Top retirement destinations in Britain: identifying the most pleasant places for retirement
In a comprehensive study by Legal & General Retail, the market towns of Amersham and Chesham in Buckinghamshire have been named as the best place to retire in Britain. The study assessed 632 constituencies across six pillars vital for retirement well-being: housing, health, social/community, financial security, access to nature, and local amenities.
Amersham and Chesham excelled especially in health (93), financial security (78), and nature (72). Neighbouring Beaconsfield, also in Buckinghamshire, takes the second spot. Dorking and Horley in Surrey comes third in the list.
The financial pillar, which covers pension income, cost of living, housing affordability, and deprivation levels, has a significant effect on later life wellbeing. Retirees with a guaranteed income, such as an annuity, report higher levels of satisfaction and face fewer affordability challenges.
Lorna Shah, managing director, retail retirement, at L&G, stated that this research gives a more complete picture of what shapes a happy later life. "The combination of health, social connections, environment, and financial security are all factors that play a part in retirement wellbeing," she said.
Amersham and Chesham also scores highly on financial security (78), and across the other remaining pillars: nature (72), social and community (69), housing (66), and local amenities (64).
The top 20 constituencies in Britain for retirement happiness, based on these factors, were identified by the study. Other top-ranking areas include Beaconsfield, Dorking and Horley, Godalming and Ash (both in Surrey), Mid Sussex (West Sussex), and Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner (in London). Most of these top places are concentrated in the South East of England.
In Scotland, Mid Dunbartonshire tops its region, and Monmouthshire leads in Wales. The study’s methodology and regional breakdown can be explored on Legal & General’s Retirement Happiness Hotspots page, which includes an interactive map and detailed scores by constituency.
While full details of the complete top 20 list are most directly available in sources [1] and [2], key highlights include:
- Amersham and Chesham (Buckinghamshire)
- Beaconsfield (Buckinghamshire)
- Dorking and Horley (Surrey)
- Godalming and Ash (Surrey)
- Mid Sussex (West Sussex)
- Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner (London - 14th)
- Mid Dunbartonshire (Scotland)
- Monmouthshire (Wales)
These areas scored well across pillars and are noted for both natural beauty and access to healthcare and amenities important for retirees.
[1] [2] [3] [4] (Sources)
- Retirees living in Amersham and Chesham might find that their pensions provide a decent financial footing, as these locations received a high score for financial security in the study.
- For individuals seeking a lifestyle blend of home-and-garden appeal and easy access to local amenities, retirement in the top-ranking area of Mid Sussex could be a dream come true, as this location scored well in several pillars, including local amenities and nature.
