Just an hour from Cambridge lies a town that is packed with character, from its thriving high street with independent retailers to its quaint waterfront and picturesque canal walks
While Cambridge has just about everything we need, it’s a little too landlocked to deliver any seaside magic.
Happily, the Norfolk coast is rich with excellent coastal spots, and many are only an hour from Cambridge. If you do head east, you’ll stumble across a charming town offering waterfront views, alongside its Georgian high street lined with independent shops, trendy coffee houses and an indoor market that has been running for more than 800 years.
Nestled in south-east Leicestershire, just an hour’s drive from Cambridge, is the historic town of Market Harborough. Thanks to its train links to London and market-town charm with a thriving high street, it has been named by the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the Midlands for the fourth year in a row, and certainly warrants a visit.
The winding River Welland runs directly through the town, and it also has the quaint Union Wharf lined with narrowboats and winding paths to follow along the river. The Waterfront restaurant is perfect for an al fresco bite and a drink with picturesque views in a town that has seemingly gone a little under the radar.
Adding to its waterways are the Foxton Locks, a Grade II listed site home to the longest and steepest flight of staircase canal locks in Britain, with ample walking routes to meander along. There’s the pub, Foxton Locks Inn, to stop by at one end of the notorious locks, which are a beautiful and historic landmark to explore, along with the idyllic café, Lock Keepers Cottage, at the other end.
Back in the town centre of Market Harborough, the renowned wide high street is characterised by its preserved architecture, including the stilted 17th-century timber-framed Old Grammar School, which takes centre stage. Now a museum, the beautiful building sits just beside the 14th-century St Dionysius’ Church with its Gothic tower and broach spire.
Housed in some of its ancient architecture are independent shops alongside branded stores, perfect for a day out shopping. There’s also the indoor market, which has been running since 1204 and was named the ‘best small indoor market’ in 2025, thanks to its traders offering everything from collectables and cakes, cheese, and crepes to beauty products, children’s shoes, books, jewellery, and woodcrafts.
After exploring the town, there are lots of inviting places to stop for a warming cuppa and a sweet treat, including Fran’s Coffee and Bakehouse, Milo’s Café and Two Old Goats. For lunch, there’s Loch&Bonnie for a packed-out bagel, or The Garage Bakehouse serving up Báhn Mì (Vietnamese) baguettes.
Following a visit, one happy traveller hailed The Garage Bakehouse for having “insane sandwiches” that are “simply incredible!” While another exclaimed that their New York Deli sandwich was the “best sandwich I have ever had”.
Ascough’s Bistro is another favourite in the area, offering inventive dishes made with local produce, while Rocksalt Bistro is recommended for seafood lovers. The Beerhouse is perfect for grabbing a drink, while the cosy Wine Shed is ideal for a class of vino, and Rio Bravo is a vibrant Mexican restaurant serving up nachos, tacos and margaritas!
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