Living in Coalville

Community life in Coalville is shaped by its rich heritage, extensive green spaces, and active volunteering network. Locals describe the atmosphere as friendly and tight-knit, with many families having lived in the area for generations. Neighbourhood events and sports clubs, including the town’s football and rugby teams, are a central feature of local life. Coalville’s market, held in Memorial Square, is a longstanding tradition where residents gather to shop local produce and crafts.

The town boasts several parks and open spaces, such as Coalville Park with its large playground and woodland walks, and Snibston Colliery Park, situated on the site of the former colliery. Community centres host a variety of activities, from fitness classes to youth groups and charity events. Local organisations frequently collaborate on annual festivals and remembrance services, reflecting strong civic pride. Proximity to the National Forest encourages an outdoor lifestyle, with plenty of walking, cycling, and heritage trails accessible from Coalville.

Coalville's crime rates are generally similar to other market towns of its size, with most incidents relating to anti-social behaviour and petty theft in the town centre. Residential areas are perceived as safe, and policing is proactive in responding to local concerns. The Leicestershire Police maintain a visible presence through community policing teams and regular patrols.

Recent years have seen continued investment in CCTV and neighbourhood watch initiatives, supporting public reassurance and crime prevention. Certain regeneration schemes have focused on improving safety standards around central Coalville and Memorial Square, leading to improved perceptions of safety among residents. Like many towns, some areas around the outskirts may experience higher crime rates, but the majority of Coalville is considered secure for families and individuals alike.

Parking in Coalville is generally convenient, with a mix of free and pay-and-display public car parks available in the town centre. Most residential streets permit on-street parking, although restrictions may apply close to schools and busy shopping areas. Permits are required for select central locations, particularly near local authority offices and the market areas, but availability is typically good outside peak hours.

Coalville benefits from quick access to major A-roads and motorways, making travel to nearby towns both simple and efficient. The A511 runs east-west and links directly with the M1 and A42. Congestion levels are generally modest, though traffic can build up around rush hour and during major community events. Road layouts are straightforward, and recent upgrades to junctions have improved access to the town centre.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Leicester – approx. 30 minutes via A511 (12 miles)
• Derby – approx. 40 minutes via A511/A50 (23 miles)
• Loughborough – approx. 25 minutes via B5324/A512 (13 miles)
• Ashby-de-la-Zouch – approx. 12 minutes via A511 (5 miles)
• Birmingham – approx. 50 minutes via A42/M42 (33 miles)

Coalville’s food scene is evolving, with a refreshing mix of traditional pubs, established eateries, and independent cafés. The area is known for its family-friendly restaurants and local takeaways, serving everything from classic British dishes to cuisines such as Indian, Italian, and Chinese. Popular venues include The Hermitage pub, a long-standing local favourite, and La Torre, a well-loved Italian restaurant at the heart of town. Cosy cafés and bakeries, like The Kitchen and Bake & Brew, offer relaxed daytime options.

For nightlife, Coalville caters mostly to a relaxed crowd, with a handful of lively pubs and cocktail bars offering live music and quiz nights. The Century Theatre is an iconic local venue, hosting live performances and community events, while occasional music nights and themed events at local clubs draw a younger crowd. While the area does not boast a large clubbing scene, social venues foster a welcoming community atmosphere. Several nearby villages host traditional public houses that are popular for weekend socialising and family meals.

School Quality: Coalville is recognised for its good-quality schools at both primary and secondary levels, offering families a variety of educational options within easy reach of home.

Parks and Green Space: Residents benefit from large parks, like Coalville Park and Snibston Colliery Park, providing ample space for outdoor play, walks, and family events.

Childcare: Numerous nurseries and after-school clubs operate across the town, supporting busy families and offering convenient options for working parents.

Safety: The town is generally perceived as safe, with ongoing community policing and neighbourhood watch activities that help reassure local families.

Family Activities: Coalville supports an active calendar of family events, including markets, theatre shows, local fairs, and a variety of sports clubs accessible to children and teenagers.

Coalville is well-suited to pet owners, benefitting from accessible countryside, local parks, and numerous walking trails. Snibston Colliery Park, with its open spaces and woodland paths, is especially popular for dog walking, as are footpaths leading into the National Forest. Coalville Park offers dog-friendly areas and well-maintained grounds, making it a go-to for local pet owners.

The area has several veterinary surgeries and pet supply shops, ensuring residents have access to pet care, food, and accessories. Many local pubs and cafés welcome dogs, and rental accommodation that allows pets can be found throughout Coalville’s neighbourhoods. Local attitudes toward animals are generally positive, with community groups often organising dog shows and charity events focused on animal welfare.

Coalville benefits from a strategic position close to major road networks, making it well-connected for residents commuting to nearby cities. Although Coalville does not currently have its own passenger railway station, the town compensates with strong bus services, convenient motorway access, and proximity to key transport hubs.

Local bus routes provide reliable services across Coalville and to surrounding villages, as well as regular direct routes to Leicester, Loughborough, and Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Arriva and other operators run most services, with modern buses serving the town centre and residential areas. The closest railway stations are Loughborough and Leicester, where mainline trains provide fast links to London, Birmingham, and further afield.

Coalville sits just off the A511, connecting directly to Ashby and Leicester, and under three miles from junction 22 of the M1, one of the country’s most important motorways. The A42 links residents to Birmingham and East Midlands Airport, which is just 12 miles away and offers domestic and international flights.

Key commute times:

• Leicester – 30 minutes by bus or car
• Loughborough – 25 minutes by car
• Birmingham – 45–60 minutes by car via A42/M42
• East Midlands Airport – 20 minutes by car
• London (via Leicester rail) – around 1 hour 15 minutes by train

Coalville offers a range of educational options for families, including respected primary and secondary schools, as well as further education nearby. The town’s schools are a key factor for families choosing to settle in the area, and their reputations have helped build a strong sense of community.

Primary Schools: Broom Leys Primary School is one of Coalville's most prominent, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in April 2019, and is known for its inclusive environment. Belvoirdale Community Primary School, rated ‘Good’ in January 2019, provides a nurturing environment with active parental involvement. All Saints Church of England Primary School focuses on a well-rounded education and has a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating from October 2022. Warren Hills Community Primary School is also well-regarded locally, supporting a diverse student body.

Secondary Schools: Newbridge High School is one of the leading secondary institutions, catering to pupils aged 11–16 and rated ‘Good’ in its last Ofsted inspection (February 2020). Castle Rock School, a prominent part of the Apollo Partnership Trust, offers a range of academic and vocational courses and is central to the town’s educational landscape. Stephenson Studio School provided alternative secondary and sixth form provision until its closure, but its approach influenced the area's current educational ethos.

Colleges & Sixth Forms: Stephenson College, located just outside the town centre, is a major further education provider in the region. It specialises in technical, vocational, and apprenticeship-based learning for post-16 students across a range of industries. Many Coalville students continue to Loughborough College or North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, which are both within commuting distance.

Universities: While there are no universities in Coalville itself, the University of Leicester, De Montfort University (Leicester), and Loughborough University are easily accessible by car or public transport, allowing local students access to some of the UK's highest-ranked institutions within a 30-minute drive.