Coulda been a contender... other villages we think could give ‘poshest’ a run for its money
WHILE Newtown Linford is indeed lovely, there are plenty of others that could be a contender for the crown.
We’ve compiled our own list of some of Leicestershire’s other contenders in a bid to redress the balance and give the overlooked places their own time in the spotlight.
Here’s our rundown, in no particular order – do you agree? Have we missed anywhere out? Let us know...
WYMESWOLD
It’s an incredibly strong contender for Newtown Linford’s crown.
The idyllic village has been named one of the best 250 places to live in the UK by lifestyle blog Muddy Stilettos, which commended it for its picturesque look and strong feeling of community.
Wymeswold has a variety of organisations such as its own cricket club, choir, historical organisation and bowls club. It also has a nearby clay pigeon shooting range and fishing lake, annual events such as the steam and country show and duck race, and is full of thatched cottages, as well as a restaurant that features in the Michelin guide.
WOODHOUSE EAVES
Serving as a gateway to the National Forest and a stone’s throw from Beacon Hill, Woodhouse Eaves is a former slate quarrying village turned picturesque walkers’ paradise.
It has beautiful views, historic slate cottages – obviously – and plenty of 18th and 19th century buildings, including The Wheatsheaf Inn, which dates back to the 18th century and used to be known as the Slate Splitters Arms.
The Pear Tree Inn is another landmark pub which opened in 1884 and served American GIs stationed nearby prior to the 1944 D-Day Landings. It has its own cricket club, nearby golf club, and is a short distance from the stately Beaumanor Hall.
BURTON OVERY
Burton Overy’s historic attractions include the Grade II*-listed St Andrew’s Church, which has some features dating back to 1220.
There’s a village hall which holds a variety of events all year round, a local pub, The Bell, and a variety of clubs for people to get involved in, including the flower and garden club and a branch of the Women’s Institute.
HALLATON
The Harborough district village of Hallaton is perhaps best known for its annual bottle kicking event, which dates back to the 18th century.
Stenning Hall acts as Hallaton’s village hall and is used for community events throughout the year. The village also has its own museum, which documents what life used to be like there.
ROTHLEY
Rothley’s wealth is well-documented and the village has arguably one of the strongest claims to the title of “poshest”.
The Ridgeway has been identified as the most expensive place to live in the East Midlands, with some houses in the village being priced at more than £2 million.
It is also included in Muddy Stilettos’ “best places to live” list, where it is described as “elegant”, with The Blue Bell labelled a “cosy and welcoming pub”. The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book.
It is a short drive from the county’s only Michelin Star restaurant, John’s House, in Mountsorrel.