Five towns and villages in Leicestershire perfect for family life

Looking for the perfect place to settle down in Leicestershire? From market towns to riverside villages, this guide explores five of our standout locations: Loughborough, Melton Mowbray, Mountsorrel, Sileby, and Bourton on the Wolds.

And when you choose one of our thoughtfully designed new build homes across Leicestershire, you're never far from good schools, beautiful green spaces, and everyday comforts. Here are some of the reasons that we think these towns and villages are worth putting on your shortlist.

1. Loughborough

Loughborough is one of Leicestershire's largest and most popular towns, with plenty to offer families and commuters. Positioned between Leicester and Nottingham, it is surrounded by Charnwood Forest, giving you a choice between countryside walks and high street shopping without travelling far.

Loughborough town centre features a mix of well-known favourites and much-loved local shops, plus a popular weekly market. In the summer months, Queen's Park hosts concerts and outdoor cinema evenings, while Outwoods and Beacon Hill Country Park are perfect for weekend walks and getting the family outdoors. If you’re looking for even more things to do in Loughborough, local landmarks like the Carillon Tower and the bell foundry show off the town's interesting past, while venues such as Loughborough Town Hall and the Charnwood Museum offer plenty of things to do all year round.

Families living in Loughborough benefit from excellent schools including Loughborough Grammar School, Loughborough High School, and Booth Wood Academy. But the town is perhaps best known for Loughborough University, which has a great reputation in sport and engineering and brings a youthful energy to the town. Commuters have it easy here too, with direct trains to London in around 90 minutes, plus fast links to Nottingham, Derby, and the M1.

If you're drawn to everything Loughborough has to offer, Jelson Homes has new homes in Shepshed, a well-connected small town, 15 minutes from the centre.

2. Bourton-on-the-Wolds

If you like everything Loughborough has to offer but dream of coming home to somewhere a little quieter, Bourton-on the-Wolds could be your ideal compromise. Just a ten-minute drive from Loughborough's shops, schools, and travel links, this rural village gives families the convenience of a busy town but has all the advantages of a countryside setting.

At Jelson Homes, we are bringing a brand-new community to this desirable village with our upcoming Fox Hollow development . Comprising a range of houses for sale in Bourton-on-the-Wolds, Fox Hollow has a new home for everyone.

3. Melton Mowbray

Although known nationally for its pork pies and Stilton cheese, Melton Mowbray offers more than just food to its residents. It's a market town that's popular with families because of its great location, good schools and nearby family-friendly attractions.

In the town centre, the streets are lined with Georgian and Victorian buildings, and St Mary's Church, dating back to the 13th century, stands at the heart of it all. There's also the market, which is one of the oldest in the country, and the town's many food festivals, which are well worth a visit too.

Families living in Melton Mowbray enjoy being near Twinlakes Park, which offers rides, animals, and activities for all ages, and Melton Country Park, which has wide-open space for cycling, walking, and playground fun. Need to travel regularly for work? Road connections are great from Melton Mowbray, with the A606 and A607 linking to nearby towns and cities, while rail services to London and Birmingham make it a practical choice for those who need to travel regularly.

Looking for the convenience of modern living in a town that still feels rooted in tradition? Explore our range of beautiful new homes in Melton Mowbray and find your perfect place to call home.

4. Mountsorrel

Located on the banks of the River Soar and framed by the rocky crags of Charnwood Forest, Mountsorrel offers history, traditional pubs, and boat moorings. Foodies will love the variety of places to eat, and the fact the village is home to John's House, Leicestershire's only Michelin-starred restaurant. The restaurant is set within Stonehurst Farm & Museum, which features a vintage car museum, an organic farm shop and hands-on farm activities for the little ones.

For families, there's plenty to keep everyone active. Soar Valley Leisure Centre has a swimming pool and gym, and there's a choice of popular schools nearby like Rothley Church of England Primary and The Martin High School in Anstey. Looking to get some fresh air? Outdoor spaces such as Memorial Park, Mountsorrel Quarry, and Watermead Country Park offer great options for walks, play, and enjoying nature.

If village life with natural beauty, a tight community, and excellent local amenities sounds like your kind of living, take a look at our new houses for sale in Mountsorrel here.

5. Sileby

Tucked between Loughborough and Leicester, Sileby is a village that punches well above its weight when it comes to community spirit and everyday convenience. At its heart is Sileby Memorial Park, with play areas and sports facilities that make it easy for families to stay active without travelling far.

The village high street has everything you need day-to-day, from a Tesco Express to coffee shops, while Cossington Meadows Nature Reserve, just a six-minute drive away, offers 86 hectares of open countryside perfect for weekend walks and wildlife spotting. And if you’re looking to get your children into community groups, there are Scout and Guide groups in the active community centre.

Our brand-new Willowmere development puts all of this on your doorstep and more, explore our new homes in Sileby today.

Find your new home in Leicestershire

At Jelson Homes, we are proud to build new homes in convenient, relaxed and well-connected locations across the Midlands.

Discover the Jelson difference with our new build homes in Leicestershire, carefully designed for growing families in welcoming communities, with everything you need close at hand. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Family-friendly towns in Leicestershire

Which town has the most things to do in Leicestershire?

Loughborough is hard to beat for sheer variety. From Queen's Park’s concerts and outdoor cinema to Loughborough University, there's always something on.

Which Leicestershire town has the most history and heritage?

Melton Mowbray has the most history and heritage. Its twice-weekly market is one of the oldest in the country, the streets are lined with Georgian and Victorian architecture, and St Mary's Church has stood at the heart of the town since the 13th century.

Which Leicestershire village offers the best transport connections?

Sileby stands out as offering the best transport connections. Sileby railway station provides regular services to Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham, and Lincoln, with easy onward connections to London St Pancras and Birmingham. By road, the A6 and A46 offer direct access to the M1, and frequent bus services, including the Skylink route towards East Midlands Airport, make it one of the most well-connected villages in the county.