We rank the best locations in the UK for retirement in 2026, taking into account things like proximity to green areas, house prices, and access to doctors
It's important to have enough money in your pension so you can afford to retire, but for many people, deciding where to retire when the time comes is just as crucial.
According to a survey conducted in September 2025 by housebuilder David Wilson Homes among 1,000 UK homeowners aged 45 and over, the majority (49 percent) intend to remain and retire in their local area. Thirteen percent said they intended to retire abroad, and nearly four out of ten (38%) said they intended to relocate within the United Kingdom.
When asked what they value most, 57% of respondents said that having an inexpensive cost of living was their top priority, followed by being near family (27%). Convenient healthcare (9%) and green space accessibility (13%) were also significant factors.
Current BFIA issues. Based on these priorities, the UK's top retirement destinations were ranked by region. The top 11 locations the study found are listed below.
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The best retirement destinations in each UK region.
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 and The Humber North East Hartlepool Scotland Argyll and Bute Wales Vale of Glamorgan.
How did the list get put together?
The study examined important indicators like the number of general practitioners per 100,000 residents and the accessibility of local stores and green areas. Both average property prices and rankings of overall life satisfaction were taken into account.
More information about the best places to retire by region.
The South West's top retirement destination.
67/100 for Cheltenham.
Cheltenham.
The Cheltenham.
With an overall score of 67/100, Cheltenham is the best place to retire in the South West of England.
The town, which is frequently referred to as the Cotswolds' cultural capital, is a hub for top-notch festivals that draw tourists from all over the United Kingdom. This includes frequent celebrations of literature, jazz, science, and cuisine in addition to the Cheltenham Festival, one of the most important horse racing events.
The average cost of a home is £323,378.
7.41 out of 10 for life satisfaction.
GP offices per 100,000 people: 9.
Five green spaces for every 10,000 inhabitants.
The South East's top retirement destination.
Keynes, Milton (65/100).
Milton Keynes.
Keynes, Milton.
In the South East, Milton Keynes is the most popular choice for retirement. The city provides all the amenities of contemporary life, including first-rate shopping, healthcare, and recreational opportunities.
It blends urban conveniences with space to enjoy the outdoors and is well-known for its vast green areas, lakes, and more than 200 miles of bike paths. Additionally, Milton Keynes has excellent road and rail links to the Midlands and London, which makes it simple for retirees to maintain relationships with friends and family.
342,741 is the average home price.
Life satisfaction: 8 out of 10.
GP offices per 100,000 people: 13.
There are two green spaces for every 10,000 people.
The best retirement community in Greater London.
Tower Hamlets (48/100).
Hamlets' Tower.
Hamlets Tower.
Tower Hamlets, which holds the top spot in Greater London, provides both great access to the rest of the capital and a vibrant urban lifestyle of its own.
Whitechapel and Spitalfields, two of the borough's historic neighborhoods, are home to contemporary developments, riverside strolls along the Thames, and close-knit communities.
479,284 is the average cost of a house.
Score for life satisfaction: 7 out of 10.
GP practices per 100,000 patients: 8.
Four green spaces per ten thousand people.
The East of England's best retirement destination.
South Cambridgeshire (61 out of 100).
Cambridgeshire South.
Cambridgeshire's south.
South Cambridgeshire is the top region in the East of England for retirement. Given its charming villages, beautiful countryside, and close proximity to Cambridge city, it is hardly surprising.
The region is a desirable option for retirees looking for tranquility while remaining close to urban conveniences because it offers first-rate healthcare, an abundance of green areas, and a laid-back rural lifestyle.
432,540 is the average cost of a house.
7 out of 10 for life satisfaction.
GP practices per 100,000 patients: 8.
Five green spaces for every 10,000 people.
The East Midlands' greatest retirement destination.
Derbyshire Dales (63 out of 100).
Dales in Derbyshire.
Dales of Derbyshire.
The Derbyshire Dales, which are adjacent to the Peak District National Park, overtake the top spot for retirees in the East Midlands.
Some of the most well-known Peak District mountains and beauty spots are Mam Tor and Dovedale. The Peak District and Derbyshire are full of breathtaking and lovely wonders.
331,441 is the average cost of a home.
A score of 7 out of 10 for life satisfaction.
GP practices: 14 per 100,000 patients.
Three green spaces per ten thousand people.
The West Midlands' greatest retirement destination.
Moorlands of Staffordshire (61/100).
Moorlands in Staffordshire.
Moorlands in Staffordshire.
Staffordshire Moorlands has a lot to offer retirees who intend to live in the West Midlands. With access to the splendor of the Peak District National Park, which is a haven for hikers and nature lovers, it might be ideal for you if you enjoy being outside.
This is a well-rounded option for later life because of the affordable housing, first-rate healthcare, and lots of green space.
215,635 is the average home price.
Life satisfaction rating: 7.45 out of 10.
14 GP offices per 100,000 patients.
Three green spaces per ten thousand people.
The Northwest's top retirement destination.
Warrington (66 out of 100).
Williams.
"Warrington."
Warrington, which is situated between Manchester and Liverpool, gives retirees the best of both worldsa perfect blend of suburban peace and urban convenience. Its excellent transportation connections, busy shopping malls, and expanding arts scene make it a vibrant and well-connected place to live for people looking for plenty to do in later life.
Here, urban renewal is in full swing. The town has more than 200 parks and green areas, including Walton Hall and Gardens, and is home to the expansive Warrington Waterfront project. The result is a desirable mix of open space and accessibility for retirees looking for both leisure and activity.
The average cost of a home is 253,744.
Score for life satisfaction: 7 out of 10.
GP practices: 12 per 100,000 patients.
Four green spaces per ten thousand people.
Yorkshire and the Humber's best retirement destination.
Yorkshire's North (56/100).
Yorkshire to the north.
Yorkshire in the north.
Parts of the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks are located in North Yorkshire, which holds the top spot in the region. It is a great place to live in retirement because of its open spaces, rich history, and slower pace of life.
The average cost of a home is 272,463.
7 out of 49 for life satisfaction.
GP practices per 100,000 patients: 11.
3 green spaces per 10,000 people.
Northeast's top retirement destinations.
55/100 Hartlepool.
The Hartlepool area.
Town of Hartlepool.
The town of Hartlepool is at the top of the list of places to retire in the Northeast.
Retirees are drawn to its many attractions, which include a modern marina area, a heritage rich in maritime history, seaside views, walkable amenities, and a laid-back lifestyle. The area's appeal is increased by its affordable average home prices and convenient access to healthcare.
The average cost of a home is 140,180.
Life satisfaction rating: 7 out of 10 points.
GP offices per 100,000 patients: 11.
3 green spaces for every 10,000 people.
Scotland's greatest retirement destination.
Bute (98/100) and Argyll.
Both Argyll and Bute.
Bute and Argyll (98/100).
With an overall score of 98/100, Argyll and Bute is the greatest place to retire in the UK, not just in Scotland.
Situated on Scotland's western coast, the region is well-known for its many sea lochs and islands, such as Mull, Islay, and Bute. Helensburgh, the largest town in Argyll and Bute, has 15,160 residents and is situated on the River Clyde. If you enjoy living in small towns, this might be the place for you.
182,857 is the average cost of a house.
Score for life satisfaction: 7 out of 10.
32 general practitioners per 100,000 patients.
3 green spaces for every 10,000 people.
Wales' top retirement destination.
Glamorgan Vale (61/100).
Vale of Glamorgan.
Glamorgan's Vale (61/100).
The top spot goes to South Wales' Vale of Glamorgan, which combines stunning coastline with first-rate access to Cardiff.
It provides retirees with a laid-back yet connected lifestyle and is home to quaint market towns like Cowbridge and dramatic clifftop walks along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast.
290,152 is the average home price.
A life satisfaction rating of 7.5 out of 10.
GP practices per 100,000 patients: 9.
Four green spaces per ten thousand people.
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