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For many of us, retirement is a time to finally put ourselves first and make decisions about who we want to be, where we want to live, and how we want to spend our time.
When considering where to live, it can be tricky to balance the need for connection and convenience with the desire to wake up to sweeping sea views or easy access to miles of meandering mountain trails or enchanting woodland.
But with some research and careful planning, it’s possible to experience the best of both worlds – somewhere beautiful where you can enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, while still having the amenities that make everyday life easier.
Here are six brilliant UK destinations that could be worth considering if you love walking and the great outdoors.
1. Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
The Sunday Times named Abergavenny the best place to live in Wales in 2024, and it’s easy to see why, especially if you enjoy walking. Known as ‘The Gateway to Wales’, this historic market town sits near the English border on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, surrounded by seven hills. The Skirrid, Blorenge, and Sugar Loaf all offer rewarding walks with beautiful views, while there are plenty of gentler options, too, including Castle Meadows, the old railway path to Govilon, and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal towpath.
Abergavenny’s food scene is a big part of its character. The annual Food Festival draws chefs, producers and food lovers to the town, while its restaurants, gastropubs and independent producers make it easy to eat well year-round. There are glimpses of the town’s history in daily life, too. Abergavenny Castle sits above the centre, while the 13th-century Market Hall remains a lively hub for local traders and artisans. The town’s mix of Welsh and English influences also gives Abergavenny a unique character.
While exploring the surrounding rural areas and national parks can be easier with a car, Abergavenny town centre is compact, pedestrian-friendly, and easy to navigate on foot – with many trails accessible by bus or a short walk from the town centre. Abergavenny also has a mainline train station, with connections via Newport to London, and north to Manchester, Chester, and Crewe.
Healthcare is another plus for retirees, with Nevill Hall Hospital providing a range of local services. Crime is lower than the national average and house prices average around £368,760.
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2. Stirling, Stirlingshire
Walkers seeking the beauty of Scotland without giving up the convenience of a well-connected town might want to consider the historic city of Stirling, often described as the gateway between the Highlands and Lowlands. It’s surrounded by rolling hills and lush countryside, yet has the convenience you’d expect from a much larger place (it’s Scotland’s smallest city!).
You don’t have to travel far to find a range of wonderful walks. The city has an extensive network of paths, including the historic Back Walk around Stirling Castle, riverside routes along the Forth, and woodland trails around Abbey Craig, home to the National Wallace Monument. For something more challenging, the Ochil Hills begin just outside the city, while the Trossachs are within easy reach. Active Stirling also offers free local walks, giving residents a chance to stay active and meet people locally.
When it comes to history and culture, Stirling’s historic Old Town is dominated by its magnificent castle, while the city’s cultural calendar includes theatres, galleries, and live events. The nearby University of Stirling also provides beautiful grounds to explore, including a 2.5km path around Airthrey Loch, with views towards the Ochil Hills and Wallace Monument.
Healthcare is widely accessible, too, with community healthcare facilities and Forth Valley Royal Hospital around 20 minutes away by car. The railway station has regular services to Edinburgh and Glasgow, and many shops, attractions, and walking routes are accessible on foot. There’s also a good choice of homes, including retirement properties – average house prices are £251,618.
3. Keswick, Cumbria
If you’re a keen hillwalker, Keswick could be right up your street. Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, this lively market town sits beneath the slopes of Skiddaw and Catbells, making it an ideal base for exploring the fells. But those who prefer something gentler are well catered for, too. Derwentwater, known as the “Queen of the Lakes”, is just a 10-minute walk from the town centre, with paths leading into the beautiful Borrowdale Valley, where you’ll find towering fells and ancient woodland.
There’s plenty to enjoy when you’re not out walking, too. Keswick has a warm, close-knit community, with events such as the Christmas Lights Switch-On and Keswick Half Marathon providing plenty of opportunities to get involved. You’ll also find cosy cafés, independent shops, traditional pubs and excellent restaurants, alongside a twice-weekly market selling local produce, crafts and handmade gifts. It’s worth bearing in mind that the town gets busy with visitors in summer, though, so it may not suit those looking for somewhere particularly quiet year-round.
On the practical side, Keswick Community Hospital provides inpatient care and an urgent treatment centre for minor injuries and illnesses. The town doesn’t have a railway station, but regular buses run to Penrith, where you can connect to the mainline rail network. House prices average around £350,442, while crime is lower than the national average.
4. Bakewell, Derbyshire
For walkers who picture plenty of gentle miles and spectacular views in retirement, Bakewell makes a great base. Set in the heart of the Peak District National Park, it’s surrounded by beautiful countryside, with plenty of walking routes to choose from. The 8.5-mile Monsal Trail, a traffic-free route along a former railway line, is flat and easy underfoot, with a popular stretch leading to the spectacular views at Monsal Head and its viaduct. There are plenty of other walks from the town, too, including routes through the Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve and a well-loved trail to Chatsworth.
Bakewell also has plenty to keep you busy off the trails. The town is famous for its Bakewell Pudding (locals will tell you it’s definitely not a tart), and has a bustling outdoor market, independent shops, cafés, and traditional pubs. Grand Chatsworth House is around three miles away, while medieval Haddon Hall is just a couple of miles south.
Bakewell has a GP surgery and community hospital providing a range of local services, while larger hospitals can be found in nearby Chesterfield and Buxton. Local buses connect the town with surrounding villages and larger towns, although a car can be useful for exploring further afield. House prices average around £355,768 and crime rates are below the national average.
As with many popular Peak District destinations, Bakewell can get busy with visitors during the summer, but its combination of gentle walking, beautiful surroundings and a lively town centre makes it an appealing place to settle.
5. Llandudno, Conwy
If you love walking but don’t fancy somewhere where every outing involves a steep climb, Llandudno could be a great choice. This elegant Victorian seaside town has miles of level promenade and easy coastal paths, as well as more challenging routes around the Great Orme, if you do fancy something more vigorous.
The Great Orme is Llandudno’s most striking feature, rising dramatically between the town and the sea. You can follow paths around its limestone headland for spectacular views across the Irish Sea and Conwy Bay, or head towards the summit. And if you’d rather not tackle the climb, the historic Great Orme Tramway and cable car offer an easier way to enjoy the scenery. The Wales Coast Path also passes through the town, while quieter West Shore has a sandy beach, dunes and lovely views towards Eryri (Snowdonia).
Once you’ve had your fill of the coastal paths, Llandudno’s Victorian charm gives you plenty of reasons to linger. Its grand promenade and famous pier are at the heart of the town, while the centre is lined with independent shops, cafés, pubs, and restaurants. Back on the Great Orme, you might spot the resident herd of wild Kashmiri goats, along with an abundance of wildflowers and wildlife that changes with the seasons.
Healthcare is also easily accessible – Llandudno Hospital also provides a range of community and outpatient services – and house prices average £224,616. One drawback is crime, as police data shows Llandudno has higher local crime numbers compared to surrounding rural areas.
6. Bangor, County Down
If you’d like to retire somewhere by the water while still having easy access to city life, Bangor could be worth a look. Set on the southern shore of Belfast Lough, this lively seaside town has a long history as a resort and is built around one of Ireland’s largest marinas. It’s previously been described as one of the most desirable places to live in Northern Ireland, and its mix of coastal scenery, amenities, and excellent connections makes it easy to see the appeal.
The waterfront is a big part of Bangor’s charm. You can wander around the marina, follow the coastal path or head to nearby Crawfordsburn Country Park, where woodland trails lead down to a sandy beach. There’s plenty happening in the town itself, too, from independent shops and cafés to restaurants, pubs and a lively events programme. Plus, Bangor Castle and its surrounding grounds are another pleasant spot for a stroll.
Being close to Belfast is another major advantage. Trains run regularly from Bangor to Belfast, making it possible to enjoy the attractions and amenities of the city without living there, while Belfast City Airport is also only around 10 miles away. The Ulster Hospital in nearby Dundonald also provides a wide range of hospital services, giving you access to more extensive healthcare without having to travel into Belfast.
House prices average at £219,530, which is generally more affordable than in many desirable coastal towns elsewhere in the UK, with a range of properties from older terraces and apartments to larger suburban homes. Crime rates also fall below the national average. With the sea on your doorstep, Belfast within easy reach, and plenty going on locally, Bangor offers a rather different take on coastal living.
Unlock more freedom for retirement
Could downsizing to a park home give you more freedom to enjoy retirement? With a low-maintenance home and the potential to release equity from your current property, park home living could mean more time and financial flexibility for travel, hobbies and the things you enjoy most.
Download Tingdene’s FREE Beginner’s Guide to Park Home Living and discover whether this lifestyle could be right for your next chapter.
Final thoughts…
For anyone dreaming of a retirement with more time outdoors, choosing where to live can open up all sorts of possibilities. Whether you picture morning walks by the sea, weekends exploring the hills or simply having beautiful countryside on your doorstep, the right location can make it easier to enjoy more of what you love.
These six destinations each offer something different, but all could be worth exploring if you’re looking for somewhere that combines great walking with the practicalities of everyday life.
For further reading, check out our articles: 7 best places to retire abroad and 20 happiest places to live in Great Britain.
Are you tempted by any of these destinations? Or perhaps you have another destination to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.
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