Living in Melton Mowbray

Community life in Melton Mowbray centres around its market traditions, agricultural heritage, and strong spirit of local involvement. Weekly street markets, a monthly farmers' market, and the annual Melton Mowbray Food Festival all play a significant role in engaging residents and visitors alike.

The town enjoys an active events calendar featuring concerts, theatre performances, school fairs, and seasonal celebrations in public spaces such as Egerton Park and Play Close. Numerous local groups, from sports clubs to arts societies and volunteer organisations, contribute to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The abundance of parks, green spaces, and access to the surrounding countryside support outdoor activities and make the area ideal for those who value a social yet relaxed lifestyle.

Crime rates in Melton Mowbray are generally considered to be moderate compared to urban centres, with the town seen as a safe place to live in Leicestershire. Community policing teams maintain a visible presence and run initiatives aimed at promoting neighbourhood safety and reducing antisocial behaviour.

Areas closest to the town centre may experience slightly higher levels of petty crime, typical of shopping and nightlife districts, but incidents of serious crime remain relatively rare. The Melton Mowbray Neighbourhood Watch network and local forums facilitate communication between residents and the police. Regeneration projects and public safety measures continue to improve security and community confidence, reinforcing Melton Mowbray’s position as a safe market town.

Parking in Melton Mowbray is considered straightforward, with several council-operated car parks in and around the town centre. On-street parking is also available on many residential streets, though restrictions may apply during peak times and market days. Resident parking permits are issued in certain areas close to the centre. Most public parking options are well located for shops, offices, and tourist attractions.

Congestion is typically light outside of busy market days or major events, and the road network is easy to navigate. Melton Mowbray’s proximity to major routes makes it convenient for drivers, with bypass roads helping to ease through traffic. Driving distances to nearby towns and cities:

• Leicester – approx. 30 minutes via A607 (16 miles)
• Nottingham – approx. 40 minutes via A606 (21 miles)
• Oakham – approx. 20 minutes via A606 (11 miles)
• Grantham – approx. 30 minutes via A607 (18 miles)

Main routes such as the A607 and A606 provide rapid connections to the A1, M1, and other parts of the East Midlands, making Melton Mowbray accessible for local and long-distance travel.

Melton Mowbray boasts a wide variety of food options, anchored by its reputation as a food-lover’s destination. Traditional pubs such as Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe and The Crown Inn offer a choice of local ales and hearty British fare, while a selection of independent cafés and tearooms cater to lighter tastes and daytime visitors. The town’s dining scene also includes steak houses, Italian trattorias, curry houses, and modern bistros, many of which feature local produce.

The nightlife in Melton Mowbray is relatively low-key, focused on pubs, social clubs, and occasional live music events at venues such as Melton Theatre and local bars. During the day, the area comes alive with bustling markets and food festivals, further cementing its reputation as a regional hub for culinary experiences. Takeaways and late-night eateries are common in the town centre, providing a good mix of choices for all visitors and residents.

School Quality: Melton Mowbray provides a range of well-rated primary and secondary schools, with Ofsted reports indicating a high standard of education and pastoral care. Several nearby colleges broaden the options for older students and vocational learners.

Parks and Green Space: The town features several parks and recreation grounds such as Egerton Park, providing safe spaces for children to play, cycle, and explore nature. The surrounding countryside is accessible for weekend family walks and picnics.

Childcare: A variety of nurseries, preschools, and after-school clubs serve local families, offering flexible childcare to suit working parents. Community centres often host family support sessions and playgroups.

Safety: Melton Mowbray is regarded as a safe town, with community policing and active resident groups maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the area.

Family Activities: The town offers plenty for families, including swimming at Waterfield Leisure Centre, play in local parks, and family-orientated events at the market, library, and local museums.

The abundance of public parks and nearby countryside makes Melton Mowbray popular with pet owners. Popular dog-walking locations include Egerton Park, Play Close, and scenic paths along the River Eye. The Vale of Belvoir and surrounding rural lanes provide ample opportunity for long walks and exploration.

Several veterinary practices, pet shops, and grooming salons are based in the town, ensuring easy access to animal care. Many pubs and local cafés are dog-friendly, and local estates often run dog events and shows. Renting with pets is generally acceptable in the area, though individual landlords may set specific conditions.

Transport links in Melton Mowbray suit both local travel and commuting to larger cities. The town’s railway station is located near the town centre, offering direct services to key locations including Leicester, Birmingham, and Nottingham. East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry provide regular service frequencies.

The town benefits from well-established bus routes connecting Melton Mowbray to surrounding villages, market towns, and urban hubs across Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. Major A-roads such as the A607 and A606 bypass the town, linking directly to the regional road network for swift access to the M1 and A1(M).

Travel times to major cities and transport hubs:

• Leicester – approx. 30 minutes by train or car
• Nottingham – approx. 40 minutes by train or car
• Birmingham – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by train
• London St Pancras – approx. 1 hour 50 minutes by train (with a change at Leicester)
• East Midlands Airport – approx. 40 minutes by car via A46/M1

Schools in Melton Mowbray are well regarded, catering to families seeking quality education. There are several primary and secondary options, including state, academy, and independent schools.

Primary Schools: Primary education is provided by a number of schools, including Swallowdale Primary School (Ofsted 'Good', 2017), Brownlow Primary School (Ofsted 'Good', 2013), St Francis Catholic Primary School (Ofsted 'Good', 2019), and Grove Primary School (Ofsted 'Good', 2018). These schools are known locally for their community engagement and diverse extracurricular programmes.

Secondary Schools: The main secondary schools in Melton Mowbray include Long Field Academy (Ofsted 'Good', 2022), John Ferneley College (Ofsted 'Good', 2019), and The Priory Belvoir Academy nearby (Ofsted 'Good', 2018). Each offers a broad curriculum with strong links to local employers and further education providers.

Independent Schools and Colleges: Brooksby Melton College serves as a key institution, offering vocational courses, apprenticeships, and specialised land-based studies. The college also has strong partnerships with local businesses for work placements and training.

Universities: While no universities are located directly in Melton Mowbray, the town is within commuting distance of University of Leicester, De Montfort University (Leicester), and Nottingham Trent University, as well as the University of Nottingham, accessible by road or rail for a wide choice of degree courses.