Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>A perfect place for those who crave country living but can&#8217;t tear themselves away from the city. Market Harborough is one of the liveliest market towns in the county with boutique shopping and foodie haunts. It’s also a major contender for families and young couples who want good travel connections to London. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="1800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/10/469744867_18433114312078452_5386011579131527304_n.jpg" alt="The Garage BakeHouse Market Harborough" class="wp-image-62412" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/10/469744867_18433114312078452_5386011579131527304_n.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/10/469744867_18433114312078452_5386011579131527304_n-240x300.jpg 240w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/10/469744867_18433114312078452_5386011579131527304_n-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/10/469744867_18433114312078452_5386011579131527304_n-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/10/469744867_18433114312078452_5386011579131527304_n-1229x1536.jpg 1229w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



<p><a href="http://www.ascoughsbistro.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ascough’s Bistro</a> is a hit with the locals – it&#8217;s a relaxed family-run restaurant that serves top-notch food. For fresh bread and inventive sandwiches, you can&#8217;t beat <a href="https://www.garagebakehouse.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Garage Bakehouse</a> (we love their Báhn Mì demi baguettes). Alternatively, for a hearty meal, look no further than the <a href="https://twooldgoats.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Two Old Goats </a>cafe on the corner of Church Square. For brunch we recommend the gorgeous, bright and airy <a href="https://bowdenstores.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bowden Stores</a> a few minutes away and for lunch with a view try <a href="https://waterfrontharborough.co.uk/">The Waterfront</a> on Union Wharf – it&#8217;s a great spot for a drink on a balmy summer evening. Then for Sunday roast, head to <a href="https://www.thegeorgegreatoxendon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The George</a> down the road in Great Oxenden. If seafood is more your thing, there&#8217;s no better place than <a href="https://www.rocksaltbistro.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocksalt Bistro </a>on High Street.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="986" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/bagel-and-griff-harbs.jpeg" alt="Bagel and Griff Market Harborough Leicester luxe interiors store homewares" class="wp-image-51544" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/bagel-and-griff-harbs.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/bagel-and-griff-harbs-300x296.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/09/bagel-and-griff-harbs-768x757.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bagel &amp; Griff</figcaption></figure>



<p>Harbs has a great mix of high street chains, including local label Joules, Mint Velvet and Phase Eight but head down The Courtyard and you’ll find <a href="http://www.adagallery.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ada Gallery</a>, which is great for jewellery. For indie gems, Adam and Eve Street and Church Street are where you need to be. Try <a href="https://no34boutique.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">No.34 Boutique</a>  for women&#8217;s fashion but for gorgeous homeware and decor try <a aria-label="Bagel and Griff. (opens in a new tab)" href="http://bagelandgriff.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bagel &amp; Griff</a> (above). The fabulous <a aria-label="Eco Village (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.eco-village.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eco Village</a> is a great alternative to supermarkets and a more sustainable way to shop. There’s also a thriving indoor market in town that&#8217;s not to be missed. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>We&#8217;re big fans of the luxe and intimate day spa <a href="https://www.reviveskinandspa.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Revive Skin &amp; Spa</a> and be sure to book in for an aromatherapy massages at <a href="https://www.essentiallyblended.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Essentially Blended</a>. When it comes to getting your omm on, there&#8217;s no better place than the Muddy Award winning <a href="https://www.optimumyouyoga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Optimum You</a>  for yoga, pilates and nutrition coaching. We absolutely love their warm hatha classes, a bit like hot yoga but slightly dialled down on the sweatometer. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>It might be easier to list the things you can&#8217;t do in Market Harborough. How about <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pickleballharborough/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pickleball club</a>, <a href="https://groups.runtogether.co.uk/RCH/Runs/Summary/ec81788d-aee1-4b44-bbe0-95bd410aa5e7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">running club</a> or a <a href="https://harboroughtheatre.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local theatre group</a>? There&#8217;s also a good library in town, which has a toddler group, plus there&#8217;s a farmer&#8217;s market, Parkrun in Welland Park and annual events include the <a href="https://raceharborough.co.uk/cycling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Festival of Cycling</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/KELMARSH-LBB-008.jpg" alt="Kelmarsh Hall" class="wp-image-36387" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/KELMARSH-LBB-008.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/KELMARSH-LBB-008-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/KELMARSH-LBB-008-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/KELMARSH-LBB-008-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/02/KELMARSH-LBB-008-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kelmarsh Hall</figcaption></figure>



<p>Pop in and visit <a aria-label="Harborough Museum (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.harboroughmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harborough Museum</a>. It was opened in 1983 in the former R &amp; WH Symington corset factory. A visit to <a href="https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/foxton-locks">Foxton Locks</a> is a great day out for the family – take a boat trip, visit the museum, or enjoy a picnic or pub lunch.&nbsp;Nearby Grade I listed house, <a href="http://slap%20bang%20in%20the%20middle%20of%20the%20town%20is%20the%20old%20grammar%20school%20museum%2C%20nearby%20kelmash%20hall%20https//www.kelmarsh.com/gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kelmarsh Hall</a> is well worth visiting to see the charming gardens and stately interiors. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Every summer join in with the <a href="https://harboroughcarnival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Market Harborough Carnival</a> with a parade, floats, food and drink, entertainment and more. Every autumn, <a href="https://www.artsfresco.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arts Fresco</a> transforms the town centre into the biggest street arts festival in the Midlands where you can see performances from some of Britain’s leading festival and street theatre companies. Don&#8217;t miss the local foodie market and the Summer Fair that take place at the end of summer. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/09/Great-Bowden-house.jpg" alt="House for sale in Great bowden Market Harborough Leicestershire" class="wp-image-61886" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/09/Great-Bowden-house.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/09/Great-Bowden-house-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/09/Great-Bowden-house-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This beautiful 6-bed, Grade II-listed house in Great Bowden also has a separate 2-bed cottage. <a href="https://www.mccallum-marsh.co.uk/properties-for-sale/property/12737417-sutton-road-great-bowden-market-harborough" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £2.5m</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Average house prices are £346,024. Detached homes fetch around £461,940 and semi-detached homes £331,082.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>The Ofsted rated Good nursery, <a href="https://www.littleangelsnursery.com/about/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Angels</a> is just off Fairfield Road in the town. They&#8217;ve been around since 2000 and have lovely spacious grounds, four main rooms and two outdoor play areas for toddlers to run around in. Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.busybeeschildcare.co.uk/nursery/market-harborough" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Busy Bees </a>is a purpose-built, single storey nursery just on the outskirts of town and rated Good by Ofsted &#8211; each room has its own garden allowing the children to safely explore the outdoors. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a aria-label="Leicester Grammar School, (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.lgs-senior.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leicester Grammar School</a> is a 20 min car journey and co-ed <a aria-label="Brooke House College (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.brookehousecollege.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brooke House College</a> is also a great choice for pupils aged 11 – 19 yrs, with a wonderfully diverse mix of students, as well as the option to board and a brilliant Football Academy. For state primary options try <a href="https://www.marketharboroughcofe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Market Harborough C of E Academy</a> (Ofsted rated Good) and<a href="https://www.ridgewayprimary.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Ridgeway Primary Academy</a> (Ofsted rated Good). And for secondary options, <a href="https://www.robertsmyth.tgacademy.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Robert Smyth Academy</a>  and <a href="https://www.wellandparkacademy.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Welland Park Academy</a> are both Ofsted rated Good.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Visit nearby <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Wistow's Maize (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.wistow.com" target="_blank">Wistow&#8217;s Maze</a> open in the summer. It&#8217;s one of the country&#8217;s largest maize mazes set in eight acres of maize and sunflower crops.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s 88 miles from London – less than an hour direct into London St Pancras. An annual season ticket is £9,000+. By car, it&#8217;ll take just under 2 hrs.</p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Market Harborough

See more in Leicestershire