Four areas of East Lancashire have been named among the top 10 areas in the UK to retire to, also claiming the top two spots in the list.

Pendle has been named as the bestplace to spend your retirement in the UK by some distance, followed by Hyndburn in second spot.

Burnley was ranked seventh and Blackburn with Darwen eighth on the list, compiled by Howden Insurance following analysis of Government and NHS data along with other factors.

The analysis looked at metrics such as the cost of housing, crime rates, proximity to essential facilities and parks, and overall satisfaction ratings for every area to calculate a score out of 100.

Pendle came top of the list with a score of 80.93, way ahead of Hyndburn in second with a 70.8 score.

Burnley scored 66.69, while Blackburn with Darwen scored 66.55

Lancashire Telegraph: Haworth Art Gallery helped Hyndburn get a high scoreHaworth Art Gallery helped Hyndburn get a high score

Other areas on the list were Stoke-on-Trent in third, Newcastle-under-Lyme – just outside Stoke – in fourth, South Tyneside in the North East in fifth, and Hastings in Sussex in sixth.

Rounding out the top 10 were Gateshead and Fylde, meaning half of the top 10 places to retire to are in Lancashire.

On Pendle, Howden found it had the highest wellbeing ranking out of the top 10, with its picturesque landscapes and historical significance also boosting its score

The 15-minute drive to get to key services like hospitals or doctors' practices also meant the borough took top spot.

Lancashire Telegraph: Witton Park, perfect for retirement walksWitton Park, perfect for retirement walks (Image: Michael Hoyle)

Diverse landscapes, including parks and moorland, and historical landmarks such as Accrington's Haworth Art Gallery saw Hyndburn claim second spot, along with its affordable house prices at an average of £124,976.

On Burnley, the scenic countryside a stone’s throw from the town and the Victorian architecture of the town centre and cheap housing at just £110,000 meant it ranked highly.

Blackburn with Darwen’s crime rate – the second lowest in the top 10 – plus its parks and landmarks saw the borough place eighth.

A spokesperson for Howden Insurance said: “Pendle is undoubtedly a fantastic place to spend retirement.

“With its serene landscapes, friendly communities, and rich history create an ideal environment for relaxation and fulfilment.

“Whether strolling through historic villages or enjoying the tranquil countryside, Pendle offers a perfect blend of charm and tranquillity, making retirement truly enjoyable.

“As a result of the ongoing cost of living crisis, every possible expense has gone up. Thankfully, this study offers a valuable resource for those planning to retire in 2024, highlighting the areas of the UK that can offer people the best value for their money.”