Market Harborough vs Melton Mowbray

Market Harborough and Melton Mowbray are both charming market towns in the UK, each with its own unique character and attractions. Market Harborough is known for its historic architecture and vibrant market scene, while Melton Mowbray is famous for its culinary delights, particularly its pork pies and Stilton cheese.

General information

Market Harborough
Melton Mowbray
Introduction :
Market Harborough is a charming market town located in Leicestershire, England. With a history dating back to the 13th century, the town is known for its bustling market, historic buildings, and picturesque countryside surroundings. Visitors can explore independent shops, cafes, and restaurants in the town center, as well as enjoy leisurely walks along the Grand Union Canal. Market Harborough offers a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern amenities for residents and tourists alike.
Introduction :
Melton Mowbray, located in Leicestershire, is a charming market town known for its famous pork pies and Stilton cheese. With a history dating back to Roman times, Melton Mowbray offers a mix of traditional and modern amenities, including a bustling market, historic buildings, and picturesque countryside. The town is also home to annual events such as the Melton Mowbray Food Festival, showcasing the best of local produce and culinary delights.

This website is not affiliated with any product, service or brand. Data has been gathered from a variety of sources. It is provided "as is" without warranty. Please do your own research and check with primary information sources before making decisions.

Advantages :
  • Market Harborough has excellent transport links, including a train station.
  • The town offers a range of affordable housing options for residents.
  • Market Harborough has low crime rates, making it a safe place to live.
  • The town boasts a selection of good schools and educational facilities.
  • Market Harborough has a variety of shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities to enjoy.
Advantages :
  • Melton Mowbray has a rich history and heritage
  • The town offers a variety of local markets and shops
  • There are excellent educational facilities and schools available
  • Melton Mowbray is known for its famous pork pies
  • The town has a strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Higher than average crime rate
  • Limited educational opportunities
  • Lack of major tourist attractions
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Higher crime rates than national average
  • Limited educational opportunities
  • Lack of major tourist attractions
Points of interest :
Market Harborough is a charming market town in Leicestershire, known for its historic architecture, bustling market square, and independent shops. Key points of interest include the Old Grammar School, Foxton Locks, Welland Park, and the Harborough Museum. The town also hosts regular markets and events, such as the annual Food and Drink Festival. Market Harborough is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With a rich history dating back to Roman times, visitors can explore the town's heritage through its various landmarks and attractions.
Points of interest :
Melton Mowbray is known for its famous pork pies and Stilton cheese. Visitors can explore the historic Melton Mowbray Market, which has been running for over 1,000 years. The town is home to the stunning St Mary's Church and the Melton Carnegie Museum, showcasing the local history and culture. For outdoor enthusiasts, Melton Country Park offers beautiful walking trails and picnic spots. The annual Melton Mowbray Food Festival attracts foodies from far and wide to sample local delicacies. The town also hosts the British Pie Awards, celebrating the best pies in the UK.


Facts and figures

Market Harborough
Melton Mowbray
Type : Town.
Market Harborough is a market town in Leicestershire, known for its historic market square and independent shops. It has a vibrant community and offers a range of amenities for residents and visitors.
Type : Town.
Melton Mowbray is a market town in Leicestershire, known for its historic market square and famous pork pies. It has a bustling town center with a range of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Market Harborough is not provided in the available data. Further research or official statistics may be needed to determine the exact population size of the town.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Melton Mowbray is not readily available or clear. Further research or official data sources may be needed to determine the exact population size of this market town.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Market Harborough is currently unknown. It is recommended to consult local real estate websites or agencies for the most up-to-date information on property prices in the area.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Melton Mowbray is currently unknown. It is recommended to check with local real estate agents or online property websites for the most up-to-date information on housing prices in the area.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Market Harborough has an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. However, overall it is considered a relatively safe town compared to others in the UK.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Melton Mowbray experiences a moderate level of crime compared to other market towns. While there are occasional incidents, overall the town is relatively safe with a strong community focus on crime prevention.
🟢 Education : Good.
Market Harborough has a strong education system with a variety of primary and secondary schools, as well as a college. The town also boasts high academic achievement and positive student outcomes.
🟢 Education : Good.
Melton Mowbray has a strong education system with a variety of primary and secondary schools, as well as a college offering further education opportunities. The town also hosts educational events and workshops.
🟢 Employment : Good.
Market Harborough offers a range of employment opportunities, with a mix of local businesses, retail outlets, and professional services. Additionally, its proximity to Leicester and Northampton provides access to further job prospects.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Melton Mowbray offers a mix of employment opportunities, with a range of industries present in the town. While there are some notable employers, residents may need to commute to larger cities for certain job sectors.


Geographical features

Market Harborough
Melton Mowbray
Elevation : 400 feet
Market Harborough is approximately 400 feet above sea level, providing scenic views and a unique topography for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Elevation : 200 feet
Melton Mowbray has an average elevation of approximately 200 feet above sea level, providing scenic views and a slightly elevated terrain for the town.
Topology : Market Harborough is located in a relatively flat area with some gentle rolling hills surrounding the town.
The town is situated in the Welland Valley, with the River Welland running through it. The surrounding countryside is mainly agricultural with fields and farmland.
Topology : Melton Mowbray is situated on a gently rolling plain.
The town is characterized by its flat to slightly undulating terrain, making it ideal for agriculture and providing scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Market Harborough is not a coastal town. It is located inland in Leicestershire, approximately 80 miles away from the nearest coast, which is the North Sea coast in Lincolnshire.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Melton Mowbray is not a coastal town. The nearest coast is approximately 70 miles away, with Skegness being the closest seaside town to the east and Blackpool to the west.
🟢 River : Yes.
Market Harborough has the River Welland flowing through it, providing a picturesque waterway for residents and visitors to enjoy. The river adds to the town's charm and natural beauty.
🔴 River : No.
Melton Mowbray does not have a river running through or near it. However, it is located approximately 40 miles east of the nearest coast, the North Sea.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Market Harborough does not have a lake within the town itself. However, there are several lakes and reservoirs in the surrounding area, such as Eyebrook Reservoir and Rutland Water, which are a short drive away.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Melton Mowbray does not have a lake within the town itself. However, there are several lakes and reservoirs in the surrounding area, such as Rutland Water which is approximately 15 miles away.
🟢 Water ways : Yes.
Market Harborough has man-made waterways, including the Grand Union Canal and the nearby Foxton Locks, which are popular attractions for boating and leisure activities in the area.
🟢 Water ways : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has man-made waterways, including the Melton Mowbray Navigation Canal which was constructed in the 1790s to transport goods to and from the town. There are also several reservoirs in the surrounding area.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Market Harborough has experienced flooding in the past, notably during severe weather events such as Storm Dennis in February 2020. The town has implemented flood prevention measures to mitigate future risks.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has experienced flooding in the past, notably during the heavy rainfall and storms in 2007 and 2012. The River Eye and River Wreake have been known to overflow.


Local facilities

Market Harborough
Melton Mowbray
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Market Harborough has a train station, providing convenient transportation options for residents and visitors. The station offers connections to various destinations, making it a key transportation hub in the area.
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has a train station, providing convenient access to and from the town for residents and visitors alike. The station offers connections to various destinations across the region.
Transport links :
Transport links :
Melton Mowbray has good transport links to other areas, with the A607 and A606 providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The A46 and M1 motorway are also within reach for longer journeys.
🟢 Primary school : Yes.
Market Harborough has several primary schools, including Meadowdale Primary School, Little Bowden Primary School, and St. Joseph's Catholic Voluntary Academy. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings.
🟢 Primary school : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has several primary schools, including Brownlow Primary School, The Grove Primary School, and Swallowdale Primary School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Market Harborough has several secondary schools, including Welland Park Academy and Robert Smyth Academy. Both schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has several secondary schools, including John Ferneley College and Long Field Academy. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
🟢 College : Yes.
Market Harborough has a college called Brooksby Melton College, and there is also a 6th form at Robert Smyth Academy. Both institutions offer a range of courses and educational opportunities.
🟢 College : Yes.
Melton College offers a range of courses for students aged 16 and above, including A-levels, vocational qualifications, and apprenticeships. The college has received positive Ofsted ratings for its teaching and facilities.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Market Harborough has a tourist information office located in the town, providing visitors with helpful resources and assistance for exploring the area and its attractions.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has a tourist information office located in the town center, providing visitors with helpful resources, maps, and recommendations for exploring the area.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Market Harborough has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient facility for sending and receiving mail and parcels.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient facility for sending and receiving mail and packages.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Market Harborough has a public library that offers a range of books, resources, and services for the community to enjoy and benefit from.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has a public library that offers a range of books, resources, and services for the community. It is a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Market Harborough has a police station to serve the local community and ensure public safety. Residents and visitors can access law enforcement services and assistance when needed.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has a police station to serve the local community and ensure public safety and security in the area.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Market Harborough has an NHS hospital called St. Luke's Hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community. Residents have access to a range of medical facilities and treatments within the town.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has an NHS hospital providing healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas, ensuring residents have access to medical care and treatment when needed.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Market Harborough has an NHS hospital, which includes an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential medical services to the local community and surrounding areas in times of urgent need.


When choosing between Market Harborough and Melton Mowbray, consider whether you prefer a bustling market atmosphere or a focus on food and drink. Both towns offer a rich cultural experience, so the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the charm and character of these quintessential English market towns.