Advice on relocating

[BarryManilowRocks]

Mid 50s. Lived within a few miles of where I was born for most of my life with the exception of 3 years at uni and 3 years in London straight after and then headed back home. Our youngest DC is in u6th so we will be empty nesters in 12 months.
Our work circumstances are changing too which means we could make the move we've dreamed of to the south coast earlier than planned.
But I'll be leaving all my friends of 20- 30 years behind to move to a place where we won't know a soul. I work from home so won't make friends that way. Obviously won't make friends through the kids anymore. DH never makes friends - never has.
How do people make friends at my age when they move? I feel caught between people with kids and people who are retiring.

You can make friends by joining clubs, bowling, darts, attend pub quiz nights etc. It's a slow process making friends so you need to be patient!

How far away are you relocating? If you've spent most of your life in the one area, why is it you want to do it now?

I've just relocated home after 10 years and even though I'm 'home' It's tough so just throwing out some questions to get you thinking.

We want better weather and to be beside the sea. Husband is a big sailor (or wants to be) and the sailing is so much better down there. We've lived on the edge of a major city all our lives and want to go more rural for some peace and quiet.

It's about 250 - 300 miles depending on whether we go - we've no idea where to start looking