Mortgage Advice in Earl Shilton: Property, Schools & Local Area Guide
Earl Shilton
A buyer’s guide to Earl Shilton — property prices and council tax, schools and their real Ofsted position, transport, healthcare, flood risk, the local lending realities, and the questions worth asking before you commit.
- Quick Answers
- Prices
- Market
- Why Earl Shilton
- Transport
- Schools
- Police & Fire
- Areas
- Healthcare
- Flood
- History
- Beyond the Mortgage
- FAQs
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That’s Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser (life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection). We do not arrange mortgages ourselves — we introduce you to carefully selected, award-winning, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers, with no obligation.
Figures in this guide were correct when it was produced and do change. Always verify council tax with the local council, school ratings with Ofsted and journey times with the operator before you rely on them. This guide is information, not financial or mortgage advice.
Mortgage Advice in Earl Shilton: Property, Schools & Local Area Guide
Whether you’re buying your first home in Earl Shilton, remortgaging, upsizing or simply researching this former framework-knitting town between Hinckley and Leicester in south-west Leicestershire — a more affordable, commuter-friendly town in the Hinckley & Bosworth borough, with edge-of-town new-build growth as part of the Barwell & Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension — this guide covers what buyers and homeowners actually want to know.
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Quick answers about Earl Shilton
Click any question to expand the full detail and sources.
Is Earl Shilton a good place to live?⌄
Yes — an affordable, commuter-friendly Leicestershire town between Hinckley and Leicester.
Yes — Earl Shilton is a former framework-knitting and hosiery town in south-west Leicestershire (LE9), in the Hinckley & Bosworth borough, sitting on the A47 between Hinckley and Leicester. It appeals to families, first-time buyers, commuters and value-seekers: it is more affordable than much of the South and than Leicester itself, has a genuine dormitory/commuter character with good road links towards Leicester, Hinckley and the M69, and is seeing edge-of-town new-build growth as part of the Barwell & Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension. The main things to weigh are the lack of a railway station (commuting is largely by road or via Hinckley/Leicester stations), the older hosiery-era and non-standard housing that some lenders assess carefully, and the new-build estate-management charges on the growth areas.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl Shilton | rightmove.co.uk — Earl Shilton
Is Earl Shilton expensive?⌄
No — it is relatively affordable; averages often £220,000–£270,000.
Earl Shilton is one of the more affordable towns within reach of Leicester and Hinckley, so prices sit below the national average and well below the South — overall averages are often in the region of £220,000 to £270,000. Older terraced and hosiery-era houses offer the more accessible ways in (often from around £160,000–£200,000), interwar and post-war semis sit in the middle, and larger detached homes and new-build houses on the Sustainable Urban Extension run to £320,000–£450,000 and beyond. Its affordability, its road links and its new-build growth support steady demand. Always verify current prices via Land Registry data or independent valuation advice for the exact property.
Sources: rightmove.co.uk — Earl Shilton | landregistry.data.gov.uk
Does Earl Shilton have a railway station?⌄
No — the nearest stations are Hinckley and Leicester.
No — Earl Shilton does not have its own railway station. Commuting is largely by road, with the nearest stations at Hinckley (on the Birmingham–Leicester line, a few miles south-west) and Leicester (on the Midland Main Line, with fast trains to London St Pancras). The A47 links Earl Shilton to Leicester one way and Hinckley the other, and the M69 (junction 1 near Hinckley) gives access to the M1 and M6. For rail commuters, driving or taking a bus to Hinckley or Leicester station is the usual pattern — so it is worth planning your journey before you buy. Always check current timetables and service updates before relying on a specific route.
What is the Barwell & Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension?⌄
A major new-build growth area on the edge of the two towns.
The Barwell & Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) is a large planned new-build development on the edge of Earl Shilton and neighbouring Barwell, delivering thousands of new homes along with infrastructure over a number of years. For buyers this means a growing supply of new-build houses and apartments — but new-build estates typically carry an estate-management (service) charge for the upkeep of communal areas, roads that may be unadopted, and open space, on top of council tax. If you are buying a new home here, it is important to check the estate-management charge, the tenure, the road-adoption position and the developer’s warranties before you commit.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl Shilton
Where is the nearest A&E to Earl Shilton?⌄
Leicester Royal Infirmary or George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton.
The nearest hospitals with an Accident & Emergency department are Leicester Royal Infirmary and George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton, both a drive away; University Hospital Coventry (UHCW) is also within reach. Hinckley & District Hospital, a few miles away, is a community hospital and does not have an A&E. As NHS services can be reconfigured and travel times vary, always confirm the nearest current A&E and the arrangements directly with the NHS.
Sources: leicestershospitals.nhs.uk
Is Earl Shilton right for you?
Every town suits some buyers better than others — here is how Earl Shilton rates for the people who most often buy here, and why.
| Buyer type | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time buyers | ★★★★★ | One of the more affordable towns within reach of Leicester and Hinckley — older terraces and hosiery-era houses from around £160,000–£200,000, plus new-build starter homes on the Sustainable Urban Extension — make Earl Shilton a genuine way onto the ladder. |
| Families | ★★★★☆ | Affordable family houses, Good primary schools (Townlands CofE and St Simon and St Jude are Good) and a secondary shared with Barwell, parks and new-build choice — a solid family town, if you check the older stock and the new-build estate charges. |
| New-build buyers | ★★★★☆ | The Barwell & Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension brings a growing supply of new houses and apartments — modern, energy-efficient homes, though the estate-management charges, tenure and road-adoption position all need checking. |
| Commuters | ★★★☆☆ | The A47 (Leicester and Hinckley) and the M69 (junction 1) make Earl Shilton a workable road-commuter base for Leicester, Hinckley and Coventry — but there is no railway station here, so rail commuters drive or bus to Hinckley or Leicester. |
| Investors | ★★★★☆ | Affordable prices and steady rental demand from the local and Leicester workforce make Earl Shilton worth a look — check yields, tenant demand and the condition of older hosiery-era stock. |
An honest, at-a-glance summary of what Earl Shilton does brilliantly — and what to weigh carefully — before you commit.
Earl Shilton at a glance
The key facts buyers ask us about most, in one place.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| County & councils | Leicestershire (Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council; Earl Shilton Town Council) |
| Postcode district | LE9 |
| Approx. character | A former framework-knitting town between Hinckley and Leicester, with new-build growth |
| Average house price | Overall often £220,000–£270,000; terraces from ~£160,000, new-build & larger detached £320,000–£450,000+; sources vary |
| Railway | No station in the town — nearest are Hinckley (Birmingham–Leicester line) & Leicester (Midland Main Line, fast to London) |
| Nearest A&E | Leicester Royal Infirmary or George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton; UHCW Coventry within reach — verify with NHS |
| Schools | Heath Lane Academy (secondary, shared with Barwell); Townlands CofE (Good) & St Simon and St Jude CofE (Good) primaries |
| Known for | Framework-knitting & hosiery heritage, a real high street, and the Barwell & Earl Shilton new-build growth |
| Character | A working town of hosiery-era terraces, interwar & post-war semis and new-build estates in south-west Leicestershire |
| Roads | The A47 (Leicester–Hinckley), with the M69 (junction 1 near Hinckley) for the M1 & M6 |
| New-build | The Barwell & Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension — check estate-management charges & tenure |
| Council tax (Band D) | £2,415.47 for 2026/27 (Leicestershire two-tier + borough + Earl Shilton Town Council; verified) — confirm your exact band |
Property prices & council tax in Earl Shilton
Earl Shilton is one of the more affordable towns within reach of Leicester and Hinckley, so prices sit below the national average and well below the South. It offers older terraced and hosiery-era houses, interwar and post-war semis, and a growing supply of new-build houses on the Sustainable Urban Extension. Published figures vary by property and area, so treat the ranges below as a broad guide and verify for the exact home.
| Property type / area | Typical position in the market | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Older terraced & hosiery-era houses | Indicatively around £160,000–£200,000 | First-time buyers; investors; the more accessible ways in |
| Interwar & post-war semi-detached houses | Indicatively around £220,000–£280,000 | Families wanting classic space in an established area |
| Detached & larger houses | Indicatively around £300,000–£450,000+ | Families & upsizers wanting the premium end |
| Earl Shilton average | Overall often £220,000–£270,000 (verify per property) | A broad benchmark for the town |
| New-build houses (Sustainable Urban Extension) | Indicatively £250,000–£450,000+ | Buyers wanting a new home — check estate-management charges & tenure |
What income might you need?
These illustrative figures use roughly 4.5x household income and assume a typical deposit. They are a starting point for budgeting only — not a quote or advice.
£180,000
Terraced / first home
~£40,000
household income (guide)
£245,000
Area benchmark
~£54,000
household income (guide)
£390,000
Larger / new-build detached
~£87,000
household income (guide)
Earl Shilton affordability & stamp duty calculator
A quick, no-obligation way to see roughly what you could borrow in Earl Shilton and what stamp duty you'd pay. Illustration only — real figures depend on the lender and your circumstances.
Illustration only, not a mortgage offer or personalised advice. Lenders' income multiples and criteria vary. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Borrowing ready-reckoner (around 4.5× income)
| Yearly income | Rough maximum mortgage |
|---|---|
| £40,000 | ~£180,000 |
| £60,000 | ~£270,000 |
| £75,000 | ~£337,500 |
| £90,000 | ~£405,000 |
| £120,000 | ~£540,000 |
Stamp duty (SDLT) in 2026 — England
| Portion of price | Standard rate | First-time buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £125,000 | 0% | 0% (up to £300,000) |
| £125,001 – £250,000 | 2% | 0% (up to £300,000) |
| £250,001 – £925,000 | 5% | 5% on £300,001–£500,000 (no relief over £500,000) |
| £925,001 – £1.5m | 10% | — |
| Over £1.5m | 12% | — |
Worked examples: a £250,000 home = £2,500 stamp duty (£0 for first-time buyers); a £450,000 home = £12,500 (£7,500 first-time buyer); a £650,000 home = £22,500 (first-time buyer relief doesn't apply over £500,000). An additional-property surcharge of 5% applies to second homes and buy-to-lets.
SDLT rates as at 2026 (England & Northern Ireland). Scotland (LBTT) and Wales (LTT) differ. Figures are a guide — confirm with your conveyancer.
The Earl Shilton property market in depth
Earl Shilton offers an affordable, steady town market — older terraces and hosiery-era houses, interwar and post-war semis, and a growing supply of new-build houses on the Sustainable Urban Extension — with its affordability, its A47 and M69 road links and its new-build growth all driving demand.
| Property type | What to expect | Typical guide |
|---|---|---|
| Older terraced & hosiery-era houses | The more accessible way in; popular with first-time buyers and investors — check construction type and lender attitude. | £160,000–£200,000 |
| Interwar & post-war semis | The classic Earl Shilton family home — a signature part of the town. | £220,000–£280,000 |
| Detached & larger houses | Handsome larger homes in the established roads — the top of the older family market. | £300,000–£450,000+ |
| New-build houses (Sustainable Urban Extension) | A growing part of the market on the town’s expanding edge — check estate-management charges and tenure. | £250,000–£450,000+ |
Earl Shilton’s appeal — an affordable town between Hinckley and Leicester, with framework-knitting heritage, good road links and a growing supply of new homes — makes it a steady, in-demand market, from older terraces and hosiery-era houses to interwar semis and the new-build Sustainable Urban Extension.
That mix means budgeting and the right mortgage matter. Older hosiery-era and non-standard-construction homes can need survey work and are assessed carefully by lenders, while new-build houses on the Sustainable Urban Extension bring estate-management charges, tenure and road-adoption questions, so advice pays off. A whole-of-market mortgage adviser helps you match the right lender to your plans and the specific property — the kind of introduction we can arrange.
What makes Earl Shilton so popular?
Earl Shilton’s appeal is an affordable town in south-west Leicestershire, with framework-knitting heritage, a real high street, new-build growth and Bosworth Battlefield, Twycross Zoo and Stoney Cove within reach.
Framework-knitting & hosiery heritage
Earl Shilton grew up as a framework-knitting and hosiery town, and that industrial heritage still shapes its streets and older housing — part of the story of the East Midlands knitwear trade shared with neighbouring Hinckley and Barwell.
Bosworth Battlefield & Twycross Zoo
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre (site of the 1485 Battle of Bosworth) and Twycross Zoo are both within easy reach — major regional attractions and popular family days out.
Stoney Cove & the countryside
Stoney Cove, the National Diving Centre, is close by at Stoney Stanton, with the south Leicestershire countryside, country parks and walking on the doorstep.
Transport & commuting from Earl Shilton
Transport in Earl Shilton is mostly by road — the A47 and the M69 — with the nearest railway stations at Hinckley and Leicester. These indicative times are a starting point — always verify current timetables and routes before relying on a specific journey.
| Route | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Earl Shilton → Hinckley | ~10 min | By road (A47) — for the nearest railway station |
| Earl Shilton → Leicester | ~25–35 min | By road (A47) — for the Midland Main Line & fast London trains |
| Earl Shilton → the M69 (junction 1) | ~10 min | For the M1 (Leicester) & the M6 (Coventry / Birmingham) |
| Earl Shilton → Coventry | ~30–40 min | By road via the M69 |
| Earl Shilton → Nuneaton | ~20 min | By road — for the West Coast Main Line |
| Earl Shilton → Leicester (by rail via Hinckley) | ~35–45 min | Drive/bus to Hinckley station, then rail |
| Earl Shilton → London (by rail via Leicester) | ~1 hr 30 min+ | Drive/bus to Leicester, then Midland Main Line to St Pancras |
| Earl Shilton → East Midlands Airport | ~30–40 min | By road via the M69 / M1 |
Getting around Earl Shilton
Day-to-day mobility here is worth thinking through — the practical picture.
By road
The A47 links Earl Shilton to Leicester and Hinckley, and the M69 (junction 1) is a short drive for the M1 and M6 — the main way to get around, with the town’s commuter character built around road access.
By train (nearest stations)
There is no station in Earl Shilton; the nearest are Hinckley (Birmingham–Leicester line) and Leicester (Midland Main Line, fast to London) — rail commuters drive or bus there.
For the commute
Earl Shilton suits Leicester, Hinckley and Coventry road commuters via the A47 and M69 — an affordable base, provided you plan your journey and (for rail) your drive to a station.
For the airport
East Midlands Airport is around half an hour by road via the M69 and M1, with Birmingham Airport reachable via the M69/M6 — handy for flights.
On foot & by bike
Earl Shilton’s high street, shops and parks are walkable, with the south Leicestershire countryside and country routes nearby for cycling and walking — though the busier roads and the new estates shape where it is pleasant.
By bus
Local bus services link Earl Shilton with Hinckley, Barwell, Leicester and nearby villages — useful for the town centre, schools and connections, though a car is handy for the wider area.
Schools in Earl Shilton
Earl Shilton has Good primary schools and shares a secondary with neighbouring Barwell. Leicestershire is a fully comprehensive area with no state grammar schools (no eleven-plus selection). Because catchments and admissions matter, confirm the current position directly for a specific address, and read each school’s most recent report in full.
| School | Type | Inspection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heath Lane Academy | Secondary (state academy, co-ed, 11–16) | Latest report | The area secondary on Heath Lane, Earl Shilton (LE9 7PD), serving Earl Shilton and neighbouring Barwell (formed from the former William Bradford and Heathfield academies); previously rated Good, with its most recent inspection (February 2025) under the current framework that no longer gives a single overall grade — read the latest report and check admissions. |
| Townlands Church of England Primary Academy | Primary (state, Church of England, co-ed, 4–11) | Good | A Church of England primary academy on Meadow Court Road, Earl Shilton (LE9 7FF), rated Good at its March 2023 inspection — check catchment and faith-based admissions. |
| St Simon and St Jude CofE Primary School | Primary (state, Church of England, co-ed, 4–11) | Good | A Church of England primary on Astley Road, Earl Shilton (LE9 7AE), rated Good at its February 2025 inspection (an improvement on its previous grade) — check catchment and admissions. |
| Newlands Community Primary School | Primary (state academy, co-ed, 4–11) | Requires improvement | A community primary academy in Earl Shilton (Belle Vue Road, LE9 7PA); it was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent graded inspection (2023), so check the latest report and the improvement position, and confirm catchment and admissions. |
Map, Police & Fire Services in Earl Shilton
A useful local guide should show the practical services buyers actually check — policing, fire cover, emergency healthcare and the local crime context for Earl Shilton.
Interactive map of Earl Shilton — view it on the online guide at thatsfamilyfinance.co.uk.
Popular parts of Earl Shilton & nearby
Where you buy in Earl Shilton shapes both your budget and your character — from the high street and the older hosiery-era streets to the interwar suburbs and the new-build Sustainable Urban Extension, with Barwell joined on to the west. A quick orientation.
Local highlights & days out from Earl Shilton
Earl Shilton packs framework-knitting heritage, a real high street, new-build growth and some major visitor attractions within reach into one affordable Leicestershire town. A few of the best-loved local highlights.
Sports, leisure & community in Earl Shilton
For an affordable town, Earl Shilton offers a real high street, heritage, green space and family days out within easy reach — from Bosworth Battlefield to Stoney Cove.
Days out & the outdoors
Bosworth Battlefield, Twycross Zoo, Stoney Cove and the south Leicestershire countryside give history, family days out, watersports and walking — with Bosworth Water Park and the wider countryside close by.
Everyday life & heritage
Earl Shilton’s high street, its shops and pubs, and its framework-knitting heritage give the town a genuine local life, with Hinckley’s Concordia Theatre and The Crescent close by for more.
Shopping & eating out
The high street and local shops, cafes and pubs cover everyday life, with Hinckley, Leicester and Nuneaton close for bigger shopping and dining.
Healthcare & local services in Earl Shilton
Healthcare access is reasonable for the area — GP provision locally and a community hospital nearby at Hinckley, with A&E departments a drive away at Leicester, Nuneaton and Coventry.
The town has GP provision locally, with a community hospital a few miles away at Hinckley (Hinckley & District Hospital, offering outpatient and some day services but no A&E), and dentists and pharmacies around the centre; the nearest A&E departments are at Leicester Royal Infirmary and George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton, with University Hospital Coventry (UHCW) also within reach. GP and dental registration availability changes over time, so always check directly with a practice about its current catchment before relying on it for a move.
Living in Earl Shilton
Day to day, Earl Shilton is an affordable Leicestershire town — framework-knitting heritage, a real high street, parks and new-build choice, with good road links towards Leicester and Hinckley. Here is a sense of everyday life.
Earl Shilton has the amenities of a real working town — a high street with shops, cafes and pubs, Good primary schools and a shared secondary, parks and green space, and the framework-knitting heritage that shaped it. The big everyday pluses are the affordability, the new-build choice on the Sustainable Urban Extension, the road links towards Leicester, Hinckley and the M69, and the major attractions (Bosworth Battlefield, Twycross Zoo, Stoney Cove) within reach.
Connectivity for working is generally good — superfast (and in many places gigabit) broadband reaches much of the town, so home and hybrid working is very possible, complemented by the A47 and M69 for office days. The main trade-offs are the lack of a railway station (rail commuters drive or bus to Hinckley or Leicester), the older hosiery-era and non-standard housing that some lenders assess carefully, and the new-build estate-management charges on the growth areas — but for affordable space and new-build choice in a real Leicestershire town it is a strong choice.
| Everyday amenity | In Earl Shilton? | Nearest / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary schools | Yes (several) | Townlands CofE (Good), St Simon and St Jude CofE (Good), Newlands (Requires Improvement); check catchment |
| Secondary schools | Yes (shared with Barwell) | Heath Lane Academy (11–16); check catchment |
| GP & hospital | Local / A&E a drive | GP provision locally; community hospital at Hinckley (no A&E); A&E at Leicester, Nuneaton & Coventry |
| Nearest A&E | A drive (Leicester / Nuneaton / Coventry) | Leicester Royal Infirmary, George Eliot Hospital (Nuneaton) & UHCW Coventry |
| Railway station | No (nearest Hinckley / Leicester) | Hinckley (Birmingham–Leicester line) & Leicester (Midland Main Line, fast to London) |
| Shops | Yes (high street) | The high street & local shops; Hinckley, Leicester & Nuneaton close by |
| Green space | Yes | Local parks, the Sustainable Urban Extension open space, and the south Leicestershire countryside |
Working & connectivity in Earl Shilton
More people than ever work from home or hybrid, and Earl Shilton is well set up for it — so it’s worth being realistic about connectivity.
Superfast broadband reaches most of Earl Shilton, with gigabit-capable full-fibre available across much of the town (and in the new-build estates on the Sustainable Urban Extension), so home and hybrid working is very possible — complemented by the A47 and M69 for office days. Coverage can still vary by exact address, particularly in some older hosiery-era streets and on the rural fringes, so check the specific property on the providers’ and Ofcom’s coverage checkers before you commit.
| Connectivity | Typical picture |
|---|---|
| Fixed broadband | Superfast across most of the town; gigabit full-fibre widely available and in the new-build estates — check the exact address |
| Mobile coverage | Generally good across the town, patchier on the rural fringes |
| Rail for office days | No station in the town — nearest are Hinckley (Birmingham–Leicester line) & Leicester (Midland Main Line) |
| Road & air | A47 & M69 (J1) to the wider network; East Midlands & Birmingham airports by road |
Flood risk in Earl Shilton
On flooding, most of Earl Shilton sits away from major rivers at lower risk of river flooding, but surface water in heavy rain can affect some streets, and local brooks and watercourses are considerations in places, so it is worth checking carefully for a specific home — including on the new-build estates, where surface-water drainage matters.
Cost of living & running a home in Earl Shilton
Beyond the mortgage, it helps to picture the ongoing costs of a home here. Indicative only — always confirm for a specific property.
| Typical ongoing cost | Indicative figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Council tax (Band D, 2026/27) | £2,415.47 | Leicestershire two-tier + borough + Earl Shilton Town Council (verified) — confirm your band |
| New-build estate charge | Varies — check the development | New-build homes on the Sustainable Urban Extension may carry an estate-management (service) charge on top of council tax |
| Buildings insurance | Varies — check flood risk | Surface-water flood risk in some spots can affect premiums; get a quote and flood check before committing |
| Water & wastewater | ~£400–£700/yr | Severn Trent area — check the supplier for the address |
Financing a home in Earl Shilton
An affordable Leicestershire town with new-build choice is a rewarding thing to buy into — a few points on the mortgage side are worth understanding first.
Earl Shilton’s affordability and new-build growth mean the right mortgage still matters — from older terraces and hosiery-era houses to interwar semis and the new-build Sustainable Urban Extension. Older and non-standard-construction homes are assessed carefully by lenders, and new-build houses bring estate-management charges, tenure and road-adoption questions (and, on some schemes, help-to-buy or shared-ownership arrangements to unwind), so a survey is wise on an older home and the tenure and charges need checking on a new-build. Getting the right lender for your circumstances is where good advice pays off.
A whole-of-market approach really helps here. That’s Family Finance introduces you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers who search across lenders to fit your circumstances, and we make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it. Talk to us →
Conveyancing & the searches to expect in Earl Shilton
A few standard checks are worth their weight when buying in Earl Shilton — especially the construction type on an older home, the estate-management charges on a new-build, and surface-water flood risk in low-lying spots.
History, heritage & famous connections
Earl Shilton grew up as a village on the higher ground between Hinckley and Leicester, its church of St Simon and St Jude a landmark on the ridge, and from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries it became a framework-knitting and hosiery town like its neighbours — a place of stocking frames, knitwear workshops and, later, hosiery factories and boot-and-shoe making. That industrial heritage still shapes its older streets and housing.
In the twentieth century the hosiery and footwear trades gradually declined, and Earl Shilton settled into its modern role as an affordable, commuter-friendly town in the Hinckley & Bosworth borough. In recent years it has become one of the focuses of major planned growth in the borough: the Barwell & Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension is bringing thousands of new homes on the edge of the two towns, reshaping Earl Shilton’s housing market and making new-build choice a defining feature of the town today.
Earl Shilton through the ages
A quick timeline of the moments that shaped the town you would be buying into.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Medieval | Earl Shilton is established as a village on the ridge between Hinckley and Leicester, with the church of St Simon and St Jude a landmark. |
| 18th–19th c. | The framework-knitting and hosiery trade takes hold, and Earl Shilton becomes a knitwear and, later, boot-and-shoe town. |
| 20th c. | The hosiery and footwear trades decline; Earl Shilton settles into an affordable, commuter-friendly town in the Hinckley & Bosworth borough. |
| 21st c. | The Barwell & Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension brings major new-build growth on the edge of the two towns, reshaping the housing market. |
Famous connections
A few of the people and stories that put Earl Shilton on the map.
Framework knitting & hosiery
Earl Shilton was a framework-knitting and hosiery town, part of the East Midlands knitwear trade shared with Hinckley and Barwell — a heritage still visible in its older streets.
St Simon and St Jude’s church
The parish church of St Simon and St Jude stands on the high ground at the heart of the old town — a long-standing landmark that also gives its name to the local Church of England primary school.
The Sustainable Urban Extension
The Barwell & Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension — one of the largest planned housing growth areas in the Hinckley & Bosworth borough — is reshaping the edge of the town with thousands of new homes.
Looking beyond the mortgage
Buying a home in Earl Shilton is a major commitment — and the mortgage is only part of the picture. Whatever you buy, the right protection makes sure the home stays yours if life does not go to plan.
Life cover
Pays out a lump sum if you die during the policy term — typically arranged to clear the mortgage so your family can stay in the home.
Critical illness cover
Pays out if you are diagnosed with a serious illness the policy covers — helping you keep up payments while you focus on recovery.
Income protection
Replaces part of your income if you cannot work due to illness or injury — often the most overlooked, and most valuable, cover of all.
That's Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser — life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection are what we do. We don't arrange mortgages ourselves; we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers, and make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it. Talk to us →
Things people don't always tell you about Earl Shilton
Beyond the brochure, a few honest points worth weighing before you commit to buying here.
Earl Shilton compared with nearby towns
How Earl Shilton sits against the places buyers most often weigh against it — a quick, indicative comparison.
| Town | Rough average price | Station? | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earl Shilton | ~£220k–£270k | No (nearest Hinckley / Leicester) | Affordable former hosiery town; new-build growth; A47 & M69 |
| Hinckley | ~£230k–£270k | Yes (Birmingham–Leicester line) | The larger market town to the south-west, with its own station and The Crescent |
| Barwell | ~£210k–£250k | No | The adjoining former hosiery town, affordable, sharing the same new-build growth |
| Leicester | ~£220k–£280k | Yes (Midland Main Line) | The county city to the east, with universities, jobs and fast London trains |
| Nuneaton | ~£200k–£250k | Yes (West Coast Main Line) | The larger Warwickshire town, with fast London trains via the WCML |
Pros & cons of living in Earl Shilton
An honest, balanced summary to weigh up.
| In its favour | To weigh carefully |
|---|---|
| Affordable prices well below the South | No railway station in the town |
| New-build choice on the Sustainable Urban Extension | New-build estates carry management charges & tenure questions |
| Good A47 & M69 road links to Leicester & Hinckley | Rail commuters drive or bus to Hinckley or Leicester |
| Framework-knitting heritage & a real high street | Older hosiery-era & non-standard homes need survey/lender checks |
| Good primary schools (Townlands CofE, St Simon and St Jude) | Newlands Community Primary was rated Requires Improvement |
| Bosworth Battlefield, Twycross Zoo & Stoney Cove within reach | A&E is a drive away (Leicester, Nuneaton, Coventry) |
| A settled, community-minded town | Ongoing SUE build-out affects some edges of town |
Villages & areas around Earl Shilton
Many buyers who love Earl Shilton look just outside it too — a quick guide.
Who tends to move to Earl Shilton?
Understanding your fellow buyers helps you read the market and pitch an offer.
First-time buyers & families
People wanting affordable space, schools and new-build choice — older terraces and hosiery-era houses from around £160,000, new-build starter homes on the Sustainable Urban Extension, Good primary schools and parks.
Road commuters
People working in Leicester, Hinckley or Coventry — the A47 and the M69 make Earl Shilton an affordable, workable road-commuter base (rail commuters drive or bus to Hinckley or Leicester station).
New-build buyers & investors
People wanting a modern, energy-efficient home on the Sustainable Urban Extension, or rental value at Midlands prices — checking estate charges, tenure and older stock.
What your money buys in Earl Shilton
A rough sense of what different budgets tend to secure — indicative only, and hugely dependent on position and condition.
Your move to Earl Shilton, step by step
A simple order of play that keeps things on track.
1. Get your budget straight
Work out your deposit and the true monthly cost (mortgage, council tax, insurance, which flood risk can affect, and any new-build estate charge), and get a mortgage in principle so you can move quickly.
2. Do your homework on the property
Check surface-water flood risk (especially for low-lying homes and new-build sites), get a full building survey (wise on older, hosiery-era and non-standard homes), check the construction type and lender attitude, check new-build estate charges and tenure, check the school catchment, and confirm your commute — before you fall in love.
3. Line up the right people
A whole-of-market mortgage adviser, a good surveyor and a local conveyancer will save you time, money and stress. We can introduce you to the first.
Already live in Earl Shilton?
This guide isn't just for people moving in. If you already own here, a few moments now can save a lot later.
If your current mortgage deal is within about six months of ending, it's usually worth reviewing your options rather than drifting onto your lender's standard variable rate, which is often more expensive. And whether or not you're moving, it's worth checking that your protection still matches your life. We can introduce you to a whole-of-market, FCA-regulated mortgage adviser, and review your life cover, critical illness cover and income protection alongside it.
Review my options →In summary: buying in Earl Shilton
If you are weighing up a move to the town, here is the honest bottom line.
Quick tips before you buy in Earl Shilton
- Enjoy the town — the high street, the framework-knitting heritage and the parks, with Bosworth Battlefield, Twycross Zoo and Stoney Cove within reach.
- Plan your commute — there is no station in Earl Shilton, so rail commuters drive or bus to Hinckley or Leicester; the A47 and M69 handle road journeys.
- Note the setting — an affordable town between Hinckley and Leicester, near the A47 and the M69.
- On a new-build on the Sustainable Urban Extension, check the estate-management charge, tenure, road adoption and warranties.
- Check surface-water flood risk for low-lying homes and new-build sites, and confirm insurance.
- Confirm the council tax and band — Earl Shilton (Earl Shilton Town Council) Band D is £2,415.47 for 2026/27 (verified).
- Budget realistically — older and non-standard homes need survey and lender checks; use a whole-of-market adviser.
- Verify the nearest current A&E (Leicester Royal Infirmary; George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton; UHCW Coventry) with the NHS.
- Get a full building survey on an older, hosiery-era or non-standard home, and on a new-build check the charges and tenure.
- For schools, check catchment (Heath Lane Academy for secondary; Townlands CofE and St Simon and St Jude for primary; Newlands was Requires Improvement).
- Explore the high street, the countryside, Bosworth Battlefield and Stoney Cove to get a feel for the area.
- Compare Earl Shilton with neighbouring Hinckley and Barwell before you decide.
- Get a mortgage agreement in principle before you start viewing in earnest.
- Review your protection at the same time as your mortgage — important for family buyers.
- Take your conveyancer’s advice on the construction, flood, estate-charge, boundary and standard searches.
Nearby areas worth considering
If you are weighing Earl Shilton against the surrounding area, these are the places buyers most often compare.
Hinckley
The larger market town to the south-west — with its own railway station on the Birmingham–Leicester line, The Crescent and the Concordia Theatre.
Leicester
The county city to the east — with universities, jobs, shopping and fast London trains on the Midland Main Line.
Nuneaton
The larger Warwickshire town to the south-west — with fast London trains on the West Coast Main Line.
Loughborough
The lively university town to the north — with the Great Central Railway and strong amenities.
Coventry
The city to the south — with universities, jobs, shopping and fast trains to London and Birmingham.
Family Protection
Whichever area you choose, the right life cover, critical illness cover and income protection matter just as much as the mortgage.
Talk to us →Speak to Us
Researching Earl Shilton or a nearby area? We are always happy to point people in the right direction.
Get in touch →Frequently asked questions
Is Earl Shilton a good place to live?
Is Earl Shilton expensive?
Does Earl Shilton have a railway station?
What is the Barwell & Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension?
Where is the nearest A&E to Earl Shilton?
Does Earl Shilton have good schools?
What salary do you need to buy in Earl Shilton?
How much is stamp duty on an Earl Shilton property?
How much is council tax in Earl Shilton?
Which police and fire services cover Earl Shilton?
Is Earl Shilton a safe place to live?
What is there to do in Earl Shilton?
What is broadband like in Earl Shilton?
Is Earl Shilton good for families?
Is Earl Shilton good for commuters?
What searches should I expect when buying in Earl Shilton?
Is flooding a problem in Earl Shilton?
How do I get started with a mortgage for Earl Shilton?
Can existing homeowners in Earl Shilton benefit from a mortgage review?
Useful resources
Need help?
Whether you're researching Earl Shilton, planning a move, reviewing your finances or simply exploring your options — we're always happy to point people in the right direction.
By submitting your details you agree that your contact information will be passed to a carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage adviser.
That's Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser (life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection). We do not arrange mortgages ourselves — we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers.
Transport information is approximate and can change; Earl Shilton does not have its own railway station — the nearest stations are Hinckley (on the South Leicestershire / Birmingham–Leicester line) and Leicester (on the Midland Main Line, with fast trains to London St Pancras), with the A47 (Leicester–Hinckley) and the M69 (junction 1) for drivers — always verify current timetables, routes and service updates at nationalrail.co.uk before travelling. Ofsted information is based on the most recent publicly available reports: Townlands Church of England Primary Academy (URN 141630) was rated Good in March 2023 and St Simon and St Jude CofE Primary School (URN 139200) was rated Good in February 2025; Heath Lane Academy (URN 138327, the secondary shared with Barwell) was previously rated Good and has had its most recent inspection (February 2025) under the current Ofsted framework, which from September 2024 no longer awards a single overall effectiveness grade; Newlands Community Primary School (URN 150436) was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent graded inspection — read each school’s latest report in full and confirm catchment and admissions with the school and Leicestershire County Council (the admissions authority). Leicestershire is a fully comprehensive area with no state grammar schools and no eleven-plus selection. Healthcare: the nearest Accident & Emergency departments are at Leicester Royal Infirmary and George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton, with University Hospital Coventry (UHCW) also within reach, all a drive away; Hinckley & District Hospital is a community hospital without an A&E, with GP provision locally; NHS services can be reconfigured and travel times vary, so always verify the nearest current A&E and arrangements with the NHS. References to Bosworth Battlefield, Twycross Zoo, Stoney Cove, Bosworth Water Park and the Barwell & Earl Shilton Sustainable Urban Extension are for context. Crime information is general — check current data at police.uk. Flood-risk: most of Earl Shilton sits away from major rivers at lower risk of river flooding, but some low-lying streets and land near local brooks and watercourses can be affected by surface-water flooding in intense rain, which can affect insurance; always check the exact postcode at check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk and confirm buildings insurance availability and cost before committing. New-build homes on the Sustainable Urban Extension may carry an estate-management (service) charge on top of council tax — check the charge, tenure and road-adoption position before committing. Council tax: Earl Shilton is in Leicestershire (Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council; Earl Shilton Town Council); the Band D total for 2026/27 is £2,415.47 (verified from Hinckley & Bosworth’s published council tax charges for 2026/27), made up of Leicestershire County Council £1,731.79 (including the adult social care precept), the Leicestershire Police & Crime Commissioner £315.23, the Leicestershire Combined Fire Authority £91.65 and a combined Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and Earl Shilton Town Council element of £276.80; confirm your exact band with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council. Property prices are indicative and based on recent public sold-price data — Earl Shilton is an LE9 town where overall averages are often around £220,000 to £270,000, with older terraces from around £160,000 and larger and new-build detached houses well beyond £320,000, with a wide range by property and area; verify current values via Land Registry or an independent valuation for the exact home. Salary and affordability figures are illustrative only and do not constitute financial advice. Stamp duty figures should be verified using the official GOV.UK SDLT calculator.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. That's Family Finance is an independent, FCA-regulated firm (No. 1038034).
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