Thinking of Moving to Shepshed? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re weighing up where to put down roots in the East Midlands or searching for homes for sale near Loughborough, Shepshed might not immediately spring to mind, but it is definitely somewhere that you might want to take a closer look at.
This charming historic market town is in Charnwood, Leicestershire close to Loughborough, the M1 and Charnwood Forest. With lots of outdoor space on the doorstep, easy travel links by bus, rail or air, not to mention its cosy character and countryside feel Shepshed a must-visit if you’re house hunting in Leicestershire. Here’s a rundown of why we think a move to Shepshed could be the best decision you ever make!
Centuries of character and history
Shepshed dates back almost a thousand years appearing in the 1086 Domesday Book under the name Scepeshefde Regis, meaning ‘king’s hill where sheep graze’. Until the late 19th century, the town was even known as ‘Sheepshed’, a name born from its deep roots in the wool trade.
At the centre of town, St. Botolph’s Church has stood since the 12th century, giving the area around it a timeless feel. Local legend says that Queen Elizabeth I once paid Shepshed a visit, which apparently, if true, would have made it the farthest north she ever travelled!
History lovers can also seek out Shepshed’s old watermill on the Black Brook. It won a national heritage award from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings in 2003, and it opens to the public between May and September, complete with tea rooms and a working blacksmith’s workshop.
A Welcoming Community with a Vibrant Local Culture
There is community spirit and culture in abundance in Shepshed and, according to NextDoor.com, the town is an extremely friendly place to live.
Shepshed Library takes part in regional culture schemes, hosting teen street art projects and graffiti workshops, while the Glenmore Community Centre is hub of local activity, home to an art group, dance classes, and movement sessions.
Independent shops like Corner Crafts support the town’s many hobbyists, and Charnwood Borough Council regularly commissions public art for new developments.
When it comes to eating and drinking, Shepshed keeps things cosy rather than flashy. Think traditional country pubs, welcoming Indian and Chinese restaurants, and daytime cafés that serve up hearty, quality comfort food. In the early 20th century, the town even claimed the highest number of pubs per head of population in the country and while that number has somewhat dwindled, the tradition of a good local is very much alive here.
Could Shepshed be the place for you? Take a look at our new homes for sale in Shepshed or speak to our sales team to find out more.
Getting around Shepshed: road, bus and rail links
One of Shepshed’s biggest draws is its transport links. The town sits just off Junction 23 of the M1, giving residents easy access for commuting to Leicester, Nottingham, or Derby. For anyone looking at properties for sale in Shepshed. This makes it a popular base for people who work in the surrounding cities but want to come home to somewhere quieter at the end of the day.
Shepshed doesn’t have its own train station, but there is a bus to Loughborough station with a journey of around 30 to 50 minutes where you can pick up direct rail services to the north and south. What’s more, if you’re jetting off on holiday, or commuting overseas, you won’t need to go far to catch a flight as East Midlands Airport is only seven miles away.
The town is also well positioned for surrounding countryside with Charnwood Forest right on your doorstep for scenic walks, Beacon Hill for spectacular views, and Bradgate Park for fossils and wildlife. Plus, Loughborough, Coalville and Castle Donington are all less than a 20-minute drive away providing quick access to plenty of high street shopping, leisure and everyday amenities.
Parks, walks and countryside around Shepshed
Shepshed’s setting is one of its strengths. The town sits surrounded by green hills, giving it a real sense of openness.
Morley Quarry on the edge of town is one of the town’s more unusual historic attractions. The quarry has been reborn as a nature reserve, exposing a cross-section of what are believed to be England’s oldest rocks, dating back some 600 million years!
Closer to the centre, green spaces can be found throughout the town, so living here offers plenty of places to stretch your legs, walk the dog, or simply enjoy some fresh air without having to travel far.
Schools and family life in Shepshed
Shepshed offers a good range of everyday amenities, good schools and access to healthcare making it a practical place for families looking to enjoy the convenience of a well-connected Leicestershire town.
There’s plenty of local education provision from primary age through to sixth form. Primary schools include Newcroft Primary Academy, St Botolphs CE Primary School, St Winefrides Catholic Primary School and Oxley Primary School.
For older pupils, Iveshead School provides secondary and sixth-form education for students aged 11–19. Nearby Loughborough offers an even wider choice of schools, alongside further and higher education opportunities.
Day-to-day shopping is also easily accessible with a choice of supermarkets and convenience stores, including ALDI, Asda, Tesco Express and Central Co-op, complemented by independent shops and services around the town centre.
Shepshed Health Centre on Field Street, together with several local pharmacies means there’s convenient access to primary healthcare and prescription services. Another major benefit of living in Shepshed is its close proximity to Loughborough with its choice of shops, supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, leisure facilities and professional services.
Families relocating to Shepshed will find no shortage of options to keep children entertained. Noah’s Ark Soft Play Centre is a firm local favourite for indoor play, ideal for younger children and rainy days. For those who prefer the outdoors, Oakley Road Play Area combines a children’s play space with a skate ramp and BMX track, making it a hit with older kids too.
Glenmore Park offers a larger area of green space with its own play equipment and outdoor gym perfect for family afternoons out, and there are plenty of play areas dotted around the town meaning most families won’t have to travel far to find somewhere for the kids to burn off some energy.
So, there you have it, living in Shepshed combines a historic community and thriving town with plenty of modern conveniences where you can enjoy centuries of heritage, easy connectivity and a genuinely warm local atmosphere.
Can you see yourself settling down here? We can help you make the move a reality. Get in touch with our sales team and find out more about our latest new build homes for sale in Shepshed.
Allison Homes Web Article: 15th October 2026
