A seaside town known for being affordable and quaint has been named among the best places to retire across the UK. Walton-on-the-Naze, in Essex, boasts the UK’s third-longest pier, as well as arcades and a beautiful sandy beach.
The Telegraph recently named it among the top five best coastal retirement towns in Britain. The publisher said: “When it comes to deciding where to live in retirement, moving to the coast might be just the change you’re looking for. With a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle and stunning scenery, a coastal retreat could be a peaceful place to enjoy your retirement years.”
They added: “If you are one of the people at or approaching retirement age who might be contemplating moving to the coast, one of your main questions may be what locations are best for you. Whether you’re planning to retire for good or buy a second home for regular weekend breaks, finding a place that fits your preferences is an important part of your decision-making journey.”
According to the Telegraph, the average price of a semi-detached house in Walton-on-the-Naze is £267,514 while a terraced home sells for an average of £211,797. This is lower than the average asking price of a home in the UK of £368,019, as of February 2026.
The town, and the wider area, is home to a number of wide and sandy beaches lined with colourful beach huts. They are particularly popular among swimmers in the summer months.
Walton Pier, which is 2,610ft in length, is the third-longest in the UK. It features a large indoor amusement complex with arcades, bowling a and a funfair.
Walton-on-the-Naze is also a popular fishing area, with fishers able to catch cod, sole and bass. It is considered a classic British seaside destination with plenty on offer to visitors.
The Telegraph said: “The north-east coast of Essex has several towns that are easily accessible from London and are surrounded by beautiful ‘Constable Country’ greenery and beaches. Frinton and Brightlingsea are the best known, but Walton-on-the-Naze is relatively inexpensive, small and friendly, with its quaint streets, tea shops and nearby museums.”
The town has also benefitted from investment in recent years. The money has seen new attractions open, including escape rooms, virtual reality simulators and adventure golf.
The Essex Sunshine Coast added: “Although officially the third longest pier in the UK at over half a mile long, Walton Pier is by far the longest pier going out into the open sea, which makes it ideal for sea fishing. Cast your lines out to sea for Bass, Garfish and Sole in summer and for Flounder and Cod in winter.”