Living in Oadby

Living in Oadby

Oadby is one of Leicestershire's most sought-after towns, and it isn't hard to see why. Sitting just four to five miles south of Leicester city centre, it strikes a balance that many suburban areas struggle to achieve: a genuine sense of community and small-town character, without any sacrifice in convenience or connectivity. Well-maintained streets, a strong local identity, and an impressive range of amenities close at hand make Oadby consistently popular with young families and professionals alike. The town is perhaps best known as the home of Leicester Racecourse, which brings a certain prestige to the area and hosts a calendar of events throughout the year, but day-to-day life here is equally well served — from excellent schools and green open spaces to a varied food and drink scene.

Schools and education

Education is one of Oadby's genuine strengths, and it's a significant draw for families making a long-term move. At primary level, Brocks Hill Primary School and The Grange Community Primary School are both well regarded locally and offer strong foundations for younger children. For secondary education, Beauchamp College is the standout option — a large, well-resourced sixth-form college that consistently performs well and is highly regarded across the county. Leicester General Hospital is also within a comfortable 15-minute drive, useful to note for healthcare professionals or families who want major medical facilities close by.

Transport and connectivity

Getting around from Oadby is straightforward, whether you commute into Leicester or travel further afield across the Midlands. Regular bus services run into Leicester city centre, making car-free travel a realistic option for daily journeys. For drivers, the A6 provides a direct route into Leicester and connects the town to the wider road network, while the M1 motorway is easily accessible — opening up commuter links to Nottingham, Northampton, and beyond. Leicester itself, just a few miles away, also offers rail connections to London St Pancras in just over an hour, meaning Oadby punches well above its weight in terms of regional and national connectivity.

Food, drink and shopping

Oadby's town centre covers the essentials comfortably. Major supermarkets including Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Co-op handle the weekly shop, while an M&S Foodhall caters to those after something a little more considered. The Parade is the heart of the town's retail offering, where independent retailers sit alongside national chains — giving the high street a character that many comparable towns have lost. For dining and socialising, Oadby has a good mix of cosy traditional pubs and more contemporary restaurants, covering most tastes without needing to venture far. When you do want something more expansive, Leicester city centre's diverse and much-celebrated food scene — particularly its South Asian restaurant quarter — is just a short drive or bus ride away, along with major shopping destinations and a full range of entertainment venues.

What's nearby

Beyond the town itself, Oadby is well positioned for leisure and green space. Brocks Hill Country Park is a particular highlight — a well-maintained local nature reserve with walking and cycling trails, a visitor centre, and open countryside that feels surprisingly spacious given how close it sits to a major city. It's an ideal spot for family weekends and regular exercise without needing to travel far. Oadby Golf Club adds to the recreational mix for those who play, and the town is dotted with parks and green corridors throughout. For broader days out, Leicester city centre offers museums, theatres, the King Power Stadium, and Curve theatre, all within easy reach. The wider East Midlands — including the National Forest, Rutland Water, and the market towns of the surrounding countryside — are accessible within 30 to 45 minutes by car, ensuring there's rarely a shortage of options for getting out and exploring at the weekend.