South West England is a beautiful coastal region full of stunning views, unique experiences and culinary delights with seafood, cream teas and ciders to name a few. From the sandy beaches of Cornwall to the moorland National Park in Devon, this region has much to offer holiday makers and residents all year round, making retiring to Cornwall, Devon, Somerset or anywhere else in the South West such an attractive option!
Read our quick spotlight on the South West and discover why retiring to Cornwall, Devon or Somerset could be perfect for you!
Food and drink
Delia Smith once said, “Food is for eating, and good food is to be enjoyed… I think food is, actually, very beautiful in itself”, and there’s no shortage of good, beautiful, food to enjoy in the South West!
The famous Cornish pasty is of course a staple in any West Country diet but don’t forget to enjoy your local catch of the day, perhaps followed by a delicious cream tea! Take a trip to Cornwall and try these 10 iconic Cornish foods. Be sure to embrace the local culture and sample the local delicacies on offer across the region in your retirement.
Visit the Taste of the West website for a great guide to West Country food and drink. Taste of the West “champion food and drink producers in the West Country, as well as all the places that serve and sell them, to prove that when it comes to what you eat and drink, it really is best in the South West.”
Things to do
The South West has lots to offer you in your retirement. With a strong community spirit and the wonderful surroundings, you could never be bored in your leisure time.
If you are looking for ideas or have the family coming to stay, visit the local tourist board websites for top tips on things to do in the South West:
Why not head to a festival or two this year? From food and drink to music and the arts, the South West has a variety of events running throughout the year. Visit the Spiral Earth website for details of the top festivals in the South West you could enjoy this year.
Seaside adventures
If you’re recently retired or looking for a new adventure, spend your leisure time enjoying your surroundings in the South West!
We do like to be beside the seaside and the South West coast has some of the world’s most idyllic and interesting beaches to explore.
The UK Beach Guide suggests “South West England is justly famous for its diverse and intriguing coastline… The creeks, lush wooded valleys and historic fishing villages of South-East Cornwall, such as Looe and Readymoney Cove, offer plentiful opportunities for safe swimming, while the sunny, palm-fringed Torbay area, in South Devon, has been dubbed the 'English Riviera'.”
Nature and wildlife
Whether you’re visiting or living in the region, you’re bound to fall in love with the great outdoors. From the beautiful sandy beaches to the wonderful natural wildlife, the South West has it all.
Fancy a day out inland? If you love all things flora and fauna, take a look at these 12 open gardens to visit this year. You can even check out local websites to find dog friendly gardens and local attractions so your furry friends can enjoy the day out too!
Why not combine your love of nature with the opportunity to meet new people? Spend time volunteering in your retirement and enjoy creating new memories in the likes of Cornwall, Devon or Somerset in the South West.
Here are just a few websites to get you started:
Community
Whether you have friends and family in the South West already, or are looking to meet new people, the community in the South West will welcome you with open arms.
If you’re looking meet new friends in Exeter, for example, this helpful guide lists 5 ways you can make new friends in the South West.
Have you heard of the Meetup website? This site helps you find other like-minded people looking to meet up and chat or attend events for example and can be a great way to enjoy a new area with locals who know the best places to go!
With social media groups and websites like Meetup available, meeting the local community and being a part of local events couldn’t be easier in your retirement.
Property
The South West offers you delicious cuisine, colourful culture and a vibrant community so why not live in this holiday hotspot all year round? From postcard-worthy cosy cottages to modern and spacious new-builds, retiring to Cornwall, Devon or anywhere else in the South West could be the perfect option for you.
The easiest way to find your perfect property, particularly if you’re relocating, is to search online via websites like Rightmove and Zoopla. Here you’ll be able to search houses that are currently on the market and see which may meet your needs.
Rightmove’s House Price Index for April showed a 0.6% increase in the average asking price for the South West since March, with a 2.6% change year on year. This proves the South West continues to be a popular place to live and suggests it may be wise to secure a property sooner rather than later!
If you are thinking about moving house and retiring to the South West read all about Bradleys, our award-winning partner agents. Bradleys offer the ‘complete selling package’ across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset and are experts in the local property market.
Are you over 60 years old? We could help you save thousands on the cost of your next home with our Home for Life Plan. It’s a simple and straightforward way for you to afford your next home, just give us a call on 0808 115 3870 to find out more.
In the meantime, you can use our online Budget Booster! It's simple, quick and could provide you with a better understanding of your potential budget.