Scotland's best places to retire named as 'beautiful' destination tops list
One retirement hotspot was praised for its museums and cafés.
Scotland's "best places to retire" have been named. Two destinations have been singled out as top locations to settle down for retirees.
When deciding on a place to retire, there are many things to think about. Affordability, the abundance of green space, and the number of cafés and restaurants are among the factors to consider.
Travel experts at Rest Less have shared a list of "14 of the best places to retire in the UK". They considered factors such as property prices, crime rates, amenities, and entertainment when putting together their list.
Coming in at number one for Scotland is Edinburgh. The Scottish capital also placed at number 11 on the UK-wide list.
Rest Less praised Edinburgh for its many historic sites and museums. Among the top attractions in the city for those with an interest in history are Edinburgh Castle and The Real Mary King's Close.
The experts also described the Scottish capital as a top destination for food. As well as multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, the city has a wealth of beloved and hidden-gem eateries around every corner.
However, Rest Less noted that property in the city is significantly more expensive when compared to elsewhere in Scotland. According to the experts, the average price of a house in Edinburgh is £338,307.
Rest Less commented: "This beautiful and cosmopolitan town has plenty going for it, with dozens of historic sites, museums, and attractions—not to mention hundreds of cafes and pubs! The Edinburgh Fringe is also the world's biggest arts festival, and there's always something creative going on here."
Meanwhile, the other Scottish destination to be featured on the list of the top places to retire is Glasgow. Scotland's largest city came in at number 13 on the overall list.
Rest Less singled out Glasgow for being a more affordable alternative to Edinburgh when it comes to property. The average house price in the city was found to be £229,959.
Glasgow was also noted for its central location. Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, and more are all easily reached by rail and bus.
The experts described the city as a "national hub of culture". It is home to the Scottish Opera, the Scottish Ballet, the National Theatre of Scotland, and more.
Glasgow is also a top destination for golf enthusiasts according to Rest Less. The city features approximately 90 golf courses in a 30-minute radius.
The experts stated: "Though Glasgow traditionally had a reputation for being rather gritty, these days it's a national hub of culture. Home to the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, and National Theatre of Scotland, if you like attending a good show, you'll be spoilt for choice.
"Glasgow also has an unusually high number of golf courses, with around 90 within an hour of the city."
Elsewhere, topping the overall list as the best place to retire in the UK is Plymouth. The experts praised the English city for its seaside cafés and restaurants and historic pubs.
See below for the full list of the 14 best places to retire in the UK. More information about each one can be found on the Rest Less website.
14 of the best places to retire in the UK
Plymouth
York
Swansea
Sussex
Cornwall
Belfast
The Lake District
Norfolk
Bristol
Cardiff
Edinburgh
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Glasgow
Lincolnshire
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
44 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Visiting Melrose, a 'well-to-do oasis' in the Scottish Borders
Rambling around the abbey's ruins today you get a real sense of both its original grandeur and Melrose's importance when the Cistercians chose it as the site of their first Scottish abbey after David I granted them permission to build in 1136. (Image: Borders Abbey Way) Melrose saw off the Romans, too, letting them mess around with building the doomed Antonine Wall using the Trimontium fort here as a supply depot, before the local tribes combined to kick them out. They were expelled with such force the director of the town's Trimontium Museum, John Reid, once told me: 'Scotland was Rome's Afghanistan'. As well as all manner of exhibits on a Roman theme you can fulfil childhood fantasies and dress up as a scarlet-clad legionnaire or hurl back in time to the days when emperors visited Scotland's largest Roman fort with the aid of the striking new virtual reality headsets in the impressive museum extension that opened last year. You'll need more of your own imagination out at the sprawling fort site, though information boards tell the tales we know so far and the most northerly amphitheatre in the Roman Empire has been unearthed. They've just secured the site for another 25 years so expect some serious digging to follow once all of the usual hurdles have been overcome. This town on the mighty River Tweed swims in history far beyond the Romans. Legend has it King Arthur still lies interred in the Eildon Hills that gave the Romans inspiration for naming their fort. A much earlier Iron Age fortification sits atop one of the three Eildons, offering views of the Tweed Valley, easily up there with the more celebrated 'Scott's View' nearby. (Image: Getty Images) Also in the shadow of the Eildons, just a short walk south of Trimontium, is the Rhymer's Stone. It is on the site where the Eildon Tree once stood, the arbour that transported Thomas the Rhymer off from the Thirteenth Century into the magical world of the fairies. At the time the prophecies and 'wisdom' he returned with were not treated like fairytales. Perhaps King Alexander III should have paid more heed as the soothsayer predicted the monarch's tragic death on that stormy night in Fife. Grounding ourselves back in the solid stone reality of Melrose's High Street, I find the town's residents proud both of their history but also of how Melrose shapes up today. No massive supermarkets – or small ones for that matter – suck the lifeblood out of Melrose's core, which unfurls around a grand mercat cross topped with a unicorn. What Melrose does have is proper wee businesses: an old-world butcher, deli, galleries, wines store, antique shops and even a book binder. There is, too, of course, a locally made Melrose Gin. (Image: Robin McKelvie) Nick Henderson, whose family have run Burt's Hotel for 54 years – and the Townhouse Hotel across the road for 21 years – told me: 'Melrose is a town with one foot in the past and one foot in the present. We are proud of both here and you can easily enjoy both sides as a visitor, which is a large part I think of why people love to come here.' Visitors do come to Melrose but mercifully they don't descend in the campervan-driven hordes that can blight other holiday spots in Scotland. Bar the summer book festival and the annual Melrose Sevens rugby extravaganza, I've never found Melrose overrun. Its environs make the town itself look like Manhattan. On this visit I hiked on the Borders Abbeys Way from Sir Walter's Scott's old Tweed-side gaff at Abbotsford all the way up through the forests and farmland to Lindean Loch and didn't see another human. (Image: Robin McKelvie) At Lindean Loch I did encounter Laura Mitchell, the bubbly presence behind Cedar Hus Sauna. They don't mess about in this corner of Scotland and, pleasantries exchanged, Laura soon led me into the chill waters. Laura wasn't done with just a post-swim sauna either, as she imbued the steam with the spirit-soaring scent of pine, then proceeded to thrash me with birch in a scene definitely more Malmo than Melrose. The Borders Abbeys Way is just one of the impressive local walks. You can hike off from Melrose Abbey on a 68-mile circular hike around the quartet of ruined Borders abbeys or continue the ecclesiastic theme joining St Cuthbert on his way – a 62-mile march south across the border to Lindisfarne. If you're really keen, you can bash over west to Portpatrick on the Atlantic coast, for a challenging long-distance trail that sweeps you from the Borders 215 miles west to the far extremities of Dumfries and Galloway. Community-led Melrose Paths publish a wee map and leaflet revealing some more modest local walks. All too soon – it always is with Melrose – I was leaving, joining the Borders Abbeys Way again as it snakes off west from Melrose along the Tweed. It was just me, a brace of dog walkers, a gaggle of ducks and a buzzard doing a decent eagle impression on the three miles walk along the river and back to Tweedbank railway station. The train nips you from here to Edinburgh in just an hour. I strongly suggest you enjoy a voyage in the other direction and explore the most trim of the Borders market towns. Foodie Melrose Tempest Brewing Co You'd expect a brilliant new venue from a brilliant family-owned brewery and this doesn't disappoint. No mere brewery, this vast space is also a US-style taproom, beer hall, well-stocked shop, beer garden and an informal restaurant. Wash the smash burgers down with beers from the 16 taps, all within staggering distance of Tweedbank railway station. The Townhouse Run by James, brother of Burt's owner Nick, James, there is the choice again between two dining spaces – this time the bright brasserie or the slightly more formal restaurant. Local produce abounds in both. Kick off with the likes of haggis pakora or locally smoked trout, before a sirloin of Borders beef, or sea bream fillets spiced with a Thai curry sauce. Burt's Owner Nick Henderson ensures local produce and local butcher meat feature heavily on both the bar and the restaurant menu. Kick off with the likes of Belhaven smoked salmon then move on to a rump of perfectly pink Borders lamb. They stock the excellent ales from local brewery Tempest Brewery Co too. Bed Down in Melrose Burt's Hotel In the same family – the Hendersons – for five decades, this trim, welcoming hotel on the High Street is perfectly located. Choose from 20 en suite rooms. I first stayed here almost two decades ago and it has barely changed – here that is a very good thing at a traditional hotel that still has an old school residents lounge. The Townhouse Just across the road from Burt's Hotel, this equally welcoming bolthole is also owned and run by the ubiquitous Hendersons. It has a bit more of a contemporary boutique vibe but is still cosy. Harmony House A grand old stone dame owned by the National Trust for Scotland. This palatial retreat is ideal for extended families or groups of friends, as it sleeps a dozen in some comfort. This self-catering option feels like having your own mini-Abbotsford in the heart of Melrose. You also enjoy privileged access to the celebrated Harmony Garden.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Omaze is giving away a Land Rover Defender and Airstream worth over£150k in Early Bird Prize Draw – here's how to enter
ANYONE looking for their next great adventure is in luck, as the Omaze Early Bird is the ultimate summer pairing. The winner of the Omaze Early Bird prize will drive away with an incredible Land Rover Defender and a state-of-the-art Airstream travel trailer. Omaze Early Bird Prize Draw If the open road and weekend escapes are calling your name this summer, this could be your lucky chance to win this stunning vehicle pairing worth over £150,000. Entries into the Omaze Early Bird Prize Draw must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 15th June 2025. The Land Rover Defender needs no introduction - it's a British classic, and the model up for grabs was one of the last ever original Defenders built, with less than 250 miles on the clock. Omaze has given it a heritage-inspired, 'better than new' makeover, restoring the retro Defender with modern enhancements like re-trimmed leather seats and Marshall amplifiers, all while retaining the rugged charm it's famous for. The Airstream, famed for its sleek, aluminium-clad exterior, roomy interiors and timeless design, is a welcome addition for adventurers. The ultimate trailer in luxury camping, the brand-new model comfortably sleeps four people and features a chic, modern interior with extra mod-cons like central heating, a well-equipped kitchen, a 32-inch television, and a bathroom complete with a shower - ideal for entertaining guests. ENTER HERE Every entry into this Early Bird Draw will also give you the chance to win Omaze's incredible £4,000,000 beachfront house in Sussex. The Grand Prize Draw will be closing at the end of June, and the new owner will also receive £250,000 in cash along with the keys to get settled in. Funds raised from the draws will support the Motor Neurone Disease Association. What is Omaze? Omaze was founded by Ryan Cummins and Matthew Pohlson in July 2012, since then it has raised millions for charity and made a number of grand prize winners multi-millionaires. But how does the Omaze Million Pound House Draw work? Omaze is a for-profit entertainment company with a social purpose. They have a revolutionary approach that enables people to change the world, and potentially change their own lives too. Through the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, you can help to raise funds and awareness for UK charities, and have the chance to become a multi-millionaire at the same time.
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
The colourful Welsh seaside town with a perfect castle that was never finished
The colourful Welsh seaside town with a perfect castle that was never finished This captivating seaside town has a blend of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture alongside the 'greatest castle never built.' Beautiful Beaumaris was an ancient borough, awarded its first charter in 1296. (Image: Portia Jones ) Perched along the treacherous Menai Strait, colourful Beaumaris is the historic hub of Anglesey. This captivating seaside town has a blend of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture alongside the 'greatest castle never built.' Beautiful Beaumaris was an ancient borough, awarded its first charter in 1296. Wander around, and you'll spot plenty of reminders of its past, from the impressive 13th-century castle to a courthouse that's been standing since 1614. Don't miss the Beaumaris Gaol or the Tudor Rose, a 14th-century timber-framed beauty and one of the oldest of its kind in Britain. And if you fancy a pint with a side of history, the Bulls Head Inn, built in 1472, is where General Thomas Mytton set up camp during the 1648 Siege of Beaumaris in the second English Civil War. While the town is packed with stories, there's still plenty to do here on an Anglesey holiday. Go crab fishing off the pier, take a wildlife-watching boat trip or hike along the blustery shoreline. Here's how to make the most of a trip to Beaumaris Explore the castle An aerial shot of the ancient Beaumaris castle (Image: iStock / Getty Images Plus ) Beaumaris Castle is a reminder of the ambition of English royalty seeking to subdue Wales. This commanding fortress, famous as "the greatest castle never built," was to be the crowning glory of King Edward's "Iron Ring" of mighty fortresses at Conwy, Caernarfon, Beaumaris, and Harlech. Article continues below Ruthless Edward I launched two military campaigns in Wales, in 1277 and 1282-83, aimed at defeating the Welsh princes and establishing English authority, and massive castles were a key part of the military plan. 'Beau Mareys,' meaning 'beautiful marsh,' located beside the Menai Strait, proved to be the perfect setting for a grand-scale fortress with near-perfect symmetry. Its defences were nothing short of formidable; four concentric rings encircled the stronghold, including a water-filled moat complete with its own dock, blending strength and strategic elegance. According to Cadw, a lack of money (show-off castles are quite pricey) and brewing trouble in Scotland meant that building work on the grand castle had petered out by the 1320s. The south gatehouse and the six great towers in the inner ward never reached their intended height. The Llanfaes gate was barely started before being abandoned. Today, this incomplete castle serves as a poignant reminder of Wales' tumultuous past, marked by bloody battles and Celtic defiance, all encapsulated within its imposing stone walls. Cadw now manages the site, and you can visit for just £33.60 for a family ticket. Perched along the treacherous Menai Strait, colourful Beaumaris is the historic hub of Anglesey. (Image: Portia Jones ) Go crabbing on Beaumaris Pier Nothing says 'family holiday in Wales' like crabbing off a historic pier while the wind whips around you. Beaumaris Pier was originally opened in 1846 and rebuilt in 1872, and is a favourite spot for crabbing with the kids. You can buy all your gear from the small pier Kiosk or the RNLI Lifeboat Station shop. Both locations offer crabbing nets, bait, and buckets to get you going. After crabbing, settle in on the green with fish and chips and watch out for greedy seagulls. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Go on a wildlife-watching boat trip You can spot seals along the rocky shoreline (Image: Portia Jones ) Seacoast Safaris depart from Beaumaris Pier and offer nature and sightseeing cruises to Puffin Island (or Ynys Seiriol in Welsh). This protected island is a bird sanctuary and a nesting site for many species of breeding seabirds, as well as home to a resident colony of Atlantic grey seals. Want a longer trip? Book an all-day Rib Ride boat trip and explore the entire coastline of Anglesey. With its spectacular 100-mile coastline, there's no better way to uncover its dramatic beauty than on a high-speed RIB ride, skimming past rugged headlands, remote beaches, and eerie sea caves. One of the most exhilarating parts of the trip is bouncing over the Menai Strait's most notorious stretch of water—the Swellies. As you pass Telford's magnificent Menai suspension bridge, you'll be entering a treacherous body of water with rapid tidal flows and a history of shipwrecks. You'll spot plenty of wildlife on a boat trip (Image: Portia Jones ) The tide here is wild, rushing in from both ends and colliding with full force over a seabed dotted with hidden rocks. The remains of shipwrecks are a stark reminder that not everyone has made it through unscathed. As you thread your way between whirlpools and racing currents, your trusty skipper will explain how, centuries ago, tall ships had to navigate this treacherous channel with nothing but sails and oars, hoping the tide wouldn't drag them onto the rocks. You'll also explore the wizz past other coastal landmarks like South Stack Lighthouse and Ynys Llanddwyn while spotting resident seals, dolphins, and seabirds. Hike to Penmon Point Beach One of the most popular beaches in Anglesey, Penmon Point Beach, is a craggy and historic part of the Anglesey coast. (Image: Portia Jones ) One of the most popular beaches in Anglesey, Penmon Point Beach, is a craggy and historic part of the Anglesey coast. From the beach, you have epic views of the nearby Puffin Island and the Trwyn Du Lighthouse, also known as Penmon Lighthouse, which was built in 1838 to mark the north entrance to the Menai Strait. One of the best ways to explore this area is to hike to Penmon on a circular trail. The All Trails app has a 7-mile loop trail near Beaumaris that you can follow. This is a beautiful and varied trail that takes in sweeping coastal views and historic sites as you make your way past the Church of St Cawrdaf, on the road to Trwyn Dy Lighthouse, along the coast to Castell Aberlleiniog, and back to the start past Llangoed. Eat at Bull's Head Inn The Grade II-listed Bull's Head Inn was named the best pub in Wales in 2024 (Image: David Powell ) The Grade II-listed Bull's Head Inn was named the best pub in Wales in 2024 and is renowned for its real ales and live music. Located at the heart of town on Castle Street, it dates back to the 15th century and retains all the character and charm it has acquired over the last 550 years. Its listed bar is decorated with an array of memorabilia, including antique weaponry and, reputedly, the town's original ducking stool. You can stop by for food – including breakfast, light bites, and dinner- or spend the night in its array of rooms. Their delicious, homemade food is freshly cooked to order, and the seasonal menu features pub classics. Typical dishes include a lamb burger, traditional fish and chips, and pan-fried chicken supreme. Stay at Castle Court Hotel This Free house pub with rooms is located in the centre of historic Beaumaris with commanding views of the Menai Straits and Beaumaris Castle. Article continues below Each room features a TV with satellite channels, a view, and tea and coffee-making facilities. They also have an en-suite bathroom with free toiletries and a shower. Book here
