A guide to living in Loughborough

This leafy market town is known for its vibrant social scene and great transport links. Steeped in history, you’ll find pretty cobbled stone streets and serene green spaces alongside great bars and eateries. It’s also home to top ranking Loughborough University, which has produced alumni including Paula Radcliffe and Clive Woodward.

Properties here are a great option for everyone from families to professionals and downsizers. It’s also the ideal location for commuters, with great links to London, Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, and with East Midlands Airport nearby. House prices are competitive and

If you are considering a move to Loughborough, find out more about the fantastic homes available at historic Garendon Park, situated on the edge of Charnwood Forest.

Things to do in Loughborough

There’s a great community vibe in Loughborough, with an annual vegan market, gardeners’ fair and jazz festival. There’s the Loughborough Mela, a huge multicultural event with street food, dance, music and henna painting. For a dose of culture, head to the local theatre at Loughborough Town Hall.

The Charnwood Museum is housed in former Victorian swimming baths and has some wonderful exhibitions showcasing the heritage of the local area. For more history and a family-friendly day out there’s – the UK’s only double track, main line railway where you can enjoy full size steam engines in action. There’s also chance to have lunch or dinner on the train, or head to one of the cafes along the line.

If you’re heading out on a walk then visit Beacon Hill Country Park, the second highest spot in Leicestershire with breathtaking views. Garendon Park, on the edge of Charnwood Forest, is stunning Grade II listed parkland which is currently undergoing renovation as part of our new homes development. When it’s completed, locals and visitors will be able to enjoy walks among the park’s restored historic monuments.

Eat, drink and shop

Fine dining can be found at 3 AA rosette

There’s popular family pub The White Horse and Noodle bar on Bedford Street which is good value for money. For craft beer, head just down the road to Bedford Square where there’s The Jam Garden, and if it’s cocktails you’re after then check out S.O.A.K Cocktail Co on Clay Pipe Jitty.

For shopping, there’s all the big names here like M&S, Next, TK Maxx and Boots, which you can find across The Rushes Shopping Centre and Market Place. There are also some great independents, including family-run department store Tylers, and a vintage market every Friday. To stock up on local, organic produce, head to the Farmers’ Market, which is held once a month in Market Place.

Education in Loughborough

From nursery through to university, learners are well catered for in this town. For little ones there’s Watermead Nursery, which was rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and nurturing Little Pebbles Preschool, which is part of Stonebow Primary School.

Holywell Primary and Booth Wood Primary are both rated Outstanding, and for secondary schools the area is well-served by Charnwood College, Limehurst Academy and Woodbrook Vale School. There are also four independent private schools provided by Loughborough Schools Foundation.

Those looking for further education are in safe hands at Loughborough University, which was ranked at number 10 in The Guardian’s University Guide 2025. The university is well-known for its expertise in sports subjects, along with business, engineering and social sciences.

Did you know?

Suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst spoke at Loughborough Town Hall in the early 20th century!

Commuting and public transport

There are regular trains from Loughborough Station which reach London in just 75 minutes. Several cities are in close proximity, with trains taking anywhere from between ten to 30 minutes to reach Derby, Nottingham and Leicester while driving will take you around 30 minutes to each location. For travel abroad, there’s a convenient bus or train to nearby East Midlands airport.

Cost of living

According to costofliving.org,

Should I move to Loughborough?

If you like a mix of culture, history, lush green spaces and great transport links, then Loughborough is a great place to live. The town is perfect for those who want plenty of things to do, but also a place to relax.

If you are looking for a new home in Loughborough, check out our development of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes at Garendon Park.