Top retirement spots
Thriving theatres, thrilling festivals — these towns and cities are the UK’s…
Whether you want to enjoy inspiring theatre and films, savour top restaurants or tackle the great outdoors, where you choose to retire is key.
We’ve chosen ten of the best UK towns and cities that make retirement a pleasure.
BANBURY
WHY? the charming Oxfordshire market town has the Cotswolds on its doorstep. ENTERTAINMENT: the Mill Arts Centre hosts theatre, dance, music, comedy and films. AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE: £281,554.
CANTERBURY
WHY? It’s a beautifully preserved Kentish city with medieval architecture and cobbled streets. ENTERTAINMENT: the Marlowe theatre is a modern performing arts centre.
AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE: £333,286.
CHELTENHAM
WHY? the elegant Gloucestershire spa town is home to music, literary and horse-racing festivals.
ENTERTAINMENT: the everyman, Bacon and Cheltenham Playhouse theatres are all excellent. AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE: £409,929.
CHESTER
WHY? this walled city in Cheshire has a large shopping centre. ENTERTAINMENT: there’s the Storyhouse complex, plus openair events at Grosvenor Park. AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE: £285,517
HARROGATE
WHY? the lovely spa town is near to the Yorkshire Dales. ENTERTAINMENT: the harrogate theatre and everyman cinema. AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE: £414,877.
DARTMOUTH
WHY? this quiet South Devon waterside town is brilliant for sailing and walking.
ENTERTAINMENT: the Flavel Arts Centre is the go-to spot for films, gigs and theatre.
AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE: £419,938.
NORWICH
WHY? the well-preserved historic city in Norfolk has great links — trains to London in 90 minutes, and an airport with global connections. ENTERTAINMENT: the halls, Norwich Playhouse and Arts Centre for performing arts. AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE: £276,746.
RICHMOND
WHY? What is arguably London’s most classy, tranquil suburb has Kew Gardens nearby. ENTERTAINMENT: head to richmond theatre and the more intimate Orange tree theatre. AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE: £985,319.
ST ANDREWS
WHY? the Scottish seaside town is famous for golf, its university and a relaxed cafe vibe. ENTERTAINMENT: the 1930s New Picture house cinema and the lively Byre theatre.
AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE: £480,939.
WREXHAM
WHY? the charming Welsh city is near the border with Cheshire, and has a strong industrial past. ENTERTAINMENT: Find concerts, comedy and theatre at William Aston hall. there’s a Mecca Bingo hall, too.
AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE: £203,340.