While many of us think long and hard about when we will get to retire, all too often where we will be retiring is overlooked. 

However, this can be a mistake. You want to be able to enjoy your later years, once work has been left behind, and location is a crucial element in that enjoyment.

Thinking carefully about precisely where you will spend those twilight years means you’ll be able to spend that time doing the things you love, and perhaps ticking off aspects of your bucket list.

But where are the best places to retire? Keepsake company Write From The Heart has picked out some of the top locations sure to appeal to many people who are nearing retirement.

The seaside town in Sussex is a beautiful place for anyone to live, but holds particular appeal for those with a little more time on their hands.

The city itself is a cultural hub, which plays host to a range of artistic events and festivals, which are sure to cater to a range of tastes.

Brighton is also well renowned as being a diverse and inclusive place, welcoming of people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

Speaking of walking, there’s no shortage of incredible areas to go for a stroll, from The Lanes in the city to the South Downs National Park.

The latter boasts more than 3,000KM of footpaths and rights of way, so when the weather is good you have all sorts of different routes to enjoy. 

Brighton is far from a cheap place in which to purchase a property though, with average house prices standing at a monster £447,411 according to Rightmove.

The Lake District has long been renowned as one of Britain’s top domestic holiday locations.

But all of the factors that make it such an appealing location for a short break also count in its favour for making it your retirement home.

For example, who wouldn’t want to spend their twilight years taking boat trips on Windermere Lake, tucking into Grasmere’s famous gingerbread, or exploring Ambleside’s waterfall trails?

It’s worth noting that the Lake District can get pretty busy during the summer months or school holidays.

However, Write From The Heart suggests that many local residents take advantage of this by renting out their own homes for these peak periods, and heading off on their own trips away.

According to Rightmove, the average property in the Lake District is worth £266,415.

Britain is not exactly renowned for its climate, so if you’re determined to enjoy constant sunshine in your retirement then you will need to think about leaving our shores.

However, when it comes to decent weather within the UK you'll struggle to beat Dorset, which is just as well as the mild temperatures allow residents to make the most of the incredible natural landmarks.

These include the likes of Durdle Door and the cliffs of Lulworth Cove.

There are also plenty of beautiful parks and gardens which you can stroll around, alongside incredible historical sites like Highcliffe Castle and Hardy’s Castle.

There’s no escaping the fact that it’s an expensive place to buy though, with Rightmove suggesting average house prices stand at more than £387,000.

York is a magnificent city in which to spend a little time.

This is reflected in just how busy it gets during the school holidays, though its charms are available all year round, which is why it appeals to those approaching retirement.

For example, there is the famous The Shambles shopping street, on which you’ll find all sorts of stores, independent boutiques, bars and restaurants.

Once you head out of the city itself, there are also incredible natural areas to explore like the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors National Park.

You also have a host of small fishing towns within a short distance, allowing you to get some sea air and tuck into a fresh catch.

According to Rightmove, properties in York currently cost an average of £301,735.