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There are lots of reasons why you might want to move somewhere new in later life. Perhaps you want to lead a different lifestyle once retired, be closer to your family, or maybe you’re looking to downsize and want to use the opportunity to move somewhere that you’ve always dreamed of.
However, deciding which area of the country to settle down in can be tricky – especially when one town, village, or city can vary so much from the next in terms of connectivity and things to do.
With this in mind, we’ve teamed up with Pegasus to come up with six great places to retire in England.
Pegasus build and manage beautiful later living communities for people over 60 across the UK. Each development is well-located in an urban or suburban area and within walking distance of good public transport links.
1. Bristol
Previously voted as the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times in 2017, Bristol is a vibrant hub full of diverse culture and plenty to do.
For starters, the city is brimming with excellent places to get a drink or a bite to eat – from the critically-acclaimed restaurants along The Harbourside, where you can enjoy a meal with an impressive view of the water, to the delicious street food stalls at St Nicholas’ Market.
There’s also plenty for lovers of art and culture here. As well as the striking street art that you can discover in every corner of the city, Bristol is home to lots of places where you can get your creative fill. Some local favourites include the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery – where you admire everything from ancient Egyptian artefacts to contemporary paintings – and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre; the oldest continuously working theatre in the English-speaking world.
As a Bristolian, you’ll be treated to a wide range of seasonal events, like the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta – a mesmerising event that combines artistic expression with engineering ingenuity and sees the sky fill with hot air balloons for a weekend in August – and the Bristol Harbour Festival, which celebrates one of the city’s most beloved districts.
And if access to nature is important to you, there are some gorgeous green spaces in and around the city with excellent walking trails that you can enjoy. Popular spots include Leigh Woods by the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Ashton Court Estate. Bristol’s excellent train links also mean that you can visit some stunning nearby seaside towns (like Portishead) with ease, as well as go further afield to the beaches of Devon and Cornwall.
The Vincent, Pegasus’ later-living community in Bristol, is located in the north of the city in the tranquil Redland district, next to Clifton Downs. From here, you’ll have easy access to the whole of the city and beyond.
2. Wilmslow
Picture the next chapter of your life. Does it involve a peaceful small-town atmosphere, becoming part of an engaging community, and lots of time spent out in lush green spaces? If so, then retiring to Wilmslow could be a great choice.
The biggest advantage of settling in Wilmslow is undoubtedly the location. Nestled between the bustling hub of Manchester (which is only 15 minutes away by train) and the rolling wilds of the Peak District (half an hour in the car) you can enjoy the best of both worlds. So whether you’re in the mood to enjoy the dynamic energy of the city or the quiet beauty of one of the UK’s most treasured national parks, you won’t be disappointed.
The town itself also has plenty to offer residents. In fact, as well as being home to a popular high street with lots of excellent places to shop, eat, and drink, Wilmslow is famous for its monthly artisan market, which is often described as ‘the Spitalfields of the North West’. It involves over 120 artisan traders, selling everything from fresh organic produce to handmade jewellery.
The Rex, the town’s luxury independent cinema, is also a popular attraction. Boasting some truly impressive art-deco architecture and furnishings, whether you enjoy new releases or classic films, you’re sure to find something here. Though, if live performances are more your thing, you can visit The Green Room Theatre, where high-quality amateur productions are staged year-round.
Chapelwood, Pegasus’ development in Wilmslow, is located in the centre of this charming town – only a short walk from the train station and the high street.
3. Cheltenham
Want to move to a place that has plenty to see and do, but still holds on to that small-town feeling? If so, Cheltenham could be somewhere you might like to call home. As the UK’s ‘most complete Regency-era spa town’, it’s bursting with interesting history, culture, and architecture.
Between its gorgeous Georgian buildings – with wrought iron balconies and stunning stucco facades – and beautiful green spaces, walking the peaceful streets of Cheltenham can be a calming and restorative experience. Though, that isn’t to say that there isn’t plenty going on here.
For one, the town is home to a brilliant culinary scene. Discover intimate gastro pubs and hidden bars, or treat yourself to a fine dining experience at one of the town’s nine Michelin Guide-featured restaurants.
The famous Everyman Theatre on Regent Street is the beating heart of Cheltenham’s arts world. Hosting a wide range of productions all year round – from drama and musicals to opera and ballet – it’s worth visiting to admire the glorious architecture of the auditorium alone. Or if exhibitions are what you’re interested in, then The Wilson, which has been newly reopened after an extensive refurbishment, houses exhibitions on fine art, archaeology, local history, and beyond.
Cheltenham is also home to a variety of lively seasonal events; the upcoming Literature Festival is particularly popular. Featuring an impressive 10-day programme, this celebration of the written word features appearances from some of literature’s heavy hitters (Stephen King and Ian McEwan will be in attendance this year), as well as plenty of activities for all ages.
And when you need to get your fresh air fix, you can take a stroll around the Imperial Gardens and admire the impressive floral displays, or hike up to Cleeve Hill, the highest point in Gloucestershire, and take in the awe-inspiring views.
Pegasus has two later living communities located in Cheltenham: Latheram House, which is set in the heart of the town and One Bayshill Road, in Montpellier, one of Cheltenham’s most sought-after addresses. To hear from a Latheram House resident, why not check out Stella’s story?
4. Lichfield
With its Tudor white and black framed buildings and cobbled streets, Lichfield is a quintessential English spot. And although it feels like a mid-sized town, it’s actually a city due to its impressive three-spire cathedral.
Situated in the South East of Staffordshire, this peaceful place has something for everyone. For those who love green spaces, under the shadow of the cathedral sits Beacon Park, 70 acres of rich gardens and tree-lined paths. You can head there for a stroll, a picnic, or even to ride the pedalos on the water if the weather is nice.
The town centre itself is home to a variety of charming independent cafes, bars, and restaurants, particularly on Dam Street and Bird Street. Plus, the town square plays host to bustling markets throughout the week, where you can pick up all sorts of interesting bits and bobs.
Though, if culture is what you’re looking for, the Lichfield Garrick is a flourishing theatre that hosts a variety of productions – from West End plays like The Mousetrap to annual Christmas pantomimes.
The town itself is also conveniently located for all sorts of needs and interests. If you’re in the mood for a day in the city, then Birmingham New Street is just over half an hour away by train.
By contrast, if you feel like answering the call of the wild, then drive 15 minutes west and you’ll be in Cannock Chase, an area that’s officially recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Between its rolling heathland and towering forests, Cannock Chase offers some spectacular scenery and plenty of wildlife to spot. It’s a top location for a weekend hike.
Lichfield Bonds, Pegasus’ later life community in Lichfield, is perfectly situated in the town so that you can enjoy all of these attractions and more. Though Lichfield Bonds is currently under construction, you can still register your interest ready for its completion in Autumn 2023.
5. Newcastle
Newcastle is a versatile city and from its quiet, leafy suburbs to its energetic centre, it’s got something for everyone. So if you’re looking for the ideal place to live in later life, why not take this beloved Tyne-side spot into consideration?
If accessibility is a top priority for you, then look no further than Newcastle. Often described as ‘the smallest big city in the world’, unlike larger metropolises like London and Birmingham, everything is very easy to get to in Newcastle. This is thanks (in part) to the extensive, easy-to-use metro system that threads its way under the city. Plus, as the city covers a relatively small area, you can walk most places if you choose to.
If a vibrant art and culture scene is what you’re after, this jewel of the North East will also fit the bill. As well as the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, which hosts a wide variety of exhibitions from artists from all over the world, and the Theatre Royal, Newcastle is also home to the Sage Gateshead, which is just as famous for its stunning, curved architecture, as it is for the gigs that are put on there.
For foodies, there are countless great spots to enjoy a delicious meal, coffee, or cocktail – some boasting exquisite views of the Tyne. There are also some great seasonal events available, from The Gin and Rum Festival to the North East International Film Festival – which both take place in November.
As for those who’re looking for a place full of natural open spaces, despite its city status, Newcastle has plenty of beautiful parks – the biggest of which is the Town Moor towards the north, where you’ll be treated to a sweeping view of the city.
Jesmond Assembly, Pegasus’ later living community in Newcastle is situated in one of the city’s most sought-after suburbs. With a metro station only a few hundred yards away, you’ll be able to get anywhere in the city and beyond with ease.
6. Tetbury
Set deep in the Cotswolds, Tetbury is surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. So if you’re looking to retire to an idyllic market town with plenty of green space around, then this might be the place for you.
Tetbury rose to prosperity in the 16th and 17th centuries as a trading place for wool and yarn, and from an architectural standpoint, it’s changed very little since then – with its stout weaver’s cottages and charming cobblestone streets.
Strolling along the quaint Tetbury roads, you might be overcome with a feeling of peace, almost as if you’ve been transported back in time, far from the hustle and bustle of modern life. But don’t be fooled – as the second largest town in the Cotswolds, there’s still plenty going here. For example, it’s well-known for its various quirky independent boutiques that sell everything from jewellery and designer clothes to homeware and art.
Tetbury is also famous for its regal residents, as The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall live in the nearby Highgrove House.
Surrounded by a web of walking trails, it’s easy to investigate the splendid forests and fields that lie nearby. And because of its relatively central location in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Tetbury acts as a perfect base of operations to go further afield and explore this idyllic corner of the country.
Steepleton, Pegasus’ later living community in Tetbury is conveniently located moments from the heart of the town. Plus, the community is within easy access of the closest train station.
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re looking to move to a lively city or a peaceful town, we hope that you’ve enjoyed our list of six places to retire in England.
To find out more information on Pegasus’ communities, and to search available properties all over the UK, why not head on over to their website?