Broughton Astley has become one of South Leicestershire’s most sought-after villages, and it’s easy to see why. This thriving community of around 10,000 residents offers the perfect balance of village charm and modern convenience, making it an ideal choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Why Choose Broughton Astley?

Located approximately nine miles south of Leicester city centre in the Harborough district, Broughton Astley provides excellent transport links without sacrificing that important sense of community. The village is actually formed from an amalgamation of three historic settlements – Broughton, Primethorpe, and Sutton in the Elms – giving it a rich heritage dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086.

The M1 and M69 motorways are both easily accessible, making commutes to Leicester, Coventry, Birmingham, and beyond straightforward. Narborough Train Station is just 3.5 miles away, with hourly CrossCountry services to Birmingham and Leicester. For those working in Leicester, bus services provide an alternative to driving.

Schools and Education

Broughton Astley is particularly popular with families, thanks to its excellent educational facilities. The village is served by three primary schools: Old Mill Primary School (situated next to Thomas Estley), Hallbrook Primary School (on the Devitt Way estate, known for its small school with a family feel), and Orchard Church of England Primary School (in the old Primethorpe area).

For secondary education, Thomas Estley Community College is located right in the village. This well-regarded academy caters for students aged 11-16 and is part of the Success Academy Trust. The college is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted and also hosts a wide range of evening classes and sporting activities for the wider community. Interestingly, the college is named after the man who first suggested combining Broughton and Primethorpe in the 18th century.

Local Amenities

One of Broughton Astley’s greatest strengths is its impressive range of local amenities. Unlike many villages of similar size, you’ll find almost everything you need right on your doorstep.

The village centre offers a good selection of shops including a Central Co-op on Main Street, a Spar, and various independent retailers. There’s an Aldi supermarket on Buxton Crescent for your weekly shop, along with pharmacies and other essential services.

The Orchard Medical Practice on Orchard Road serves the local community with purpose-built facilities dating from 1985 (substantially extended in 1994). For specialist care, Leicester Royal Infirmary is approximately 20 minutes away by car.

Pubs, Restaurants and Social Life

Broughton Astley boasts several excellent pubs that serve as the heart of village social life. The Bull at Broughton on Main Street is a popular community local near the village green and church, known for its quality food and riverside restaurant setting. The White Horse on Station Road offers a welcoming atmosphere with quiz nights, live music, and a varied food menu. Other village pubs include The Red Admiral, The Royal, and The George and Dragon. The Mill on the Soar offers a family-friendly waterside dining experience.

The village has a strong sense of community, with Broughton Alive – the village community organisation active since 2004 – organising a range of events throughout the year. These include the Summer Carnival (the largest in South Leicestershire, with over 1,000 attendees), Party in the Park, the Christmas Fayre and Lights Switch On, and the popular Santa Dash and Dawdle. Through these events, Broughton Alive has raised money for numerous local groups and helped fund the local Community Bus.

Recreation and Green Spaces

Families will appreciate the various parks and recreation grounds throughout the village. Frolesworth Road Recreation Ground is a popular spot featuring a well-equipped playground with climbing frames, slides, swings, and roundabouts suitable for all ages. The park also includes a skate park, multi-use games area (MUGA), outdoor gym equipment, football and cricket pitches, and picnic benches – making it ideal for dog walkers and families alike.

Broughton Astley Leisure Centre, which opened in December 2019, is a fantastic addition to the village. This modern facility includes a 70-station gym with the latest equipment, a four-court sports hall, dedicated dance and spin studios offering over 50 classes per week, an on-site café, outdoor play area, and a floodlit FA-standard 3G pitch. The centre is open seven days a week and welcomes everyone regardless of fitness level.

The surrounding Leicestershire countryside is perfect for walking and cycling, with numerous footpaths leading out into beautiful rural landscapes. A tributary of the River Soar runs through the village, adding to its natural appeal.

History and Heritage

St Mary’s Church is the village’s parish church, a Grade II* listed building with origins dating to 1220, though evidence suggests an earlier building from around 1100. The church features a tower with spire, nave, chancel, and north aisle, and houses eight bells – the earliest from 1637 and the most recent from 1972. The village name itself derives from ‘farm/settlement with a brook’, with ‘Astley’ added in 1220 when the manor was held by Thomas de Estle.

Sutton in the Elms Baptist Church, founded around 1650, is the oldest Baptist church in Leicestershire. For more than a thousand years the area was agricultural, before the knitting and hosiery industry developed after 1750, driving the village’s growth from around 450 people in 1800 to 1,200 by 1900.

Property in Broughton Astley

The village offers a diverse range of property types to suit different needs and budgets. From charming period cottages in the older parts of the village to modern family homes on the newer developments, there’s something for everyone. Popular roads include Main Street, Station Road, Frolesworth Road, Leicester Road, and Cosby Road.

First-time buyers will find a good selection of starter homes and apartments, whilst families seeking more space can choose from three, four, and five-bedroom properties. The village has seen several new developments in recent years, offering contemporary homes with energy-efficient features. For those downsizing, there are numerous well-maintained bungalows and smaller properties that allow you to remain part of this vibrant community.

Making the Move to Broughton Astley

At David Robinson Estates, we’ve helped countless families, professionals, and individuals find their perfect home in Broughton Astley. Our multi-award-winning ESTAS service means you’ll benefit from expert local knowledge and a commitment to making your move as smooth as possible.

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or let property in Broughton Astley, our team understands what makes this village special and how to match the right properties with the right people.

If you’re considering a move to Broughton Astley, why not get in touch? We’d be delighted to show you what makes this South Leicestershire village such a wonderful place to live.