‘Best Place To Live’ Hat-trick For Market Harborough

Market Harborough has been named one of the best places to live in the country for the third year running.

The town is one of just 7 in the midlands and 72 nationwide to feature in the Sunday Times Best Places To Live Guide.

Judges who visited said: “Set in a pretty countryside known as the Notswolds — like the Cotswolds without the pretentiousness or the price tag –  Market Harborough is hard to beat.

“It is historic, well-connected by road and rail; well-educated thanks to its roster of good schools; and well-appointed, with a fine selection of independent shops, upmarket chains and a market that has been going strong for more than 800 years.

Market Harborough Town Centre Pic: Andy Carpenter

The Sunday Times’ expert judges visited all the locations featured in the guide and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.

Cllr Jo Asher is cabinet member for culture, leisure, economy and tourism at Harborough District Council is delighted Market Harborough is featured in the guide again:

Market Harborough town centre

The judges praised initiatives such as the Eco Village, with its community fridge and garden and repair café and highlighted cultural events like Arts Fresco and the Nevill Holt opera festival.

They also praised Harborough Market, saying: “The indoor market is open six days a week and includes everything from greengrocers to a zero-waste refill store, and was voted Best Small Indoor Market in the Great British Market Awards 2025.

“There’s also a farmers’ market and an artisan market each month.”

The Nevill Arms pub in Medbourne is mentioned by the judges and Ellie Uppal from owners the Three Goats group said: “One of Harborough’s greatest assets is the Welland Valley countryside that surrounds it.

“Anyone coming to the area for the first time is struck by how picturesque it is – and Medbourne has always been a must-see spot for visitors to Market Harborough.

“This part of the world is really putting itself on the map as a commercial centre, but also culturally through events such as the annual Nevill Holt Festival.

“It’s also establishing itself as a popular staycation destination and we get visitors travelling from across Britain to stay in our boutique country hotel and pub.”