The 12 best places in the UK to settle down and spent your retirement have been revealed as part of a new survey by Which?.
And it’s good – and somewhat, surprising? – news for one Greater Manchester borough.
Fresh off-the-back of being chosen for the prestigious honour of Greater Manchester’s ‘Town of Culture’ for 2023, and also being highlighted as one of two town’s in the region where first time buyers should consider getting their foot on the property ladder, Stockport has now been named one of the best places in the UK to retire.
It’s according to a new survey by consumer group Which?, and it falls in line with the town having been hailed by for its “spectacular transformation” in recent years.
Results from the survey published today have revealed that around a third (36%) of Brits who are ready for, or are approaching retirement, said they had already moved or have considered moving house as part of their “later-life plans”.
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Stockport named one of the 12 best places in the UK to retire / Credit: Stockport Market | Stockport Foodie Friday
More than 1,000 Which? members were surveyed to determine what is most important to them when they retire.
Healthcare access (88%) topped the list of important factors for respondents, followed by green space (75%), and proximity to local leisure activities (31%), while many also said they’d prefer to live somewhere with low crime levels.
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Experts at Which? then analysed these factors and applied them to find the top-scoring local authority for each of the nine regions in England, as well as in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Each local authority was given a score out of 10 for healthcare, happiness, green space – specifically parks and playing fields – and house price affordability, which eventually identified the 12 locations as the best areas to retire, and picked out Stockport as the North West‘s worthy representative.
It’s all according to a new survey by Which? / Credit: Geograph
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Kirklees, South Tyneside, and High Peak are some of the other places highlighted as retirement hotspots in Northern England.
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Speaking on the results of the survey that’s spotlighted Stockport, Jenny Ross, who is the Money Editor at Which?, explained: “Whether you’ve always dreamed of escaping to the countryside or the seaside, the decision of where to retire can be just as important as the decision of when to retire.
“Our latest research has uncovered gems across the UK that would be great places for retirees to consider”.
She also urged anyone nearing close to retirement to start thinking seriously about their retirement plans, and advised everyone that “the sooner you can start financially preparing for retirement, the better”.
“Check your state pension forecast and track down any lost pension pots to get a clearer picture of whether you’re on track,” Jenny added.
Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank
Daisy Jackson
A Halloween trail is set to return to Quarry Bank Mill this autumn for one of the region’s most hauntingly beautiful seasonal events.
The National Trust site is a former working mill and one of the country’s finest industrial buildings – but as night falls and the shadows lengthen, a haunting will begin…
This year’s Halloween at Quarry Bank will again feature spooky light installations, a mesmerising laser garden, and a thrilling fire show, as well as live performances and seasonal food and drink.
Returning for a second year, Halloween at Quarry Bank will be an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Fog will swirl through the paths around the grounds, as glowing demon eyes watch over passers-by and giant skeletons loom over twisted trees.
If you’re brave enough, the trail then heads inside the mill itself, where creaking and clanking sounds of its industrial past hint at something a little more haunted.
Credit: Andrew Ogilvy PhotographyCredit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
As you wander the trail, you’ll pass installations like glowing fire spheres and catacombs echoing with whispers from the past, plus plenty more surprises waiting in the shadows.
Then you can refuel with ‘bewitched burgers and freaky fries’, plus hot toddys and decadent hot chocolates.
You can even toast a marshmallow over an open fire.
Halloween at Quarry Bank is designed for families, couples, and groups of friends alike, and attracts visitors from all over Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire.
Entry to the trail is on a timed slot system – tickets are on sale now HERE.
Beautiful Stockport cocktail bar launched by Blossoms frontman announces closure
Daisy Jackson
Bohemian Arts Club, the stunning cocktail bar launched by Blossoms frontman Tom Ogden, has announced its closure.
The Stockport venue was opened by Tom and his wife Katie back in 2023, taking over a formerly derelict three-storey building on Coopers Brow.
While the ground floor was initially home to Katie’s thriving hair salon, Bohemian Salon, the top two floors were transformed into a vintage, design-led cocktail bar filled with mirror-tiled doors and heart-shaped chairs hand-made by Katie’s mum and dad.
But today, Bohemian Arts Club has announced that the building will enter in a ‘brand-new chapter’ – and that means the closure of the cocktail bar.
Bohemian Salon is in such high demand that they have decided to expand it into the top two floors.
The bar shared: “After an amazing 2½ years, we’re excited to share that the building is about to enter a brand-new chapter! With the salon thriving and in such high demand, Bohemian will be expanding upstairs into the two floors above.
“Although this means the bar will be closing and this brings sadness, we also couldn’t be happier to see the space continue to flourish and evolve. It’s been such a joy to share weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and countless celebrations with you all—we’ll always treasure those memories.
Bohemian Arts Club. Credit: The Manc GroupCocktails at Bohemian Arts Club. Credit: The Manc Group
“Our last service will be Friday 3rd October. For anyone with bookings after this date, we’ll be in touch to cancel—apologies for any inconvenience.
“Thank you so much for your love and support over the last couple of years. Here’s to the next chapter ahead, we can’t wait to show you all the new space!
“Katie, Tom and the team.”
Fans have been sharing their sadness at the news of the bar closure, with one writing: “Gutted about this, you do the best cocktails in Stockport – would love you to open in a new space.”
Another wrote: “Aww we’re gutted the bar is closing! We’re huge Blossoms fans and got engaged at the bar in March 2024 so it will forever be a special place for us. Good luck with the expanding salon!”
And someone else posted: “Noooo my cocktails. Great news for the salon though guys.”
Emily Sergeant -
3rd October 2023 
