It’s a beautiful part of the country. Gorgeous views, ancient woodland and vast open spaces all help you feel like you’re away from the busyness of city life, even though the modern cities of Southampton and Bournemouth are both within easy reach. There are plenty of activities to do in the Forest, or you can simply wander and take it all in.

New Forest National Park, England, UK by Jim Champion

For people who do like active days out, there are lots of options. You can hire bikes and cycle on the miles of off-road cycle paths, stopping at a 17^th century pub along the way. Or you can go orienteering or geocaching. There’s even kayaking in the Forest along the Beaulieu River, allowing you the chance to see rare plants from the water.

The Beaulieu estate is well worth visiting as well. There’s the Abbey, dating from 1203, which was partly destroyed during the Reformation, but much of it still remains. Just watch out for the smell of incense – it’s a sign that the Abbey’s resident ghost is about! Also at Beaulieu, there’s the famous motor museum, with a simulator and monorail as well as the Top Gear Enormodrome, home to some of the bizarre creations from the TV show.  There’s also archery on the estate, if you want to feel connected to the ghosts of the past.

There are lots of other towns to visit in the New Forest as well. Lymington has an attractive marina and narrow streets lined with interesting independent shops, while Lyndhurst is home to the New Forest Visitor Centre, as well as some nice cafes and pubs. Or you can visit the beach, at the village of Barton-on-Sea or the working tide mill at Eling.

Beaulieu River, New Forest National Park, England, UK by Jim Champion

If you want to get back to nature, however, you can follow a trail through the Forest itself, looking out for some of the unusual wildlife and famous trees contained there. One tree is known as the Eagle Oak, as the last known sea eagle in Britain was shot from its branches. Another is called the Knightwood Oak but appeared on Victorian maps as the “Queen of the Forest”. If you’re more interested in animals, then you can go on a deer safari, where the deer come and nibble fruit from the trailer you’re riding in. Or you can just walk through the woods, looking for the snakes that live there!

So, there’s lots to do and it’s set against a spectacular backdrop. It’s close to both the coast and the M3, as well as the mainline from London Waterloo so it’s well-connected. Come and take a look and soak up the nature and history!

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Plymouth, Devon / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Herry Lawford

Amongst the Devon coastline, other UK towns that are popular for retirement are Eastbourne, Bournemouth and Blackpool. The only seaside town in the South that really shakes the retirement reputation is Brighton. So can Devon compare to the Bright lights of Brighton, or is it edging ever closer to the older average age of Eastbourners?

Devon Towns

The county of Devon is divided in to small villages and towns, the largest in order, being Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay. The smallest Parish of Hatherleigh has a population of just over 1300, and the mid weight towns of Ilfracombe and Dartmouth have an average population of 10,000. Plymouth is twice the size of Exeter and has around 240000 residents.

Plymouth

Plymouth is famous for its Gin, is a naval City steeped in History and also home to a large University. Thanks to the high population of students, there’s a fair share of bars and clubs, but the city is also popular with tourists who want to see where some of the world’s most famous explorers in history set sail. Plymouth is neither young nor old.

Exeter

Another university city, Exeter is a little more cosmopolitan than Plymouth and has a higher concentration of bars in the centre, as well as being a better centre for art and theatre. Exeter has a younger and more creative buzz to it than Plymouth and most other areas of Devon.

Exeter Cathedral / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Phillip Capper

Dartmouth

A medium sized Parish sat on the mouth of the river Dart, Dartmouth is a popular place for romantic weekends away in Dartmouth cottages and riverside apartments, and is likely to be more popular with the more regular travellers and those with an interest in sailing and water sports. Dartmouth has a good mix of country walks, relaxed nightlife and things to see and do in the day so is popular with couples and families.

Torquay

Torquay enjoys 22 miles of coastline and sandy bays, so is really popular with anyone interested in water sports, which are readily available to try in the area. Torquay is firmly on the radar of surf enthusiasts and is home to several surf schools and webcams that can be accessed across the world for the keenest of surfers to check out the waves. And with the surfing culture comes parties, new pals and a groovier pace of life.

So Devon; Surfer’s paradise of Senior Settlement? Neither. It seems Devon has plenty to offer visitors of all ages in each of its unique areas, so there is never a better reason to see what’s on offer in Devon when you book your next UK break away.

Lara Moreton is a travel writer who has travelled most of the UK coastline looking for the best beaches. Lara is a keen conservationist.

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