Living And Working In Loughborough

Loughborough is a market town which is situated in the Charnwood borough of Leicestershire in the East Midlands region. The nearest airport is East Midlands Airport and there are direct trains which will get you into London in less than an hour and a half. Being centrally located, this places it in close proximity to several towns and cities. The town is only twelve miles from Leicester , fifteen miles from Nottingham and twenty miles from Derby.

Loughborough has a rich and interesting history that dates back centuries, starting as a small settlement then becoming a medieval market town with markets being held in the town square which is still known as Market Place today. However, like many towns in the Midlands, the town experienced significant growth during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries. The town became known for its textiles and hosiery manufacturing and with the construction of the Grand Union Canal and the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, these further boosted the town's industrial development.

Loughborough University, currently ranked seventh by the Complete University Guide 2024, is a major driver of the local economy and is renowned for its research and sporting facilities, attracting students and contributing to education related businesses and services. Other strong sectors within the town include advanced manufacturing, retail, technology and innovation, creative industries, health and healthcare, sports and leisure, hospitality and tourism, transport and logistics and finance. The town is often referred to as being ‘sporting capital of England’ due to its association with sporting excellence and world class facilities in related fields such as sport research, sports medicine and training.

There is plenty to see and do in Loughborough. There is a twice weekly market and an annual fair lasting four days! There are a total of five museums in the town which include the Bellfoundry Museum, telling the story of bell making over the centuries. The town is home to John Taylor and Co Bellfounders and what makes it especially interesting is that it is Britain’s last major bell foundry. Many churches around the world have used bells cast at Taylor’s bell foundry so wherever you hear a bell ringing, it may very well have its ancestry rooted in Loughborough!

The town offers a great range of shops, restaurants and cultural experiences. Some of the  attractions include the Great Central railway where you can stop and learn the local history or explore the great outdoors with a visit to Broombriggs Farm Country Park or Beacon Hill Country Park. Charnwood Forest is a picturesque and historically significant area located nearby and has many stories attached to it. It is home to some of the oldest rocks in England, has herds of deer and Bardon Hill is the highest point in Leicestershire, offering stunning views. St Peter's Church which is located in the town centre is a prominent historical landmark with parts of the church dating as far back as the 13th century. Some medieval buildings and features still exist in Loughborough today and provide a glimpse into its historical architecture. The town's layout and street names also reflect its medieval origins.

Living and working in vibrant Loughborough offers many advantages that appeal to both residents and professionals. It offers a unique charm that makes it a fantastic place to call home and pursue a rewarding career.