Moving to Wellingborough: Everything You Need to Know About Settling Here

Are you thinking about moving to Wellingborough? We understand why – it’s an appealing town that offers a blend of convenience and affordability. Nestled in the scenic county of Northamptonshire, on the picturesque north side of the River Nene, Wellingborough not only boasts excellent transport links but also features house prices well below the national average.

Steeped in historical significance, Wellingborough also stands as one of the oldest and smallest towns in the county, with a rich heritage that dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Today, however, it is the town’s family-friendly appeal that is attracting a multitude of new residents, likely due to the numerous schools in the area receiving ‘Good’ ratings from Ofsted.

Whether you’re relocating for work or other personal reasons, we have no doubt that the transition will bring you a heap of rewards. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the way to ensure you’re fully informed. So, let’s get started on your exciting new chapter in Wellingborough:

• Where to buy in Wellingborough
• Average house prices
• The cost of living in Wellingborough
• Places to visit and things to do
• Transport in Wellingborough
• Education
• Job prospects in Wellingborough
• Moving to Wellingborough: a convenient relocation guide
• Why utilise self-storage when moving home?

Where to buy in Wellingborough

Finedon

An attractive village, living in Finedon is said to be a pleasant experience, thanks to its charming atmosphere and rich heritage. As you would expect, it’s home to a wealth of historic buildings, including the renowned Bell Inn, believed to be Britain’s oldest pub, which dates back to 1098.

In Finedon, you’ll also find a large range of local amenities, from quaint shops to sporting facilities and well-regarded primary schools. Additionally, the new housing development, Finedon Park, adds to the allure of the village, offering a collection of 40 homes in a picturesque setting.

Positioned on the outskirts, these homes provide a perfect blend of countryside living with easy access to nearby towns and cities. With seven unique house styles, these modern homes are designed to provide practicality and stylish living for couples and families alike.

Irchester

Nestled between the towns of Wellingborough and Rushden in the east of the county, Irchester provides a peaceful and close-knit community atmosphere. Here, residents can enjoy the benefits of village life while being in close proximity to larger towns nearby and the natural beauty of Irchester Country Park.

While the village has experienced some closures, there is still a co-operative supermarket, and additionally, locals can enjoy two pubs, a variety of tearooms and independent shops. Sports enthusiasts can also rally behind Irchester United, the local football team known as The Romans, who compete in the United Counties League.

Earls Barton

Are you seeking affordable loft-style living outside of Shoreditch? Explore the vibrant charm of Earls Barton. This hidden gem offers an ideal destination for those seeking a distinctive lifestyle, and its converted warehouses beautifully pay homage to the region’s shoe industry.

Earls Barton is also a happening place with a multitude of things going on, all within a fairly decent commute of London. Likewise, the village has many dog-friendly pubs, offering a chance to socialise with fellow pet owners. For wine enthusiasts, a visit to New Lodge Vineyard is also a must.

Glenvale Park

Located in the heart of Wellingborough, Glenvale Park presents an idyllic neighbourhood where quality new homes, amenities, and green spaces converge. With its close proximity to the nearby train station, you can easily commute to London St. Pancras in less than an hour, making it an ideal choice for young professionals and first-time buyers.

Glenvale Park also offers the convenience of a local primary school, nursery, and play areas, making it perfect for growing families too. In addition, the development offers a variety of property styles, ranging from cosy one-bedroom options to expansive four-bedroom homes.

Average house prices

According to Rightmove, over the last year, the average property in Wellingborough sold for £250,574. The majority of sales were also semi-detached, which were sold for an average of £259,403, while terraced properties fetched £207,264, and detached properties sold for an average of £360,141.

If you’re assessing the idea of moving to Wellingborough, properties here are considerably less than the national average as a whole. In recent years, the local council has also expanded the amount of housing there is, with Glenvale Park forming part of a larger urban extension of around 3,000 new homes.

Renting in Wellingborough

Wellingborough rental costs (PCM), according to Home.co.uk:

• House – £992
• Flat – £747
• Room – £463

The cost of living in Wellingborough

In terms of cost of living, house prices, and general expenses, Wellingborough offers a more budget-friendly environment compared to other larger cities.

The area’s affordability makes it an attractive choice for individuals and families looking to enjoy a balanced lifestyle without sacrificing financial stability.

Places to visit and things to do

Recreational activities

Wellingborough, with its abundance of recreational activities, is a fantastic destination for family fun and entertainment. The town boasts approximately 109 parks and playgrounds, providing ample green spaces to explore and enjoy.

One must-visit location is Irchester Country Park, which offers 200 acres of woodland for biking and hiking adventures. It also features the exciting Jungle Parc, where you can climb, swing, and zip through the trees, plus Quarryman’s Rest cafe for those much-needed refreshments.

Here are some other activities you can get up to around Wellingborough:

• Wellingborough Museum – established in 1892, Wellingborough Museum showcases a variety of fascinating artefacts and market town memorabilia.

• Santa Pod Raceway – thrill-seekers will delight in the adrenaline-pumping events held at Santa Pod Raceway, which hosts exciting races, car shows, and family-friendly festivals throughout the year.

• Trappd Wellingborough – why not treat yourself to an escape room adventure?

• The Castle Theatre – or there’s always a live performance if you’re in need of a rest.

Hit the shops

At the heart of the town lies Swansgate Shopping Centre, a bustling hub where you can find a wide range of retail outlets. Whether you’re looking for the latest smartphones, pharmaceutical products, beauty essentials, books, or trendy clothing, this modern shopping centre has it all.

For a leisurely stroll and more shopping delights, you can explore the main retail stretch of Wellingborough. To the south of the town, you’ll also find familiar names like B&M, Tesco, and Lidl, where you can easily stock up on groceries and other household items.

Eat out

Known for its diverse culinary scene, this market town offers a wide range of dining options to satisfy every palate. From well-known chains to family-run establishments, there is something to suit everyone’s taste.

Here are a few notable restaurants in Wellingborough:

• June Plum Food Ltd – a family-run Jamaican restaurant – June Plum Food Ltd brings the tantalising taste of the island to Wellingborough. Here, you can indulge in classic dishes such as goat curry and jerk chicken but don’t forget to save room for their delicious desserts like key lime pie.

• The Miller Carvery & Steakhouse – for those seeking a hearty meal in a traditional pub setting, The Miller Carvery & Steakhouse is an excellent choice. Their menu features a mouthwatering selection of options, but if you’re a fan of burgers or steaks, they can be cooked to your liking and range from 8oz to 32oz in size.

• Niwan Restaurant – if you’re craving the vibrant flavours of Turkish cuisine, Niwan Restaurant is a must-visit. The establishment also specialises in serving authentic dishes like shish and grilled diced lamb; plus, with a choice of 20 wines, it means you can pair your meal perfectly to enhance your dining experience.

Transport in Wellingborough

If you’re considering moving to Wellingborough but have concerns about travel, rest assured that this town offers a wide range of transportation options. So, whether you prefer to get about by public transport or car, it’s very simple – the town offers convenient access to both local and international destinations.

• Rail – Wellingborough is a commuter’s delight, boasting excellent train connections that make travel a breeze. With services to London St Pancras, residents can conveniently access the bustling capital in just over one hour. Moreover, Wellingborough railway station serves as a vital link to nearby cities like Nottingham, Bedford, and Corby, expanding travel options for locals.

• Bus – operated by Stagecoach, the town benefits from a well-established bus network, offering reliable transportation options for local residents. The extensive bus services enable easy travel within Wellingborough as well as connections to nearby towns like Northampton, Rushden, and Raunds.

• Car – Wellingborough, with its superb road connections, including the A45 dual carriageway, provides convenient access to major routes such as the M1 and A14. This enables quick journeys to nearby destinations like Peterborough, Leicester, and Milton Keynes, all within an hour. The town also provides quick access to Northampton, the largest town in the area, with a travel time of just 20 minutes.

• Air – Wellingborough, strategically situated, offers exceptional accessibility for air travel due to its close proximity to several airports within a 60-mile radius. Whether you prefer the convenience of driving or taking the train, you’ll have easy access to a range of airports, including Luton, Birmingham, Heathrow, and East Midlands. This wide selection of airports expands your travel possibilities and ensures that you have various options to choose from when planning your journey.

Education

Wellingborough boasts a multifaceted educational environment, offering a wide range of opportunities from inclusive state-funded institutions to the esteemed Wellingborough School.

Regardless of your chosen route, if you have children, you can ensure they’ll benefit from high-quality education and abundant avenues for personal growth.

Here are the top five primary schools in the region:

• Wilby Church of England Primary School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
• Ruskin Academy – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
• Redwell Primary School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
• Irchester Community Primary School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
• All Saints CEVA Primary School and Nursery – Ofsted Grade 2: Good

Wellingborough’s top three secondary schools:

• Sir Christopher Hatton Academy – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
• Weavers Academy – Ofsted Grade 2: Good
• Wrenn School – Ofsted Grade 2: Good

Job prospects in Wellingborough

According to job site Adzuna, the average Wellingborough salary is £33,103 per annum. Most job advertisements are also for engineering positions or teaching, and the top companies hiring include Howdens Joinery, HM Prison Service, and TJ Morris.

Additionally, many other national and international companies can be found here, in all sectors, including industrial, distribution, offices, leisure and retail. As a result, the town offers a wide range of job opportunities, catering to individuals in various positions, including senior officials, skilled tradespeople, caring professionals, and machine operators.

Here are some other major employers you’ll find in Wellingborough:

• North Northamptonshire Council
• Wm Morrisons Supermarkets
• Jardine Motors Group
• Lockheed Martin
• Cranfield University
• Travis Perkins plc
• Volkwagon
• FedEx Express

Moving to Wellingborough: a convenient relocation guide

1. Prepare and get organised

Once your offer has been accepted and you have successfully secured your new home, it is crucial to consolidate all the necessary elements. Typically, this process takes around eight weeks with few obstacles. However, to ensure a smooth property sale or purchase, it is vital to prioritise the legal aspects right from the very beginning.

To facilitate your move, it can be beneficial to establish a tentative timeline. Being aware of key milestones such as property surveys and important deadlines will enable you to stay organised and well-informed across all stages of the moving process.

2. Declutter to make packing easy

In the weeks leading up to your move, a thorough clearout can greatly assist in simplifying the moving process. It will also allow you and your family to start afresh with a well-organised and new clutter-free home. A good place to begin looking is literally everywhere.

Here are some ideas to help get you started – you’ll be surprised at the things you discover:

• Old remote controls in the lounge
• Broken and unused toys
• Old and unworn clothing
• Expired medications in bathroom cabinets
• Worn out pillows and throws
• Out-of-date spices and jars
• Those bits and pieces that you just don’t need

3. Organise a removal company

Securing a suitable van for your requirements is crucial, which is why it’s important to make a reservation in advance. By doing so, you can also effectively plan and prepare for your moving day, such as checking out the nearby parking restrictions.

By the way, have you had a chance to explore our exclusive Enterprise deals? We’ve teamed up to help customers easily move their belongings into our storage units. You are never far from an Enterprise location where you can access an ideal-sized van to transport your items.

4. Get your packing boxes for free

After setting a specific date for the move, make packing your main focus. By doing this, you can prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed as the moving day approaches. Begin with items that you won’t really need and save the essentials for last. Additionally, this is a good opportunity to obtain cardboard boxes without any cost – check out this article to find out how you can.

5. Grab the essentials for your first night

Ready for your first night? Don’t forget the basics. Things like clean clothes will ensure you start the next day feeling refreshed.

Here’s what else to pack to start your new chapter on a positive note:

• Clean bedding and linens
• Toiletries
• Kitchen necessities
• Cleaning supplies
• Tools
• Entertainment for the kids
• Important documents
• Medications
• Pet supplies like food and water bowls

Why utilise self-storage when moving home?

Moving home can be a daunting and overwhelming process, with numerous tasks and logistics to manage. In such situations, utilising self-storage can be a smart and practical solution. Here are several reasons why using self-storage during a house move is advantageous:

• More brain space for packing – by temporarily storing items you don’t immediately need, you can create a more efficient packing and moving process. It enables you to sort through your belongings, pack strategically, and avoid unnecessary clutter in your new home. This can significantly reduce stress and make unpacking easier and more manageable.

• Flexibility – moreover, self-storage offers flexibility in terms of space and time. You can choose the unit size that suits your needs, whether you have a few items or an entire household to store. Additionally, our rental terms are typically flexible, allowing you to rent the unit for as long as required, whether it’s a few days, weeks, or months. This flexibility empowers you to plan your move at your own pace.

• Peace of mind – self-storage provides a secure space to store your belongings during the transition. It ensures that your possessions are protected from damage, theft, or loss. With advanced security systems, including surveillance cameras, access control, and individual locks, our Wellingborough self-storage facilities can offer that extra reassurance.

• More room to organise your things – lastly, self-storage provides a temporary holding space for furniture or large items that may not fit in your new home immediately. Instead of selling or disposing of these valuable possessions, you can store them until you have the space or the time to decide on their fate.

Thank you for taking the time to read our post – we hope that the information provided has prepared you for your upcoming adventure. If you require assistance with storage solutions, we welcome you to get in touch with our team to ensure that your move is as stress-free as possible. Thanks again.