Living in Corby

The community in Corby is recognised for its friendliness and pride in its heritage. Traditional events, such as the annual Highland Gathering, celebrate the town’s deep Scottish roots, while Corby Carnival draws families from across the region. Local community centres offer classes, social groups, and support services.

Corby is also celebrated for its green spaces: East Carlton Country Park and Thoroughsale & Hazel Woods are well-used by locals for walking, cycling, and weekend relaxation. Smaller parks, allotments, and community gardens further enhance everyday life. The Core at Corby Cube serves as a hub for theatre, music, and arts, hosting productions, film screenings, and workshops.

Markets in Willow Place and pop-up food fairs give the area a sociable, bustling feel, while sports clubs, such as Corby Town F.C. and local rugby and golf clubs, provide opportunities for participation and spectator enjoyment.

Crime rates in Corby have fluctuated in line with national trends, with overall crime rates above the Northamptonshire average but below many large urban centres. Antisocial behaviour and minor theft are the most commonly reported incidents, particularly in and around the town centre.

There is an active Neighbourhood Policing Team, which maintains regular high-visibility patrols and engages with the public through community events. Regeneration projects and new investment in leisure, lighting, and CCTV have contributed to improved perceptions of safety in recent years. Areas such as Oakley Vale and Priors Hall are perceived as especially safe and popular with families.

Residents report a sense of neighbourliness, and local authorities work in partnership with the police and community groups to deliver crime prevention and youth engagement schemes.

Parking in Corby is generally straightforward, with abundant free or low-cost car parks in and around the town centre. On-street parking is available in most residential areas, though newer developments may operate resident permit schemes. For shoppers, Willow Place and Corby Town Centre Car Park provide convenient central options.

Corby’s road access is facilitated by the A43 dual carriageway, offering quick connections to major roads. The town is around five miles from the A14, a key east–west trunk road, and is within 30 minutes’ drive of the M1 and the A1(M). Traffic congestion is typically minor compared to larger regional centres.

Travel times to nearby towns:
Kettering – approx. 15 minutes via A6003 (8 miles)
Northampton – approx. 35 minutes via A43 (23 miles)
Peterborough – approx. 35 minutes via A605 (23 miles)
Leicester – approx. 40 minutes via A6 (32 miles)

Corby's dining scene is a mix of independent eateries, traditional pubs, chain restaurants, and multicultural takeaways that reflect its diverse community. The Old Village is popular for its cosy pubs and small cafes, while the town centre features family-friendly chains and bistros. The Samuel Lloyd, a Wetherspoon pub, and The Raven Hotel are known for their classic British menus.

International food options abound, including Italian, Indian, Chinese, and Eastern European cuisine. The Polish and Scottish communities influence both food and drink choices, contributing to Corby’s varied food landscape.

For nightlife, Corby offers a handful of late bars, The White Hart being a longstanding favourite. There are no large clubs, but live music and events take place at The Core theatre and The Hut. The overall vibe tends towards relaxed socialising rather than a bustling nightlife.

School Quality: Corby offers a broad selection of primary and secondary schools, with several academies highly regarded locally. The presence of outstanding options, such as Brooke Weston Academy, adds to the appeal for families.

Parks and Green Space: Community parks like East Carlton Country Park and multiple play areas mean families have a wealth of outdoor spaces for recreation and relaxation.

Childcare: The area has numerous nurseries, preschools, and playgroups, with flexible childcare providers to support working parents.

Safety: Residential neighbourhoods, particularly newer developments, are perceived as safe and the community is generally welcoming.

Family Activities: The town’s leisure centres, swimming pool, and arts venues provide year-round activities for children. Community events and festivals create a supportive environment for families to connect.

Corby is a pet-friendly place, offering ample green spaces, woodlands, and countryside for dogs and other pets to explore. Thoroughsale & Hazel Woods and East Carlton Country Park have designated dog-walking areas and pet waste facilities.

There are several local veterinary practices and pet supply shops across the town. Many cafes and pubs, particularly those in the Old Village, are welcoming to dogs. The surrounding Northamptonshire countryside provides space for more adventurous walks and pet-friendly days out. Local attitudes towards pets are positive and many housing developments accommodate dog or cat owners with garden space or communal areas.

Corby is well connected regionally and nationally, benefitting from ongoing transport investments. The Corby railway station, reopened in 2009, provides hourly trains to London St Pancras International (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes), making the town a realistic base for London or Midlands commuters. The line also connects to Kettering and further afield.

Frequent Arriva and Stagecoach buses serve Corby’s suburbs, outlying villages, and neighbouring towns like Northampton and Peterborough. The road network is centred around the A43, which links south to the M1 and north to Stamford and the A1.

For air travel, Corby is 45–55 minutes’ drive from East Midlands Airport and Luton Airport, providing a wide choice of European destinations.

Typical commute times by public transport:

• Northampton – approx. 40 mins by train/bus
• London St Pancras International – approx. 1 hr 15 mins by train
• Leicester – approx. 40 mins by train (via Kettering)
• Peterborough – approx. 50 mins by bus/car

Schools in Corby cater to a broad range of educational needs, from early years to further education. The area offers a mix of local authority and academy schools, as well as independent options and local colleges.

Primary Schools:
Hazel Leys Academy is a popular choice among local families, offering a caring environment and a curriculum focused on core skills (Ofsted 'Good', November 2021). Oakley Vale Primary School, another 'Good' rated option (October 2019), is known for its encouraging atmosphere and high standards. Exeter A Learning Community Academy and St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School are also notable for their inclusive teaching environments.

Secondary Schools:
Lodge Park Academy is a prominent secondary in Corby, delivering a broad curriculum and extra-curricular activities (Ofsted 'Requires Improvement', February 2020). Corby Business Academy provides specialist teaching with a focus on business and ICT. Brooke Weston Academy stands out for its consistent Ofsted 'Outstanding' rating (November 2011) and reputation for high academic achievement.

Colleges and Further Education:
Tresham College of Further and Higher Education operates a Corby campus, offering vocational courses, apprenticeships, and adult learning. Sixth form options are available within Brooke Weston and Corby Business Academy.

Universities:
There are no universities located in Corby, but students benefit from proximity to the University of Northampton and De Montfort University in Leicester, both accessible by public transport and car.