Best way to invest £80,000

Splopjam

I've recently inherited £80,000 from my late parent's home. I'd really appreciate some advice as to the best way of investing it.
I'm 53 and currently living with friends, as I lived with my mother to take care of her before she died and the house is now sold.
Any ideas about whether it's wise at my age to look at property, which would require a mortage top up and be a commitment to an area I'm not sure I want to remain in now, or whether savings/investments would be a better option? I take home an additional £1,2000 a month from my work. I do need to keep some money back to put towards a car and a much needed holiday....

xylophone

Have you any idea where you do want to live?

You could rent a one bedroom flat in that area for six months to try it out keeping the cash on deposit in the meanwhile?

There are various interest paying current accounts/savings accounts/cash ISA accounts that you might consider?

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/compare-best-bank-accounts
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/saving/article-1583859/Best-savings-rates-General-savings-Internet-branch.html