Countesthorpe is a large village situated in the Leicestershire district of Blaby. The first records of the village date from the late 11th century, when the area was purchased by the Countess Judith, niece of William the Conqueror, as a gift to her husband. The “Thorpe” part of the name is a Danish term for a secondary settlement or outlaying farmstead and was referred to as ‘thorpcontasse’ in 1276.
Despite being a large village, it still holds its rural charm, surrounded by beautiful open countryside and agricultural fields. Community spirit is instantly recognisable with an array of clubs and societies, Brownies, Scouts, Guides, a drama groups, dance classes and church groups to name a few. There are also various local shops including a family butcher, farm shop, garden centre and the village even has its own charity shops; The Rainbow Shop.
The village comprises two schools, Greenfield Primary School and Leysland High School. It also is home to a specialist technology college, Countesthorpe Community College, providing excellent facilities; which are extensively used by the local community. The parish Church of St. Andrew originated in 1220 by the family Lord William of Ludbrook. It has twice been restored and the 14th century tower still remains.
Set in a parish of over 1200 acres, there is an abundance of opportunities for dog walkers, bird watchers and cyclists, and Bradgate Park lies to the north of the area. There are many other leisure activities including Blaby Golf Centre less then a mile away, providing activities including adventure north east; boasting over 30 meetings a year.
Countesthorpe lies to the south of Leicester, just 6 miles from the city centre. Other nearby towns includes South Wigston and Blaby to the north and Broughton Astley, Cosby and Whetstone to the west. Leicester is a lively city with a vibrant nightlife, many cosmopolitan bars and an array of shopping outlets including the Leicester Lanes and St Martins Square.
There are many transport links connecting Countesthorpe to towns and cities near and afar. The River Soar lies to the north of the village and flows into the Grand Union Canal, linking Leicester to the south. London Kings Cross St Pancras station can be reached in less than 90 minutes from local train station, South Wigston. The M1 is also nearby providing links to the rest of the country and the M69 and M6 offer easy access to Birmingham, Wales and the south west.
- Train Station: 2.3 miles
- Main Roads: 4.1 miles
- Motorways: 6 miles
- Nearest Towns: 4 miles
- Primary Schools: 0.4 miles
- Secondary Schools: 0.3 miles
- Airport: 23.5 miles
- Hospital: 4.8 miles