Top places to retire in the UK in 2026

Having enough money in your pension so you can afford to retire is crucial but choosing where to retire when the time comes can be equally important for many.

Most people (49%) plan to stay and retire in their local area, according to a survey of 1,000 UK homeowners aged 45 and over in September 2025 by housebuilder David Wilson Homes. Almost 4 in 10 (38%) plan to relocate elsewhere in the UK and 13% said they planned to move overseas for retirement.

When asked what they value most, people said they prioritised an affordable cost of living (57%) above all else, followed by being close to family (27%). Access to green spaces (13%) and convenient healthcare (9%) were also important factors.

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These priorities formed the basis of a ranking of the best places to retire in the UK, broken down by region. Below are the top 11 places the research uncovered.

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Best places to retire in each region in the UK

• South West – Cheltenham
• South East – Milton Keynes
• Greater London – Tower Hamlets
• East of England – South Cambridgeshire
• East Midlands – Derbyshire Dales
• West Midlands – Staffordshire Moorlands
• North West – Warrington
• Yorkshire & The Humber – North Yorkshire
• North East – Hartlepool
• Scotland – Argyll and Bute
• Wales – Vale of Glamorgan

How was the list put together?

The research looked at key metrics, such as the number of GPs per 100,000 people and the availability of shops and green spaces nearby. Average property prices were also considered, as was overall life satisfaction rankings.

Top places by region to retire in more detail

Best place to retire in the South West

Cheltenham (67/100)

Across the South West of England the best place to retire is Cheltenham, with an overall score of 67/100.

Often described as the cultural capital of the Cotswolds, the town is a hotbed of world class festivals that attract visitors from across the UK. This includes the Cheltenham Festival (one of the most prestigious events in horse racing) alongside regular celebrations of literature, jazz, science, and food.

Average house price: £323,378

Life satisfaction score: 7.41 out of 10

GP practices per 100,000 patients: 9

Greenspace per 10,000 residents: 5

Best place to retire in the South East

Milton Keynes (65/100)

Milton Keynes tops the list for retirement living in the South East. The city offers all the conveniences of modern living, with excellent healthcare, shopping, and leisure facilities right on the doorstep.

Known for its extensive green spaces, lakes, and over 200 miles of cycle paths, it combines urban amenities with room to enjoy the outdoors. Milton Keynes also boasts strong rail and road connections to London and the Midlands, making it easy for retirees to stay connected to family and friends.

Average house price: £342,741

Life satisfaction: 8.08 out of 10

GP Practices per 100,000 patients: 13

Greenspace per 10,000 residents: 2

Best place to retire in Greater London

Tower Hamlets (48/100)

Taking the top spot in Greater London, Tower Hamlets offers a lively urban lifestyle in its own right combined with excellent access to the rest of the capital.

The borough hosts historic areas like Whitechapel and Spitalfields with modern developments, riverside walks along the Thames, and strong community connections.

Average house price: £479,284

Life satisfaction score: 7.32 out of 10

GP Practices per 100,000 patients: 8

Greenspace per 10,000 residents: 4

Best place to retire in the East of England

South Cambridgeshire (61/100)

Across the East of England, the area of South Cambridgeshire tops the list of best places to retire. Little wonder, given its picturesque villages, scenic countryside, and proximity to Cambridge city.

The area also boasts excellent healthcare, plenty of green spaces, and a relaxed rural lifestyle, making it an attractive choice for retirees seeking a sense of calm while staying within easy reach of urban amenities.

Average house price: £432,540

Life satisfaction score: 7.41 out of 10

GP Practices per 100,000 patients: 8

Greenspace per 10,000 residents: 5

Best place to retire in the East Midlands

Derbyshire Dales (63/100)

Neighbouring the Peak District National Park, the Derbyshire Dales swoops in on the first place for retirees in the East Midlands.

The Peak District and Derbyshire are full of breath-taking and beautiful wonders, with some of the most popular Peak District mountains and beauty spots, including Mam Tor, Dovedale.

Average house price: £331,441

Life satisfaction score: 7.68 out of 10

GP Practices per 100,000 patients: 14

Greenspace per 10,000 residents: 3

Best place to retire in the West Midlands

Staffordshire Moorlands (61/100)

If you’re planning on retiring in the West Midlands, Staffordshire Moorlands has a lot to offer retirees. If you like the outdoors it could be perfect for you, with access to the beauty of the Peak District National Park making it a haven for walkers and nature lovers.

Affordable homes, excellent healthcare provision, and abundant green space combine to make this a well-rounded choice for later life.

Average house price: £215,635

Life satisfaction score: 7.45 out of 10

GP Practices per 100,000 patients: 14

Greenspace per 10,000 residents: 3

Best place to retire in the North West

Warrington (66/100)

Sitting between Liverpool and Manchester, Warrington offers retirees the best of both worlds – an ideal mix of urban convenience and suburban calm. For those looking for plenty to do in later life, its good transport links, bustling retail centres, and growing arts scene make it a well-connected and vibrant place to live.

Urban regeneration is well underway here. The town is home to the massive Warrington Waterfront project, and offers over 200 parks and green spaces, including Walton Hall and Gardens. The upshot is an attractive balance of accessibility and open space for retirees seeking both activity and relaxation.

Average house price: £253,744

Life satisfaction score: 7.45 out of 10

GP Practices per 100,000 patients: 12

Greenspace per 10,000 residents: 4

Best place to retire in Yorkshire and the Humber

North Yorkshire (56/100)

North Yorkshire takes the top spot in the region and is home to parts of both the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks. It is an area defined by open landscapes, rich heritage, and a slower pace of life, making it an ideal choice for retirement living.

Average house price: £272,463

Life satisfaction score: 7.49

GP Practices per 100k patients: 11

Greenspace per 10k residents: 3

Best places to retire in the North East

Hartlepool (55/100)

Riding high at the top of the list for places to retire in the North East is the town of Hartlepool.

Its attractions are many, from a heritage steeped in maritime history to a modern marina area, retirees are lured by sea views, walkable amenities, and a relaxed lifestyle. The area’s low average house prices and good access to healthcare add to its appeal.

Average house price: £140,180

Life satisfaction score: 7.29 out of 10

GP Practices per 100,000 patients: 11

Greenspace per 10,000 residents: 3

Best place to retire in Scotland

Argyll and Bute (98/100)

Argyll and Bute, with an overall score of 98/100, is not only the best place to retire in Scotland but across the whole of the UK.

Located on the Western shores of Scotland, the area is famed for its numerous sea lochs and islands, including Mull, Islay, and Bute. If you like small town living this could be the place for you – the largest town in Argyll and Bute is Helensburgh, located on the River Clyde, with a population of 15,160.

Average house price: £182,857

Life satisfaction score: 7.75 out of 10

GP Practices per 100,000 patients: 32

Greenspace per 10,000 residents: 3

Best place to retire in Wales

Vale of Glamorgan (61/100)

The Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales places first, combining coastal beauty with excellent connections to Cardiff.

Home to charming market towns like Cowbridge and dramatic clifftop walks along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast; it offers a relaxed yet well-connected lifestyle for retirees.

Average house price: £290,152

Life satisfaction score: 7.5 out of 10

GP Practices per 100,000 patients: 9

Greenspace per 10,000 residents: 4