If your list of retirement priorities includes gorgeous natural scenery and plenty of things to do, Suffolk has got you covered. The county was voted the best place to retire in the UK in 2022, and it’s not difficult to see why. Located in East Anglia, you can look forward to days out at the beach, busy days out in town, and plenty of green spaces. Still need convincing? Here are some of the best reasons to start thinking about a retirement home in Suffolk:
Seaside towns
Not everyone gets to say that they live next to the seaside. But if you choose to retire in Suffolk, you’ll be able to enjoy all of the benefits of living by the coast. With the Suffolk Coast just moments away, you’ll be able to explore the wild beaches, gentle winds and gorgeous sunsets at a moment's notice. Living next to the seaside also has health benefits, encouraging you to get more active and putting your mind and body at ease. There’s no better place to go to gather your thoughts or treat your grandchildren.
Loads of green spaces
Do you love a country stroll or a morning walk through town? Suffolk has plenty of green spaces for you to get a breath of fresh air or even catch up on your fitness. Christchurch Park is a beautiful space to take a leisurely walk, Abbey Gardens features a stunning rose garden and plenty of furry wildlife, while Nowton Park is a perfect spot to let your grandchildren run wild.
A lively market town
One of the biggest benefits of retiring in Suffolk is that it offers a varied pace of life, suiting all kinds of retirement lifestyles. Make the short trip to Bury St Edmunds, and you can expect a great range of restaurants, shopping hotspots and even annual festivals. If you want to engage with your creative side, you can also head down to Britain’s last remaining Regency Theatre, or explore the medieval streets and architecture. So while Suffolk is known for being quiet and relaxing, there are also plenty of things to keep you busy.
Historic attractions
Suffolk isn’t just beautiful on the eye - it also has an interesting history to unravel. You can learn all about Suffolk’s fascinating place in British history at a number of visitor attractions and landmarks. Suffolk is home to Sutton Hoo, a national park that features an Anglo-Saxon burial ground, and an exhibition full of Anglo-Saxon artifacts. You can also visit the majestic Orford Castle, which was originally built way back in 1165 and by Henry II of England! So if you want your home town to have plenty of character, look no further than Suffolk.
Plenty of places to shop
If you need to look for a gift or refresh your wardrobe, Suffolk is an excellent place to find what you need. One of the best places to visit is the Arc Shopping Centre in Bury St Edmunds, which combines familiar high-street stores with a host of restaurants and cafes. Elsewhere, there are plenty of independent boutiques for you to find a unique gem, ornament or interesting piece of furniture. With popular farmers markets in Bury St Edmunds and Lavenham, you also won’t have to look far for fresh produce or groceries.
Looking for retirement villages in Suffolk? Churchill Living offers a choice of comfortable retirement developments in the area, giving you the perfect platform for an independent retirement lifestyle. To find out more, check out our retirement properties for sale in Suffolk.