Looking for the perfect place to settle down in Leicestershire? From lively market towns to scenic riverside villages, this guide explores three of our standout locations: Loughborough, Melton Mowbray, and Mountsorrel.
And with 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.
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 the green hills of 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 stores and much-loved independents, 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.
Local landmarks like the Carillon Tower and the world-famous 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 benefit from excellent schools including Loughborough Grammar School, Loughborough High School, and Booth Wood Academy. And the town is perhaps best known for Loughborough University, a leading institution with a global reputation in sport and engineering, which brings a dynamic, 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 the lifestyle Loughborough has to offer, Jelson Homes has new build developments close by in Barrow-upon-Soar, a riverside village just 10 minutes away, and homes in Shepshed, a well-connected small town, 15 minutes from the centre.
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 twice-weekly market, which is one of the oldest in the country, and the town’s many food festivals are well worth a visit too.
There is a strong family appeal in Melton Mowbray, with Twinlakes Park offering rides, animals, and activities for all ages, and Melton Country Park providing wide-open space for cycling, walking, and playground fun.
Commuting to work? Road connections are straightforward, 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.
Mountsorrel
Mountsorrel is a village where you can enjoy a more relaxed pace of life without feeling cut off. Located on the banks of the River Soar and framed by the rocky crags of Charnwood Forest, this vibrant village offers historic character, traditional pubs, and boat moorings. Foodies will love the variety of places to eat and that 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 offers great options for walks, play, and enjoying nature.
Getting around is easy too. Sileby station is only a five-minute drive away, with trains to Leicester and London, and the road network connects quickly to both Loughborough and Leicester.
If village life with natural beauty, a tight community, and excellent local amenities sounds like your kind of living, you can take a look at our new houses for sale in Mountsorrel here.
Find your new home in Leicestershire
At Jelson Homes, we are proud to build new homes in convenient, relaxed and well-connected locations.
Discover the difference with our new build homes in Leicestershire, carefully designed for growing families in welcoming communities, with everything you need close at hand.