England's best place to retire has been named and it's in unexpected location

After years of toiling away, often amidst the relentless hustle and bustle of Britain's urban jungles, it's hardly surprising that many retirees opt for a more tranquil existence, swapping city smog for the crisp, clean air of the countryside.

While the UK's coastal towns have long been a sanctuary for many pensioners, England's top retirement spot might actually be nestled far from the sea breeze, instead basking in the bracing mountain air of the Peak District.

New research by retirement specialists at Taking Care has revealed the charming market town of Glossop is actually England's prime place to retire.

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Perched on the fringe of the national park and boasting a swift half-hour commute into Manchester, this town could be the ideal spot for those seeking a slower pace after a hectic city life.

The study took into account a variety of factors, from life expectancy and property prices to the average cost of care homes, should they become necessary, reports the Express.

Beyond these key statistics, the research also considered the abundance of green spaces, bingo halls, English Heritage sites and other leisure activities.

With a modest population of just over 22,000 according to the 2021 census, Glossop may be on the smaller side. However, it still offers an array of attractions, with parks and green spaces scattered throughout the town.

For those seeking a bit more adventure, a short drive further into the Peak District will reward you with stunning landscapes and numerous gentle, paved routes that won't leave you feeling exhausted for a week.

Another significant advantage of Glossop is its reasonably priced care. The average annual care cost is a modest £37,000, significantly lower than many of the sought-after options in the south, where care can be nearly £10,000 pricier, such as Alresford.

With a life expectancy just shy of 85, four years above the national average, there must be something beneficial in the fresh peak air.

In other parts of the ranking, the Welsh seaside town of Llandudno takes the top spot in the UK. With high scores for its lifestyle, green spaces and abundance of fish and chip shops, the Welsh town narrowly beat Glossop to first place by a mere 0.1%.

While picturesque North Wales may provide the perfect backdrop for retirement years, Scotland seems to have emerged as one of the less favourable choices, particularly its capital.

Of all the locations evaluated, Edinburgh came in last with an average life expectancy of 79 and an overall lifestyle rating of 3.8/10, indicating that city living can come at a cost.

The city also proved to be expensive, with yearly care costs in the area nearing an average of £40,000, alongside only one care facility for every 778 elderly residents.

The top 10 places to retire and Taking Care score:

Llandudno - 52.8

Glossop - 52.7

Southport - 50.4

Ramsbottom - 49.7

Saffron Walden - 48.7

Tynemouth -47.1

Ilfracombe - 46.4

Bradford - 45.7

Falmouth - 43.6

Alresford - 43.3