Affordable Coastal Retirement Towns UK: 5 Top Picks for 2024

When considering a move for retirement, finding a place that combines affordability with the charm of coastal living is sought after by many. The UK boasts numerous seaside towns that offer both an engaging community atmosphere and budget-friendly housing options. One top choice to explore in these popular seaside resorts is park home living.

Here at Tingdene Residential Parks, we believe that park homes offer the perfect solution for those looking to retire. They are often more affordable than brick-and-mortar houses and offer low-maintenance living, freeing up both time and financial resources to enjoy retirement to the fullest. 

As the more inexpensive option, they also open up more opportunities to live by or near to the coast without having to navigate the very competitive coastal housing market. Here are our top 5 picks of park home developments that offer both affordability and a retirement near sandy beaches and exquisite coastal walks.

1. Hazelgrove – Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Hazelgrove Park, in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Yorkshire, is a top choice for coastal retirement. The park offers stunning sea views and is a short walk from both the beautiful blue flag beach and the historic Victorian town.

With available residential plots ranging in size from 28’ x 20’ to 48’ x 22’, Hazelgrove Park provides diverse options for those looking to retire by the sea, with an average house price of around £190,000. The park welcomes both cats and dogs, ensuring your pets can join you in your new home.

The Saltburn coastline is part of the 36-mile-long Heritage Coast. This area includes dramatic headlands and is part of the Cleveland Way and North York Moors National Park, known for its beautiful landscapes and ever-changing scenery.

Saltburn itself boasts a charming Victorian town with attractions like the oldest working water-powered funicular railway, award-winning pier and great fish and chips. It has an active adult community with various clubs, societies and an annual food festival, making it a lively place to retire.

2. Sandpiper Gardens – Clacton-on-Sea

Located in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, Sandpiper Gardens provides a peaceful setting for those seeking coastal retirement. It’s a new park home development offering various plot sizes, making it suitable for different preferences. 

Options include various plot sizes, from 36’ x 20’ to 46’ x 20’. House prices start from £199,950, offering a range of choices for different budgets.

The surroundings of Clacton-on-Sea blend traditional charm with modern amenities. During the warmer months, the town is lively with events and festivals, while in winter, it offers a close-knit community feel with many activities.

This coastal town features a variety of shops, including high street and discount designer stores at Clacton Shopping Village. The area is also known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor spaces, making it an ideal place for retirement.

Sandpiper Gardens itself promises tranquillity. Residents have easy access to essential services – with a pharmacy just 15 minutes away and the nearest supermarket is only 3 minutes away. A beach lies within a 22-minute drive, providing opportunities for regular seaside walks.

3. Falcon Park – Martlesham Heath

Falcon Park is in a beautiful heathland setting, just outside the village of Martlesham Heath, east of Ipswich. It’s designed for those who are semi-retired or retired, offering a calm and pleasant atmosphere. The park homes available are modern and comfortable, providing an ideal space to settle down. 

Living at Falcon Park means you can enjoy the Suffolk coastline, the park is only an 18-minute drive from Felixstowe Beach and 30 minutes from Aldeburgh, featuring unspoilt beaches and a charming seaside town which grew from its fishing and shipbuilding centre. Here you can still find fishermen hauling their boats up the steep shingle beach to sell their morning catch. 

The location is perfect if you enjoy both countryside and town life. Ipswich is close by and has great shopping, entertainment and historic sites, including 12 mediaeval churches. If you need to travel further, Ipswich has good rail and bus links.

Whether you enjoy walking on the beach, cycling, fishing or golf, the surrounding area has plenty to offer. There are also traditional butchers, bakers, fishmongers, independent boutiques and places to eat nearby. Falcon Park combines the best of rural, town and coastal living with an affordable price tag. 

Unlike Felixstowe and Aldeburgh where the average house price can be anything from  £300,000 – £600,000, homes on Falcon Park start at a reasonable £249,000 making it a great choice for retirement.

4. Kirkstead Bridge – Woodhall Spa

Kirkstead Bridge Park, located in Martin Dales, offers a peaceful setting for your retirement. Nestled in Lincolnshire’s countryside, the park provides a serene environment, an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet yet convenient location.

The park is full of friendly residents who enjoy a calmer pace of life. Here, you can find essential amenities like a doctor, bus stop and supermarket within a 5-minute reach. What’s more, you’re just 15 minutes from the nearest train station and a 45-minute drive from Wainfleet Sand, the closest beach.

Woodhall Spa, just a 15-minute walk from Kirkstead Bridge Park, is famed for its picturesque setting and relaxed atmosphere. This charming Edwardian town centre offers a variety of shops, tea rooms and restaurants.

For those who love staying active, the area offers plenty of options. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the National Golf Centre, additionally, you’ll find lakes and fisheries, along with bowls, cycling and cricket clubs.

PS: Whether you have a cat or a dog, you’ll be pleased to know that pets are welcome at Kirkstead Bridge Park.

5. Ashfield Park – Scunthorpe

Ashfield Park is a peaceful spot ideal for those over 50 looking for a more relaxed way of life. It is located in a semi-rural area of Lincolnshire, allowing residents to enjoy the quiet countryside while being close to the bustling town of Scunthorpe.

Ashfield Park also welcomes pets, making it a great place for animal lovers. The park has a strong sense of community, with friendly and welcoming neighbours. The homes are available in various sizes and plots, perfect for different needs and preferences.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Ashfield Park is close to Ashby Ville Nature Reserve and other scenic parks. You can also take a pleasant walk along the River Trent. The park’s location is perfect for short trips to coastal towns, with Cleethorpes Beach being only 40 minutes by car. 

Cleethorpes is a popular seaside town with lots of attractions, a rich heritage and beautiful sandy beach. You can experience the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway; one of Britain’s oldest seaside miniature railways, take a walk down the Central Promenade to enjoy bowling, mini golf and the arcades or take part in numerous beach activities such as yoga, kayaking and paddle boarding.

Benefits of Coastal Retirement

Retiring by the coast provides numerous advantages for health and social well-being. Enjoy the clean sea air, be part of a supportive community and keep active with various activities.

1. Health Benefits

Living by the sea can significantly improve both physical and mental health. The fresh, salty air often found in coastal areas is beneficial for respiratory conditions. Walking along the beach offers gentle exercise that helps keep joints and muscles active.

The sound of waves has also been thought to have a calming effect on the mind, which can help reduce stress levels. Also, sunny coastal areas provide more opportunities for getting vitamin D from sunlight, essential for bone health and mood regulation.

2. Community and Social Life

Retiring to a coastal town often means becoming part of a close-knit community. These towns usually have vibrant social scenes with plenty of activities for retirees. Community events, local markets and social clubs offer opportunities to meet new people and stay engaged.

Many coastal areas have a higher concentration of retirees, making it easier to find people with similar interests. This strong sense of community can help fight loneliness and improve overall well-being.

3. Beautiful Scenery

If you’re drawn to natural beauty, coastal towns offer a remarkable setting. From the endless stretch of sandy beaches and rhythmic waves to breathtaking sunsets, there’s always a picturesque view to savour. Coastal living goes beyond just the beach scene; these towns are rich with lush parks, historic landmarks, and stunning coastal paths that invite leisurely exploration.

4. A Relaxed Lifestyle

Escaping the hustle of urban life and retiring to a seaside town is ideal for those seeking tranquillity. Here, you can embrace the calm and quiet, and enjoy moments of leisure on the picturesque beaches. What’s more, seaside retirement caters to various preferences, offering entertainment options as well as the freedom to enjoy life at your own relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a coastal town for retirement involves considering both affordability and quality of life. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you find the perfect seaside retirement spot in the UK.

Which coastal towns in the UK offer the best value for retirement?

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, located in North Yorkshire, is known for its scenic views and with average house prices of around £130,000. Another place to consider is Clacton-On-Sea in Essex, which offers numerous amenities and a relaxed lifestyle.

What are the top budget-friendly retirement communities near the sea in the UK?

Hazelgrove Park in Saltburn-by-the-Sea and Sandpiper Gardens in Clacton-On-Sea are excellent seaside resort choices for retirees looking for comfortable and cost-effective living near the coast. 

Communities like Falcon Park and Kirkstead Bridge in Lincolnshire also provide affordable options. Martlesham Heath in Suffolk is another budget-friendly option with plenty of green spaces.

What are the best retirement villages on the South Coast? 

One of the best retirement villages on the South Coast is Whitehill Residential Park, which is just minutes away from South Downs National Park and around a 30-minute drive from Portsmouth. It’s a stunning residential park in Hampshire and a great option if you want to live close to the South Coast.