Whitwick offers a lovely combination of village character, countryside and everyday convenience.

Sitting on the edge of Charnwood Forest, it has a long history dating back to the Domesday Book, while places such as Castle Hill and the surrounding countryside give the area a strong sense of identity.

There are also some wonderful local touches that make Whitwick feel like a community rather than simply a place to live. It has the much-loved Man Within Compass pub and its cosy rental - The Travellers Nest, where you can spend a few nights getting to know the place, while nearby Mount St Bernard Abbey provides a beautiful and peaceful setting within the Charnwood landscape.

For buyers looking for character, access to the countryside and excellent connections without moving too far from Coalville and the M1, Whitwick is well worth exploring.

Ashby-de-la-Zouch has a distinctive mix of history, character and modern-day living.

Its medieval origins, historic castle and attractive town centre give it a sense of place that is difficult to replicate, while independent shops, cafés, restaurants and community events add plenty of life throughout the year.

One of its most famous traditions is the annual Ashby Statutes. This is a remarkable event with roots stretching back more than 800 years and originally established as a hiring fair under Royal Statute.

Today, the Statutes bring the town to life, Friday to Monday for one weekend every September, alongside a wider programme of arts, heritage and community events.

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Ashby also has some well respected primary and secondary schools as well as a new dedicated SEND provision school at Huntingdon House School.

For buyers who want a little more going on around them while still having easy access to the surrounding countryside, Ashby offers an appealing balance.

If you're looking for a genuinely small village with character, Packington is one to put on the list.

Just a short distance from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, it has a strong historic identity, attractive village streets and a peaceful countryside setting with the Village’s only prominent pub ‘The Bull & Lion’, the ‘Swift’ family run fresh produce supplier and well…everything else ‘Daybreak Services’…you can even park right outside!

The village has links stretching back centuries, with the historic Holy Rood Church, the distinctive Packington Round House and its connections to the Hastings estate all adding to its character.

It is the sort of place that appeals to buyers who want to step away from busy town living without being isolated from the amenities and transport links of the surrounding area.

Packington's historic buildings and connection to the Hastings estate are documented in local historical material. 

Barrow-upon-Soar is a particularly attractive choice for buyers looking for a village with character, community and excellent access to the wider Midlands.

Set along the River Soar, the village has a distinctive historic feel, attractive older properties and plenty of countryside nearby, while Loughborough and Leicester are both within easy reach.

The railway station also provides a useful connection for commuters, making Barrow an appealing option for those who want a village lifestyle without giving up convenient transport links.

For buyers looking for somewhere with a genuine sense of place, rather than simply a convenient postcode, Barrow-upon-Soar is certainly worth exploring.

Twycross is an attractive rural village for buyers who want countryside around them without being completely removed from the wider Midlands.

Its position close to the Leicestershire–Warwickshire border makes it particularly interesting for commuters, with access towards Leicester, Birmingham, Coventry and the surrounding motorway network.

The village and its surrounding countryside offer a quieter way of life, while nearby Twycross Zoo and the wider rural landscape provide plenty to explore. 

For someone looking for a village home with genuine countryside appeal and a practical location for commuting, Twycross is certainly worth considering.

Desford is a well-established Leicestershire village with a strong community feel and a practical location for both work and family life.

Situated west of Leicester, it offers a more rural setting while remaining within easy reach of the city, Hinckley and the wider road network.

The village has a mixture of traditional properties and more modern homes, with countryside surrounding it and a good range of everyday amenities close by.

For buyers who want village living without feeling too far removed from Leicester or the Midlands' major employment areas, Desford can offer a very appealing compromise.

For those looking for something a little more rural and tucked away, Newton Burgoland has plenty of charm.

This small village has a strong sense of history and community, with traditional buildings, a village green which also doubles as the village primary school playing field; and the characterful Belper Arms, a pub with a history dating back centuries and reputed to be the oldest public house in Leicestershire.

Its location also puts it within easy reach of Market Bosworth, Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Coalville, while the surrounding countryside provides the feeling of being properly away from the hustle and bustle. It is the kind of village that can appeal to buyers looking for peace, character and a slower pace of life without sacrificing access to the wider area.

Market Bosworth is one of those places where history and everyday village life sit comfortably alongside each other.

The attractive market town has a strong historic identity, independent businesses and a lively community, while the surrounding countryside provides plenty of opportunity to get outdoors.

Its location beside the wider Bosworth Battlefield landscape adds another layer of character, and Market Bosworth Country Park provides a beautiful green space on the edge of the town.

With its combination of heritage, community, countryside and well respected primary and secondary schools, it is particularly appealing to buyers who want more than simply a house, they want to feel part of a place to lay down family roots.

Ravenstone is a particularly interesting option for buyers who want village living while remaining close to Coalville and the M1 corridor.

It has a long history and a recognisable village character, with traditional buildings and countryside on its doorstep.

Its position makes it practical for commuting while still offering that sense of stepping away from the larger towns.

For buyers who may have initially overlooked the area, Ravenstone is exactly the sort of location that is worth exploring when the brief is about finding the right balance between home, family, lifestyle and accessibility.