It has been named England’s top retirement location, with affordable care costs averaging £37,000 annually and a life expectancy of nearly 85 years
Oliver Radcliffe Live News Reporter and Jane Lavender
08:00, 24 Nov 2025
The town has been named England’s best place to retire(Image: Getty)
After years of toiling away, often in the heart of Britain’s bustling cities, it’s no wonder that many retirees yearn for a quieter life, swapping city living for the serene hills and fresh air.
While UK seaside towns have long been a haven for many pensioners, England’s top retirement spot might actually be tucked away inland, trading the sharp sea breeze for the invigorating mountain air of the Peak District.
Research carried out by retirement experts at Taking Care suggests that the delightful market town of Glossop is actually England’s prime location for retirement.
Located on the edge of the national park and offering a handy 30-minute commute into Manchester, this town provides an ideal setting for those looking to unwind after a busy city life.
The study considered various factors, from life expectancy and property prices to the average cost of care homes, should they become necessary.
Beyond these basic statistics, the research also took into account the amount of green spaces, bingo halls, English Heritage properties, and other leisure options.
Glossop has lots going for it(Image: Derby Telegraph)
With a population just over 22,000 as per the 2021 census, Glossop may be on the smaller side. However, it still offers a wealth of activities, with parks and green spaces dotted around the town.
For those with a taste for adventure, a short drive further into the Peak District reveals stunning landscapes and numerous gentle, paved routes that won’t leave you feeling exhausted for a week.
Another significant advantage of Glossop is the affordable care. The average annual care cost is a modest £37,000, significantly less than many of the more desirable options in the south, where care can be nearly £10,000 more expensive, such as Alresford.
With a life expectancy just shy of 85, four years above the national average, there must be something beneficial about the fresh peak air.
Elsewhere in the ranking, the Welsh seaside town of Llandudno tops the list across the UK. With high scores for its lifestyle, green spaces and abundance of chip shops, the Welsh town narrowly pipped Glossop to first place by a mere 0.1%.
While picturesque North Wales may provide the perfect backdrop for retirement years, Scotland appears to have emerged as one of the least favourable choices, particularly its capital.
Of all the locations evaluated, Edinburgh came in last with an average life expectancy of 79 and an overall lifestyle rating of 3.8/10, suggesting that city living can come at a price.
The city also proved to be costly, with annual care costs in the area nearing an average of £40,000, alongside just one care facility for every 778 elderly residents.
The top 10 places to retire and their Taking Care scores are:
- Llandudno – 52.8
- Glossop – 52.7
- Southport – 50.4
- Ramsbottom – 49.7
- Saffron Walden – 48.7
- Tynemouth -47.1
- Ilfracombe – 46.4
- Bradford – 45.7
- Falmouth – 43.6
- Alresford – 43.3