An index compiled by L&G has revealed Britain’s best places to retire.
It was compiled by scoring areas against six “pillars” – housing, health, social and community, financial, nature, and amenities.
This was based on an analysis of a wide range of existing data, including Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures, census data and housing and house price reports.
East Grinstead in Sussex (Image: Getty Images)
Uckfield in Sussex among Britain’s best places to retire
Making the list was the area of East Grinstead and Uckfield, in West Sussex.
The area of Mid Sussex also made the list of the top 20, which saw Chesham and Amersham in Buckinghamshire named the best place to retire in Britain.
Lorna Shah, managing director at L&G, said: “This research gives us a more complete picture of what shapes a happy later life.
“It’s not just about one factor – it’s the combination of health, social connections, environment, and financial security that all play a part in retirement wellbeing.
“Financial security in particular is an enabler for many of the other measures, giving people the freedom to choose where and how they want to live in later life.”
Why Uckfield is a great town to visit and retire to
Visit South East England describes Uckfield as an “attractive market town” that combines “classic values of strong community spirit and friendliness with all the modern necessities of life”.
It says: “The town centre has a large variety of retail outlets, including two supermarkets, banks, a cinema and a leisure centre with a swimming pool.
“There is a good selection of small specialist shops, antique shops and eateries – a good way of seeking out those local specialities or a special reminder of the area to take home.
Uckfield has been named one of Britain’s best places to retire (Image: Getty Images) “Towards the bottom of the town, on the banks of the River Uck is an attractive pedestrianised shopping area, Bell Walk, which includes a café/restaurant.”
East Grinstead, meanwhile, is described by the website as a “lively market town” that can be found on the edge of Ashdown Forest.
Things to do in East Grinstead and Uckfield
One of the number one things to do in the town is to take a trip on the Bluebell Railway.
The line, which has been named one of the best train journeys in the UK, is 11 miles long and operates between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead.
The platform at Sheffield Park is featured on the cover of Elton John’s album Tumbleweed Connection, with other stations along the route having featured in Downton Abbey.
There is also Uckfield’s Sheffield Park and Garden, offering acres of Grade I listed landscaped garden and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodland.
From a stunning garden formed through centuries of landscape design to iconic bridges and the mirror-like lakes, there are great views to take in.
@lucylovesfashun Spring at Sheffield Park Garden in East Sussex 🌸 #spring #britishspring #englishcountryside #eastsussex #sheffieldpark #countryside #nationaltrust ♬ Calm Dreamscape – Matias Cancio
In East Grinstead, you can find the Kingscote Estate and Vineyard.
The family-owned vineyard stretches over 70 acres, produces wines of award-winning quality, and offers visits and tasting sessions.
You can also enjoy a relaxing stay at the picturesque vineyard at the Coach House.
The two-bedroom detached cottage is in the heart of the vineyard and estate, amongst the rolling countryside in the West Sussex High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and next to the Bluebell Steam Railway.
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Another stunning site in the town is Standen Arts and Crafts house.
The house and its surrounding gardens belong to the National Trust and are open to the public.
It has a garden, orchard and award-winning plant collection, as well as footpaths leading to High Weald woodland and Ashdown Forest, a play area, Barn Café and a second-hand bookshop.
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