It’s easy to think of somewhere you’ve enjoyed as a summer visitor as a wonderful place to retire. But what happens when the British winter closes in and those gorgeous coastal walks are not as appealing as they first seemed to be?That’s why, according to the experts, if you are thinking about that all-important later life move then next month is the perfect time to really assess whether a place will fit the bill.Known as the ‘November test’, it offers a chance to weigh up what works as a year-round retirement location, taking into account amenities such as good healthcare and transport links. Top tips include finding out which cafés remain open through winter and how often community groups meet during the colder months of the year. If you need public transport, check out whether timetables are different off season too.Here, we highlight which locations pass the ‘November test’, and where might make for a happy retirement.1. Llandudno, WalesThe North Wales coastal town is often cited as one of the best places to retire in the UK.It was recognised last year by care alarms provider Taking Care, which highlighted the town’s local life expectancy, house prices, care home spots, green spaces and even bingo halls.It’s certainly a lively spot. As Nouran Moustafa, financial adviser at Roxton Wealth points out, there are shops, cafes and restaurants open throughout the year, as well as the buzzy promenade, the Great Orme, parks, theatre and live entertainment at Venue Cymru.There are also great coastal and regional rail links, keeping the town connected through both the winter and summer months. ‘That matters when someone eventually wants to drive less, or wants children and grandchildren to be able to visit easily,’ Ms Moustafa adds. Llandudno, a coastal town in North Wales, earns points for local life expectancy, house prices, care home spots, green spaces and even bingo halls, as well as its excellent regional rail links2. Royston, HertfordshireThis Hertfordshire market town is a magnet for retirees, explains Paul Brown, manager of Royston First BID, since it’s small enough to create a sense of community without feeling sleepy or cut off.‘For someone moving out of a larger town or city, that can make it a nice middle ground,’ he tells the Daily Mail. ‘There’s a surprising amount going on for a relatively small town. You’ve got cafés, pubs, a twice-weekly market, the leisure centre and lots of local clubs and community groups, while Royston Heath is practically on the doorstep if you enjoy walking or just want somewhere green to get out into.’Meanwhile, the station offers direct connections to Cambridge or London – important for those in later years who prefer not to drive, especially at night. With direct connections to Cambridge and London, as well as sociable spots such as The Chequers Pub, pictured, Royston in Hertfordshire is a magnet for community-focused retirees3. Wimborne, DorsetEarlier this year, this Dorset town was named by the Times as one of the best places to live in the UK – not least for its buzzy centre edging the River Stour, wisteria-covered houses and pedestrianised square with continental-style pavement cafés.But Philippa Vickery, sales and marketing director at Wyatt Homes, told the Mail that it particularly suits retirees.‘Wimborne offers the best of both worlds – a beautiful historic market town with a lively high street, but countryside and the coast within easy reach. In fact, 27 per cent of Wimborne’s population is aged 65 or over, compared with 18.9 per cent across England and Wales, demonstrating that this is an existing retirement community.’While the town itself may not have its own railway station, the Dorset spot is well connected by both train and bus, with easy links via nearby transport hubs of Poole and Bournemouth. Historic market town Wimborne in Dorset boasts a buzzy centre edging the River Stour, wisteria-covered houses and a pedestrianised square with continental-style pavement cafés4. Bridlington, YorkshireKnown for its historic character and old town – the pre-Victorian part of Bridlington was where the 2016 film version of Dad’s Army was filmed – this charming Yorkshire seaside town is very popular with retirees. In fact, it’s the older population which really gives it a sense of community.The town has two long sandy beaches sitting on either side of its working harbour, with award-winning promenades perfect for long strolls. Plus, regardless of the weather, there are year-round events including festivals, concerts, exhibitions and theatre productions – meaning even the winter months here are lively. Bridlington in Yorkshire has a historic old town as well as two long sandy beaches sitting on either side of its working harbour, with award-winning promenades perfect for long strolls5. Chesham and Amersham, BuckinghamshireSet in Buckinghamshire’s leafy Chiltern Hills, these two towns were recently ranked the top place to retire in the UK by Legal & General, based on factors such as healthcare, opportunities to socialise, access to nature, local amenities and financial security.Both Chesham and Amersham have lively town centres buzzing with independent shops, cafés and restaurants, while the surrounding countryside provides plenty of opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors. All of which might explain why, in terms of the Legal & General research, both towns performed particularly well in terms of the strong physical and mental health among over-65s.Both towns are also connected to London via the Underground – allowing retirees to enjoy a countryside lifestyle without being disconnected from family and culture in the capital. Both Chesham and Amersham have lively town centres buzzing with independent shops, cafés and restaurants, while the outdoors can also be enjoyed in the surrounding countryside 6. Rossett, WrexhamWrexham and its sought-after village of Rossett have previously been recognised by Which? as one of the best places to retire to in the UK. It’s easy to see why. In addition to fantastic parks and affordable housing, Rossett has also been badged one of the UK’s 24 safest spots – a particularly important factor for those living alone.Moving to this area of Wales is also a great option for those considering giving up their car in retirement, explains Sian Pitt, Sales Director for Castle Green Homes.’There’s almost everything they could want or need in the village – pubs, restaurants, shops, community cafe and a pharmacy, plus Chester can be reached in around 20 minutes by bus.’ In addition to fantastic parks and affordable housing, Rossett has also been badged one of the UK’s 24 safest spots – a particularly important factor for those living alone7. Nantwich, CheshireThe historic Cheshire market town is known for its generally welcoming and relaxed pace of life. It was also recently ranked the fourth happiest place to live in the UK, with its strong community spirit one of its biggest attractions. An important factor for retirees looking to stay connected, avoid loneliness and enjoy an active, sociable retirement.‘Nantwich offers the perfect balance for those looking ahead to retirement, with a strong sense of community, excellent local amenities, beautiful surroundings and outstanding transport connections,’ says Claire Jarvis, managing director at David Wilson Homes North West. ‘It has all the ingredients that make it such a special place to call home.’ Nantwich recently ranked as the fourth happiest place to live in the UK, with its strong community spirit one of its biggest attractions – important for a sociable retirement8. Christchurch, DorsetThis Dorset town is widely considered the retirement capital of the UK, not least because around a third of its inhabitants are over 65.It’s not the most affordable spot – average house prices are around £430,000 – but with good healthcare, a very low crime rate, a historic priory, riverside and harbour walks – plus easy access to the New Forest and Jurassic coast – retirees may find it is more than worth the price tag.The town also boasts an incredibly active social calendar all year round, with annual highlights including a food festival and music events during the summer, followed by a lively winter of Christmas festivities, theatre and cultural events. The yearly panto, at The Regent Centre, is particularly beloved.Indeed, the perception of Christchurch as a sleepy haven couldn’t be further from the truth, says Simon Barnes, managing director at Winkworth in Highcliffe and Mudeford. ‘Alongside its natural beauty, the area offers a superb lifestyle. There is an excellent selection of amenities, independent shops, leisure facilities and renowned restaurants within easy reach.’ Christchurch, Dorset, boasts an incredibly active social calendar all year round, with a food festival and music events during the summer, followed by a winter of Christmas festivities