Where to retire to?

[StrumpersPlunkett]

Dh and I know we don't intend to grow old here, I grew up by the seaside and miss it.
I yearn to be by water, love big lakes, rivers or the sea side.
However, as much as we love Cornwall it takes a very long time to get to family who are spread from East Anglia to Newcastle and The Lake District.
We have a healthy budget ( I think) of about £600,000 and would like 3-4 beds and a good size garden.
Prefer to be walking distance to a village.

If you feel you know where might work for us please can you share.
Thank you in anticipation.

We are retired and have moved for access to facilities. The most important things to consider are: Near public transport as you might not be able to drive later on, plus short walk to doctors, supermarket(s), vets (if you have a pet), diy store, social activities (i.e. U3A venues etc), cafe/restaurants. If you downsize a local hotel/travelodge is useful for guests.

It is utter madness, in my view, to move to a lovely location with transport only a few times a week. Public buses several times a day from a bus stop two or three minutes walk is vital, train station or coach to places further away is an advantage. Seaside places are full of retirees, lakes less so. Do not just look at the views as they do not provide what you need in later life.

Thank you, we have some time to make plans but this thread has given us good food for thought.

This is excellent advice.