Post pandemic, 72% of adults are planning to spend more money on domestic travel[1] and with some international travel restrictions still in place, 2022 could be the year to explore some destinations closer to home.
Whether you're already retired, or you're planning to retire early, remember that the UK has a wealth of off-the-beaten-track destinations that might fulfil your travel dreams.
Here are 5 of the best UK holiday destinations, with plenty to offer retired travellers:
Sometimes overshadowed by the Hebrides and Isles, this area of East Scotland has a great variety of activities, particularly if you're seeking a top family travel destination.
Grandchildren will be entertained for hours at Kirkgate Park on the shores of Loch Leven, while adults might appreciate a visit to one of the many distilleries across the region. For a day out that all the family will enjoy, consider a Highland Safari, with options to go by boat or by Land Rover.
Tourists visiting this coastal county usually head to the beaches of South Norfolk, but North Norfolk shouldn't be overlooked by travellers seeking a slower pace.
If you like to be on the water, you could hire a day boat and explore the waterways around the Broads National Park. If you'd prefer to travel by steam, Norfolk is home to several heritage railway routes. The Poppy Line, from Sheringham to Holt, offers a variety of dining experiences, as well as stunning views of fields and coast.
Often dismissed as being too close to London, the idyllic haven of Kent should be on your travel list thanks to the region's stunning gardens. Walmer Castle is the best option for manicured walled gardens, whilst Hucking Woods is particularly beautiful in Spring, when bluebells carpet the forest floor.
You may not know that Kent also has some of the best vineyards in the UK. Take a stroll through the vines at Gusbourne Estate for a retirement trip to rival the south of France.
With over 30 miles of coastline, Hadrian's Wall, and more castles than any other county in England, Northumberland is a holiday destination that might surprise you.
Visit the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park to see the largest area of protected night sky in Europe, or tuck into remarkably fresh seafood in one of many quaint coastal towns. The county is also home to Sir David Attenborough's favourite destination in the UK, the Farne Islands, which you can visit by boat from the town of Seahouses.
Step into history and explore the Suffolk wool towns, such as Lavenham, once one of the wealthiest towns in England. The town boasts 340 listed buildings and a “crooked house” tour, where you can discover the town's rich architectural history.
Suffolk has also maintained a rich art scene. A visit to the beach at Walberswick will give you a glimpse of the shores that inspired countless paintings through the ages, and a trip to the Sudbury house of artist Thomas Gainsborough will allow you to view some of them first hand.
If you are a homeowner and your retirement pension won't stretch to afford the holidays you've always dreamt of, you could be eligible to release equity on your property and receive a tax-free cash lump sum.
With a Lifetime Mortgage, the UK's most popular equity release product, you won't have to make monthly repayments unless you want to. Instead, the interest will roll up, and you'll only need to repay the full amount when your home is sold, either when you pass away or enter long-term care.
You could release as little as £10,000 from your property with a Lifetime Mortgage, which might give you the option to visit every spot on our list! You could even purchase a new car or caravan, to ensure a comfortable tour of the UK's best destinations.
When selecting a Lifetime Mortgage provider, it's important to choose a lender that is approved by the Equity Release Council. They uphold high levels of conduct and maintain safeguards such as the no-negative-equity guarantee, which means you'll never owe more than the value of your home.
They will partner you with a local adviser, who will explain to you the details of a Lifetime Mortgage. It's important to understand that releasing equity now will reduce the value of your estate and could affect your entitlement to means-tested benefits.
At Responsible Equity Release, we pride ourselves on being members of the Equity Release Council, and we only advise on products from lenders who are also members. To find out more about how equity release could help finance your retirement travels, call our Information Team today on 0800 048 5384, or use the free equity release calculator at the bottom of this page and find out how much you could release.
To find out more about Lifetime Mortgages, and the various features available, why not book a no-obligation appointment with one of our fully qualified advisers? The Information Team can help with this on 0800 048 5384.
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