We all imagine living the dream when we retire - for many a rose-covered cottage surrounded by rolling countryside with a stream in the garden.

And while Cheshire has some of the most beautiful countryside around, a study has found that it doesn't rank in the list for the most sought after destinations to retire.

A new happiness index shows that Eden tops the rankings for over-50s, with a total satisfaction score of 66.24 out of 100.

Eden tops the over-50s satisfaction index, scoring 66.24 out of 100, Carlisle (63.75 out of 100) and South Lakeland (63.51 out of 100) place second and third, respectively. Portsmouth is the least happy location for over-50s, scoring just 19.09 out of 100.

The research by equity release specialists Bower Home Finance analysed 25 different factors affecting quality of life, including the number of medical centres, the number of community centres, and the availability of public gardens. Each area was scored out of 100.

Eden in Cumbria ranked first, largely due to the access older residents have to green spaces. The area offers 25.48 public gardens per 100,000 population, as well as 18.20 parks and 1.82 botanical gardens per 100,000. 

Also in Cumbria, Carlisle ranked second with a total satisfaction score of 63.75 out of 100, while South Lakeland completed the top three with 63.51.

Carlisle is home to 22.67 community centres per 100,000 residents, 8.16 libraries, and 87.07 cafes per 100,000. South Lakeland offers great access to healthcare services, with 47.77 medical centres per 100,000 residents.

Westminster (62.34 out of 100) and Oxford (61.43 out of 100) rounded out the top five happiest locations. Westminster is great for healthcare access, with 157.49 doctor's offices per 100,000 population, and 70.70 pharmacies per 100,000.

At the other end of the scale, Portsmouth recorded the lowest satisfaction score at just 19.09 out of 100. The area was largely let down by its lack of gathering areas, with just 4.35 cafes per 100,000 residents, and only 1.93 libraries per 100,000. 

Other areas with lower satisfaction scores included Nuneaton and Bedworth (26.12), Worthing (26.50), Hyndburn (28.64), and Conwy (29.79). 

Commenting on the ranking, Geoff Charles, CEO of Bower Home Finance, said: "This research challenges the assumption that city living with endless amenities automatically creates happier communities for over-50s.

"What we're seeing instead is that moderate-sized communities with good healthcare access and social spaces often provide the best quality of life.

"Eden's position suggests that community connection and a balanced lifestyle matter more than having countless restaurants or theatres on your doorstep. Areas like South Lakeland and Wealden demonstrate that you don't need to choose between access to services and quality of life - many mid-sized communities offer both."

Each factor and its respective weighting in the index are listed below: 

• Average Life Satisfaction - 29.41%
• Number of Garden Centres - 2.94%
• Number of Hobby Stores - 2.94%
• Number of Knitting Stores - 2.94%
• Number of Golf Stores - 2.94%
• Number of Sports and Recreation - 2.94%
• Number of Swimming Pools - 2.94%
• Number of Hiking Trails - 2.94%
• Number of Bowling Greens - 2.94%
• Number of Spas - 2.94%
• Number of Community Centres - 2.94%
• Number of Bingo Centres - 2.94%
• Number of Libraries - 2.94%
• Number of Cafés - 2.94%
• Number of Museums - 2.94%
• Number of Art Galleries - 2.94%
• Number of Theatres - 2.94%
• Number of Public Gardens - 2.94%
• Number of Botanical Gardens - 2.94%
• Number of Parks - 2.94%
• Number of Pharmacies - 2.94%
• Number of Disabled Persons Services - 2.94%
• Number of Doctor's Offices - 2.94%
• Number of Medical Centres - 2.94%
• Number of Healthcare Clinics - 2.94%

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