Leicestershire's best places to live in 2025 - from 'bustling' villages to 'vibrant' city

Two new Leicestershire locations have been declared among the best places to live in the entire UK. The new list, compiled by lifestyle website Muddy Stilletos, ranks locations across a number of criteria that makes them a place you must live.

Across Leicestershire and Rutland, 2025's list includes 10 places - two of which are brand new for the upcoming year. The rest includes a host of other familiar names, including the city of Leicester itself.

The Muddy Stilettos list comprises 300 from across the UK, making these Leicestershire places among the very best. But who is on the list this time round? Let's find out.

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Bottesford - new for 2025

Let's start with the new entrants, the first of which is Bottesford which is hailed by Muddy Stilettos as a "characterful village" that is "surrounded by stunning scenery". Close to Belvoir Castle and near Melton, Bottesford benefits from the "fab diversity of culture and attractions nearby" according to the list.

Among its many foodie delights is Margo and Plum Coffee House which the lifestyle website says servs breakfast all day. There is also Venue 12 - a "fab café and bistro", while Paul’s has "modern European style dishes in a relaxed and friendly setting".

Bottesford also has a range of top shops to cope with all kind of residents from those wanting to explore "maximalist interiors" courtesy of Margo and Plum, artisan products from The Farm Shop at the Engine Yard. There is also the chance to get meat "sourced directly" from the Belvoir Estate in Bottesford.

With a host of community clubs and a host of activites around, there's plenty to see and do in the area. And of course there is the Grade I listed Belvoir Castle to delight in as it straddles the Leicestershire/Lincolnshire border.

Lutterworth - new for 2025

Also new for 2025 is Lutterworth, which Muddy Stilettos says is a "wonderfully buzzy market town". For those looking for a new place to live, Muddy Stilettos says it has "all the amenities" for those wanting to upsize "without compromising on culture and connections".

A big plus on Lutterworth's side is its location, with Muddy Stilettos saying there is "nowhere more central" than the market town as it has the "convenience of the M1 close at hand" and is also within "easy reach" of Leicester and Coventry. There is also plenty of "parkland and open spaces" too to ensure you get your nature fix as well.

In Lutterworth itself, Muddy Stilettos praises its "clutch of boutique shops and artisan producers" which is says give the town a "bustling and well-heeled vibe". Among the standouts is traditional sweet shop Sweet Sisters on George Street which is described as "gorgeous", while there is also the "super family-friendly" pub The Elms which offers crowd-pleasing pub classics.

There's not just food in Lutterworth as the town's library is hailed as a "hive of activity" with groups for young and old, while there is Lutterworth & District Museum which holds a "bulging archive of memorabilia" and history. Those wanting to up the fun even more can take on Skirmish Combat Games while "beautiful" Stanford Hall hosts a number of events throughout the year including afternoon teas, classic car events, bushcraft workshops and Christmas tours.

Ashby

Ashby is a regular on the list and is great for those looking to leave city life. Muddy Stilettos say the National Forest town is "tucked away" deep in North West Leicestershire and boasts "good schools, a busy high street and the charming remains of an old castle".

Leicester

Also on the list once more if Leicester itself, which Muddy Stilletos says is a "vibrant university city" that "has it all". The website says Leicester is a great spot for families seeking bigger gardens, while the city also has a "buzzy social scene" and boasts easy transport links to London.

Loughborough

Holding "many local gems", Muddy Stilettos is also full of praise for Loughborough. It says the university town is "vibrant" and "fast-paced" and also has a "diverse, youthful population".

Market Harborough

Muddy Stilettos say you would be "hard pushed" to find a better place than Market Harborough. This is because it boasts "great shopping, beautiful buildings and a growing arts and culture scene". They also hail the "pretty market town" which has "easy" access to Leicester city centre.

Melton

With "food festivals galore" Melton is hailed by Muddy Stilettos as a "buzzing town market" which boasts a "growing foodie scene". Residents are also praised as very friendly too, making it a place they say many people will want to move to.

Oakham

The first of two Rutland places on the list, Oakham is once again hailed as a "charming" palce that almost rivals the Cotswolds - but is cheaper. Muddy Stilettos says the market town has a "fabulous shopping" scene and has many "charming buildings, beautiful country pubs and a well-heeled vibe" too.

Rothley

Close to Loughborough is the "delightful des res village" of Rothley that once again makes the list. According to Muddy Stilettos, it has "plenty to offer families", but be warned house hunters as it includes one of the priciest streets in the entire country - the Ridgeway.

Uppingham

Completing the 2025 list is Uppingham which according to Muddy Stilettos "has it all". In its praise for the Rutland location, the lifestyle website says Uppingham has "traditional houses at affordable prices" as well as excellent schools, while it is also praised as a "quietly attractive" area to live too.

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