4 Best Towns In Wales For Retirees
Imagine retiring to a charming coastal town with pastel colored houses, sandy beaches, and cobblestone streets. Or a small village with streets lined with historic buildings, cute bookshops, local restaurants, and surrounded by lush countryside. These places sound like something out of a fairytale; however, these towns are not make-believe. They exist in Wales, and are great places to retire. Bordered by the Irish Sea to the north and west, and the Celtic Sea to the south-west, these towns offer easy access to coastal views to enjoy in your retirement. Many small towns in Wales offer a peaceful lifestyle, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and access to affordable housing. These towns also offer great community support and quality healthcare. Explore four of the best towns in Wales for retirees.
Llandudno
After years of working, take time to kick back and slow down in Llandudno, one of the most welcoming towns to retire in Wales. This town is considered one of Wales' premier retirement towns due to its peaceful seaside environment and vibrant community. Enjoy waking up surrounded by beautiful Victorian architecture. Take a stroll along the scenic two-mile promenade along the coast. Spend your afternoons with visits to the historic Llandudno Pier and exploring the scenic Great Orme. In the evenings, relax with entertainment from the Venue Cymru. The theater hosts a variety of performances, including major touring productions and the Welsh National Opera. Llandudno also offers opportunities for retirees to connect and make new friends.
The Trinity Community Centre, run by the Elderly People's Welfare Society (LEPWS), aims to connect older adults through healthy, entertaining, and cultural activities. In Llandudno, you can also relax knowing all of your healthcare needs will be taken care of. The town has the Llandudno General Hospital, which has emergency services, medical services, and a specialized osteoporosis unit.
Carmarthen
Carmarthen is the perfect town in Wales for retirees who want to stay active. With its rolling green hills, ancient castles, and a stunning coastline, there is a lot to enjoy about the town. Spend your days exploring the natural beauty in the area. There are beautiful coastal walks to enjoy, such as the Wales Coast Path. The trail travels 27 miles along the coast, offering scenic views of dunes, salt marshes, and beaches. The Millennium Coastal Path is an easier paved path nearby that goes through parks and beaches. More adventurous retirees might enjoy the mountain biking trails in the Brechfa Forest.
Beyond the natural beauty in Carmarthen, the town is also rich in history. Walking around the town, you can feel the area's rich history because of the historic buildings and castles, such as Carmarthen Castle. This makes Carmarthen an incredibly charming town.
Carmarthen is also a great town to retire to because of its proximity to major cities such as Swansea and Cardiff. You can enjoy the convenience of being close to urban amenities while enjoying small-town life. Carmarthen is also known for its welcoming community, making it easy for newcomers to make new friends and stay socially connected. Several clubs and organizations in town cater to retirees and seniors. The Active 60+ Scheme is an organization that offers free or discounted physical activities like swimming and walking clubs to people over 60. Being in Carmarthen, your health will be taken care of with the town's several medical centers. There are the Glangwili General Hospital and the Werndale Hospital, so all your medical needs can be met.
Ferndale
One of the most affordable small towns to retire in Wales is Ferndale. The average housing list price is around £111,965, which is significantly cheaper than the UK's average (which is over £200,000). Ferndale also offers a lot of community support with local amenities such as shops, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas, all of which are important for retirees. The Ferndale Medical Centre offers a variety of support, from urgent mental health support and consultations for common ailments to access to online health resources.
In Ferndale, there are many community attractions to enjoy. Spend your afternoons exploring the walking trails with friends at Dare Valley Country Park. Or go for a walk and stop for a coffee at the cafe at the nearby Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. History buffs will be happy to know Ferndale is also close to a charming local museum, the Rhondda Heritage Park Museum. Visit and learn about the history of coal mining in Wales with guided tours.
Tenby
The colorful buildings, picturesque harbors, and beautiful sandy beaches make Tenby a great place to retire. Enjoy a quieter way of life away from the noise of the city. Spend your days on the golden sand of Harbour Beach, relaxing, swimming, and soaking up the sun. Castle Beach is another beautiful beach to enjoy and a great place to visit when the grandkids come over for sandcastle building. The town also has a rich history, evident in its medieval stone walls and the ruins of Tenby Castle. Take some time to explore the ruins and enjoy the depth of history in the town.
Other historic buildings in Tenby include Tudor Merchant's House, which offers a glimpse into 15th-century life. Stay connected to the community and make friends at the Tenby Senior Citizens’ Club. Some of their clubs include the Over 50s Tenby Friendship Club, which has events to help people get to know each other. Tenby also has amenities to take care of you as you get older. The Tenby Cottage Hospital offers a range of healthcare services to meet your healthcare needs.
Retiring in Wales
Overall, these four towns all make great choices for your retirement. Whether you are looking for an affordable town to ease worries about money or a peaceful coastal town to spend your days, these towns will fit your retirement needs. There are options for active retirees to enjoy daily hikes and adventures in Wales' beautiful outdoors, and options for history buffs to learn about their community. Beyond their inherent rich culture and natural beauty, these four towns have organizations to support seniors and keep you connected to the community, as well as healthcare amenities to take care of you as you age. If you are planning for retirement and looking for a new place to call home, consider one of these four towns. They are some of the best places to spend your golden years.
