If you could live anywhere?

[Etta65]

Where would you choose to live in the UK if you were retiring and could go anywhere?
I’m in the south east and will probably stay in this part of the country, thinking about Kent coast, but also curious about areas around Bath in Somerset. Having access to theatre, restaurants, music is important, but also beautiful countryside and a friendly welcoming atmosphere, rather than being too elitist. If you love where you live and would recommend retiring there I’d love to hear your opinions.

I will likely go to the coast. I prefer the North of England though. There are 2 things I particularly like watching; choppy sea and wind turbines 🤷

The hills and lochs of N Scotland for me

Rural Northumberland. Not too far from a nice market town like Morpeth and Corbridge, but far enough that I don't have neighbours.

North Devon coastline somewhere around Coombe Martin.

A little village halfway between Harrogate and Haworth would be my idea of heaven.

Bristol and Bath are amongst the most expensive areas outside London to live. This includes renting as well as buying.
I live in a market town between the two called Keynsham and have lived in Bristol and worked in Bath.

What are your thoughts on where you live?

I always fancied living in the Cotswolds but it's too touristy and there's rural crime.

I like Northumberland so might choose that.

Tbh having visited another area of Scotland last week and seeing how grim it is, I'm happy with my virtually crime free corner of the North East.

West Yorkshire then.

@Etta65 Keynsham is well connected to Bristol and Bath - train to Bristol Temple Meads or Bath Spa is 10 minutes and 20 minutes to either city by bus. There's also direct train to Bristol Airport (it's either that taxi, or private car. No rail link to the airport)
There's no theatre in Keynsham but there's a cinema complex about 10 minutes along the ring road around Bristol. Theatres are in the centre of the cities. We do have a small public venue called The Space which can be hired out and runs a comedy club.
There's a concert arena being built in north Bristol in the former aircraft hangars where Concorde was built.

Lots of clubs in the town (sports and other interests).
We're protected to a certain extent by the green belt around Bristol so getting out into the countryside is never hard.
There's 2 long distance trails in easy reach - The Cotswold Way starts near Kelston on the other side of the River Avon and the Monarchs Way runs along the river.

If money was no object definitely Clifton in Bristol or Bath

Richmond near the river for riverside walks