The market town has been crowned England’s top retirement spot, with affordable care costs, high life expectancy and stunning scenery on its doorstep
Oliver Radcliffe Live News Reporter and Jane Lavender
08:00, 02 Jan 2026
The tiny town is the best place in England to retire(Image: Derby Telegraph)
After years of toiling, often in the midst of the UK’s bustling cities, it’s hardly surprising that many retirees opt for a quieter life in the countryside upon retirement.
While Britain’s seaside towns have traditionally been a haven for many pensioners, England’s top retirement spot might actually be tucked away inland, trading the fresh sea breeze for the refreshing mountain air of the Peak District.
New research by retirement experts at Taking Care suggests that the quaint market town of Glossop is actually the best place in England to retire.
Perched on the edge of the national park and just a 30-minute journey from Manchester, this town could be the perfect spot for those seeking to relax after a busy city life.
The town is in the Peak District(Image: Getty)
The study considered various factors, including life expectancy, property prices, and the average cost of care homes, should they be required.
In addition to these crucial statistics, the research also took into account the amount of green spaces, bingo halls, English Heritage properties, and other entertainment options.
With a population of just over 22,000 as per the 2021 census, Glossop may be on the smaller side. However, it still offers a range of attractions, with parks and green spaces dotted around the town.
For those with a taste for adventure, a short drive further into the Peak District offers stunning landscapes and numerous gentle, paved routes that won’t leave you feeling worn out.
Another notable benefit of Glossop is its affordable care. The average annual care cost stands at a modest £37,000, significantly less than many desirable options in the south, such as Alresford, where care can be nearly £10,000 more expensive.
Glossop is in the Peak District National Park(Image: Getty)
With a life expectancy just below 85, four years above the national average, there must be something beneficial about the fresh peak air.
In the meantime, the Welsh seaside town of Llandudno tops the UK-wide ranking. With high scores for its lifestyle, green spaces and abundance of chip shops, the Welsh town narrowly edged out Glossop to claim first place by a slim margin of 0.1%.
While scenic North Wales may offer the ideal setting for retirement, Scotland appears to be one of the less preferred choices, particularly its capital.
Among all the locations assessed, Edinburgh ranked last with an average life expectancy of 79 and an overall lifestyle rating of 3.8 out of 10, suggesting that city living can come with a price.
The city also turned out to be costly, with annual care costs in the area averaging nearly £40,000, alongside only 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