The town of Hinckley in Leicestershire has a lot going for it, whether you are resident, have a business based here, or are a visitor to the area.
Not wanting to take our local town for granted, Extra Room Self Storage, has put together some good reasons to make Hinckley your home.
1. A Varied Selection of Shops
A vibrant market town, the centre of Hinckley has something for everyone, from independent family-run shops to the high street chains, such as those in the pedestrianised area in Castle Street.
According to Hinckley BID, there are some 150 independent shops in the town which means it has something individual to offer those keen shoppers among us.
The Britannia Shopping Centre is the main retail zone and plans are said to be in motion for some modernisation in the future. The Crescent Retail and Leisure Complex, with its shops, cafes, and cinema is one of the latest town centre additions.
Hinckley also has a popular market held three times a week – so there really is something to satisfy everyone’s ‘retail therapy’ needs! And, if any friends and family want to ‘sit out’ the shopping experience, they can grab a coffee in one of the many cafes, or perhaps take a stroll by the Ashby Canal which passes through the town.
But, if you want to do some ‘serious shopping’ a little further field, then both the cities of Leicester and Coventry are just a short car journey away. In fact, hop onto the M69, and Fosse Park Shopping Centre in Leicester is all but a 10-minute drive away.
And speaking of ‘driving’, some may not know that Hinckley was the home of Joseph Hansom, the inventor of the iconic, world-famous ‘Black Cab’ – which had its first outing in 1835 travelling down Hinckley’s Coventry Road.
2. A Handy Central Location
Closely straddling the border between Leicestershire and Warwickshire, Hinckley is a town officially located in ‘the Borough of Hinckley and Bosworth’. It is in the centre of England, making travelling throughout the UK more accessible, whether for business or for pleasure.
Hinckley (which can be accessed off the A5) is just a stone’s throw away from the M69 and a few miles from the M1/M69 junction making travel by road to both Leicester and Coventry very convenient. Travelling by rail to places like Birmingham, Leicester, and London are easy journeys too.
The geographical advantages to be gained from Hinckley being in the East Midlands “golden triangle” formed by the M1, M42 and M6 motorways provides an enticing proposition to many commercial enterprises, especially logistics companies, some of whom have either relocated or opened new logistics hubs in the area.
3. A Range of Regeneration Projects
This inward investment has been the stimulus for regeneration and development projects for the region, including the town centre (The Crescent Hinckley being one example), which is good news for the local economy and for employment opportunities.
According to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, “Hinckley is going through a transformation with an investment of over £1 billion creating approximately 10,000 jobs in Hinckley town centre and the wider borough”.
Nearby MIRA Technology Park is a government “Enterprise Zone”. It is a purpose-built centre for pioneering technological advancements in the automotive industry and a major draw for leading names in the sector.
Sites such as the Hinckley Hub has transformed industrial land into smart, contemporary office space and the construction of the North Warwickshire & Hinckley College; a new £19 million campus providing a “state-of-the-art” learning environment is also an exciting recent addition to the town.
While being a historic town, Hinckley has the potential for sustainable economic growth, which is good for the area and good for the people who live in it.
4. A Healthy Average House Price
National statistics (UK House Price Index England) reveal that the average house price in England currently stands at £243,128. The latest figures also suggest that Hinckley and Bosworth are holding their own. The average house price in the region being £216,761, some 2.2% higher on the previous year.
While Hinckley town centre offers diversity in terms of property type and price, it also has a number of desirable villages surrounding it such as Barwell, Broughton Astley, Burbage, Market Bosworth, Sharnford, Stoke Golding, and Wolvey.
The towns of Nuneaton, Earl Shilton, and Lutterworth are also in close proximity, making it practical for those who work in Hinckley to live on the outskirts of the town centre if they prefer.
From starter homes to luxury mansions, the Borough of Hinckley and Bosworth has it all!
5. A Choice of Pubs, Restaurants and Nightlife
Being nestled between villages means that residents of Hinckley have the best of both worlds when it comes to joining ‘the town with the country’. From buzzing restaurants in Hinckley town centre to country pubs in more tranquil settings, there is certainly a wide range of places to eat, drink, and entertain.
6. Lots of Things to See and Do
There is an abundance of things to see and do in and around the Hinckley area.
For many people, Hinckley offers the perfect balance of a great town, easy access to nearby cities, but just as important, beautiful countryside on your doorstep.
There are miles of footpaths to walk and enjoy the Leicestershire Countryside. Alternatively, you can try the towpaths along the Ashby Canal or even a narrowboat holiday. There are also many stunning green spaces to visit like Burbage Common, Market Bosworth Country Park, and Ambion Woods.
Hinckley’s historical heritage and location link it closely to the Battle of Bosworth. Considered to be one of the most important battles in English history. Henry VII famously defeated Richard III in 1485. This was the last time an English king was killed in battle and ended decades of civil war known as the “War of the Roses”.
The battlefield site, once considered to be on Ambion Hill near Sutton Cheney, is now believed to be further south-west, closer to the village of Stoke Golding according to The Battlefields Trust. The Battle of Bosworth Visitor Centre is well worth a visit for those who are interested in England’s history.
For those looking to explore local heritage, folklore (and even a few legends), Hinckley and District Museum is also another popular attraction, as are the many galleries in the area.
Hinckley is also where Triumph Motorcycles have their headquarters, and for those who are fascinated by this iconic brand, the Factory Visitor Experience, is a must. It was officially unveiled in 2018 by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge. Visitors can buy tickets for fully guided tours of this legendary factory.
There are many other things to do in and around Hinckley. Some of its annual events include the Hinckley BID Annual Motor Show in September involving some 800 vehicle owners this year. There’s also Hinckley BID’s Annual Soap Box Derby, which is quite a feature in the Hinckley “event” calendar and the Burbage Community Arts Festival both of which are great family fun.
So, as we say, when it comes to activities and attractions in Hinckley, the town is certainly not lacking.
Thinking of a Home in Hinckley?
If you are considering making Hinckley ‘your home’, then don’t forget you have a local self storage company nearby, providing a very handy service to residents and business users.
Whether you are looking for domestic self storage in Hinckley, or business storage, on either a short or long-term basis, Extra Room Self Storage can help with a range of services to suit your needs and budget in our secure and immaculately clean facilities.
We also provide removals in Hinckley, and transportation of your goods in and out of our storage facilities, should you require assistance, as well as removal boxes and packing materials.
We are a privately owned and managed self storage business, less than 10 minutes away from Hinckley just off the A5, which makes us convenient for customers living in the town or surrounding villages.
Please contact us for a competitive quote for self storage in Hinckley, or to arrange a visit to our premises.