Melton Mowbray/ surrounding area

[broughtonblue]

So looking to move to a village just north of Melton, AB Kettleby but don't really know the area. Just looking for views on Melton itself, the vibe of the place, good pubs  eateries etc. Bearing in mind I'm approaching 60, so not really lively nightlife! Into cycling so any good cycling routes, fishing, are Melton town worth a visit, like a bit of non league when city are away. Village pubs that have live music. Anything really, places to avoid 😳.

 

I know this is a broad spectrum and everyone has different interests, but hopefully I can cherry pick the answers that sound good 👍 

Edited 4 January by broughtonblue
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[CornwallFox]

Melton is a nice little town. Like most places it is struggling a little economically at the moment but there's plenty of nice pubs in the surrounding area. A few okay bars and pubs in Melton itself. Seems pretty safe to me though I've never lived there but spent quite a lot of time there. Ab Kettleby an easy drive in and traffic better from that side too.

Edited 4 January by CornwallFox

[BeardyFox]

I moved to Melton about 18 months ago from Sileby. 
I don’t really think there are places that you wouldn’t want to go to. I’m sure there’s probably some rougher streets but unless you live near them I don’t think you’d ever know.
The town centre is fairly small but has enough shops to get what you need, within reason. There’s often markets on at the Stockyard. It feels like the town is trying as opposed to somewhere like Loughborough that feels like it wants putting out of its misery. 

I run rather than cycle but there’s plenty of routes around surrounding villages. Nice country lanes so you’d probably be spoilt for choice. 

 

[CornwallFox]

Should add there's definitely some fishing somewhere, maybe Ashfordby, as a few lads I know fish somewhere around Melton

[BeardyFox]

Eye Kettleby Lakes for fishing I think. 

[GLC]

16 minutes ago, CornwallFox said:

Should add there's definitely some fishing somewhere, maybe Ashfordby, as a few lads I know fish somewhere around Melton

Some fishing lakes near the amateurs ground. 
 

Melton is a nice enough place to live, the majority of the housing estates are fine.

 

I’d avoid the right side Dieppe way, as it’s rough and the Hartopp area is also rough too.

 

Waltham, Scalford, Asfordby hill are decent alternatives 

[Suzie the Fox]

There are some lovely villages surrounding Melton with some decent places to walk, eat and drink. Personally recommend the Lakes in Eye Kettleby for a Sunday roast. 2 sides to the venue with the left side being dog friendly. Also if you like fishing i hear they have a few pay per day lakes. 

 

The town itself is fine, but suffers like everywhere for decent shops, but decent enough for a stroll round and grab a coffee and watch the world go by  

 

 

[Globalfox]

Check your health situation the nearest A&E is Leicester. Check doctors and availability of appointments time. Dentists, school places and standards. There is little to no decent employment opportunities so need to commute or work from home. Great area for country pursuits limited for teenagers. Bus to city home games nothing for away currently. Market days can be good, train service can be iffy as it’s cross country. Forget taxis non existent. Some good pubs around.

[The Syrup]

Ab Kettleby is on the A606 which runs from Melton to Nottingham and is quite a busy road. I'm from Melton and have family in the next village along from Ab Kettleby (Holwell). Nice countryside views although National Grid want to build high voltage pylons that will run close to Ab Kettleby so just something to be aware of if it gets the go-ahead. There is a doctors surgery in Long Clawson better try and get in there rather than Latham House in Melton.

Edited 4 January by The Syrup

[isaidno]

We moved to Asfordby,  just outside of Melton 6 years ago. Melton is an alright town, some nice cafes / tea rooms and plenty of supermarkets.  Melton country park is a nice place to go for a walk. 

[DB11]

Definitely good cycling routes - the CiCLE Classic takes place there every year and is an international cycling event.

[stripeyfox]

I did hear a rumour that the pub in Ab Kettleby is going to close - or at least the present tenants are leaving - so that might not be around for a while (but I suppose the same applies to most any pub these days)

 

Melton Town is decent for a non league football option. They have recently opened a new pitchside lounge with a bar etc where you can watch the match in comfort.

 

Even the "bad" areas of Melton on not really that bad compared to bigger towns and cities.

 

My favourite option for eating out is The Bell at Frisby-on-the-Wreake. Incredible food and very friendly vibe at this community run pub

 

There's a decent mix of pubs in the town - The Anne of Cleves and The Boat are decent old fashioned pubs.

 

[MPH]

If you want a little village, try Market Overton which is just a small distance from Oakham. Very quiet. At least it was when I lived there. Not too far from Melton.. very rarely saw a for sale sign though so if you do I’d imagine it too be quite pricey these days- all stone houses. Used to be an area overlooking the local cricket ground you could sit and watch them play.

[AjcW]

On 04/01/2026 at 10:39, CornwallFox said:

Should add there's definitely some fishing somewhere, maybe Ashfordby, as a few lads I know fish somewhere around Melton

Fishing in Old Dalby too, near the church