-Naze – both considered ideal for retirees due to their affordability, ‘Constable Country’ landscapes and expansive beaches dotted with colourful Victorian huts.
Frinton similarly attracts those looking for a safe, tranquil, old-fashioned seaside lifestyle. The high street features independent shops, cafes and restaurants and there are golf and tennis clubs too.
Churchill’s Cooper Lodge – which requires at least one apartment resident to be over the age of 60, with any second resident over the age of 55 – is very near the seafront, and currently has a £215,000 one-bedroom ground floor apartment available.
Churchill’s Cooper Lodge requires at least one apartment resident to be over the age of 60
Swansea, South Wales
The stunning Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula
Swansea often ranks among the UK’s top retirement locations on account of its stunning coastal scenery, high affordability and relaxed pace of life. With direct access to the Gower peninsula and a five-mile stretch of beach, it has a spirited atmosphere, as well as excellent road links via the M4. Welcoming and safe, there is a good choice of cafes, pubs, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and galleries.
McCarthy and Stone has two-bedroom properties to rent at their over-60s development Fern Court at Sketty in Swansea. Set in landscaped gardens two miles outside the city centre, each apartment has its own balcony and the communal lounge and gardens are great spaces for residents to socialise.
Private balconies and landscaped gardens add to the appeal of Fern Court
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