Morning
I have no bank accounts in the UK at all and receive my UK State Pension which is transferred direct from the Pension Department to my Alfa bank account directly in €'s, every 4 weeks, seems to work fine. I live here permanately so have no need for UK banks.
I would have thought that if you intend going back every year it would be better to keep your pension in UK bank, and mabye use your cash card to withdraw from the machines here. I know some have a building society card, not sure which one it is but no doubt someone will be along soon to tell you, that does not charge you to withdraw cash. As I said not 100% sure on that but wait for someone to confirm that.
Welcome to the retirement world!!!