The Best Places to Retire in the UK

Selecting the perfect place to live is a pivotal decision for everyone, but the criteria often change when considering retirement. What may have suited a bustling city worker or a young family might not align with the preferences of someone over 65 seeking a new chapter in life. As individuals approach retirement, they often contemplate where they wish to settle down, whether it's to be closer to loved ones or to enhance their quality of life. Finding a location that aligns with one's lifestyle and facilitates a comfortable retirement is paramount.

While proximity to family is often considered crucial for retirees, independence, exploration opportunities, and engaging activities are equally important. With families scattered across the country and excellent transportation networks in place, we encourage retirees to prioritise communities that cater to their retirement aspirations, placing social and active lifestyles at the forefront, with geographical proximity as a secondary concern.

Here are key factors to consider:

1. Housing Affordability: Downsizing or relocating can expand housing options for retirees. Selling a property in a major city like London and moving to a more rural area could provide a substantial budget boost.
2. Proximity to Loved Ones: Being near family members, especially as grandchildren arrive and additional support becomes valuable, is a significant consideration for many retirees.
3. Transportation Accessibility: Moving from a bustling city with extensive transportation options to a rural town with limited services can be an adjustment. Access to public transportation for visiting friends and family, as well as essential amenities, is crucial, particularly for non-drivers.
4. Healthcare Facilities: Easy access to medical and care services becomes increasingly important for long-term retirement planning.
5. Safety and Security: Low crime rates and a sense of safety in the community are essential factors for retirees.
6. Community Engagement and Activities: Active social lives can be maintained by relocating to areas with vibrant community groups and activities that align with retirees' interests.

At Rangeford Villages, we are fortunate to offer retirement communities in beautiful UK locations. Our residents not only enjoy fantastic amenities within our villages but also have access to a plethora of cultural and recreational activities in the areas surrounding Wadswick Green in Corsham, Siddington Park in Gloucestershire, Mickle Hill in Yorkshire, and Homewood Grove in Surrey.

The Rangeford lifestyle guarantees that not only will you be gaining a gorgeous new home and friendly community within a vibrant village, but also plenty of adventures ready to explore right on your doorstep.

Siddington Park in Gloucestershire is situated a mere 5 minute drive from Cirencester, the capital of the Cotswolds and one of the most sought-after residential locations in the UK. The area is home to many stunning national parks, rustic villages, listed properties and popular attractions. Within 30 minutes, you will find picturesque neighbouring towns and villages such as Cirencester, South Cerney and Bibury offering collections of artisan shops, impressive Roman architecture, and watersports excursions on the famous lakes of the Cotswolds. A little further afield, you will be able to discover the rich histories of stately homes such as Bowood House, Sudeley Castle, or Chavenage House (as seen on BBC’s Poldark). Also, take the chance to stretch your legs in the scenic surroundings of Westonbirt Arboretum, which is only a 25-minute drive away. With over 2,500 species of trees, Westonbirt is a sight to behold all year round. Siddington Park’s enviable and convenient location means that you’re never too far away from a leisurely cultural day out or breath-taking natural beauty.

Wadswick Green, based in the countryside of Wiltshire, is a secluded, peaceful retirement community near to the bustle of the Georgian city of Bath with its excellent selection of shopping and museums, including the world-famous Roman Baths. In under 60 minutes, you can reach the picture-perfect town of Castle Coombe and the city of Oxford with its historic university buildings. You can also explore Dyrham Park’s 17th-century baroque mansion situated within its 270 acres of green parkland – see if you can spot the deer! Just 45 minutes from Wadswick Green, you can experience the immersive wildlife tours at Longleat Safari Park, which is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike.

Pickering, the gateway to the Yorkshire Moors, is home to Mickle Hill. This area of the North boasts some of England’s most stunning natural settings, which can be seen when visiting Dalby Forest, The Yorkshire Arboretum and the Mallyan Spout Waterfall – all under half an hour away. Discover the histories of Pickering Castle, Scampston Hall and Harewood House complete with their manicured gardens ready to explore. Or, soak up some rays on the beaches of nearby seaside towns Scarborough and Whitby on the Yorkshire Riviera.

Homewood Grove, in the heart of beautiful Surrey, is only a short drive away from multiple exciting attractions. You can head to Kempton Park or Ascot for a day at the races, or relax and unwind at the Foxhills Country Club, just next door. For thrill seekers, Thorpe Park Resort is only 10 minutes away, with Legoland Windsor only a little further afield, at 25 minutes’ drive. Plenty of fun for all the family!

Strawberry Fields will offer a brand-new lifestyle community for the over 60s located in the Greater Cambridge area and the first phase of the village is estimated to be completed in 2025. Nearby Wandlebury Country Park offers a beautiful countryside estate offering miles of wonderful walks through woodland and wildflower meadows grazed by Highland Cattle. Set 4 miles to the south of Cambridge city, Stapleford is conveniently located to enjoy the many attractions that Cambridge has to offer. The nearby city centre offers a choice of galleries showcasing an impressive range of art, from the contemporary to the classic, a buzzing theatre and performance scene presents drama, dance and family shows.

Don’t delay; give our friendly sales teams a call at 0800 1357420 to learn more about these beautiful places to retire in the Rangeford lifestyle.