Nestled in the green landscape of South Cheltenham, Leckhampton is one of Gloucestershire’s most desirable places to live. For families, it offers a safe and welcoming village to settle down in, with plenty of excellent schools, natural spaces, and a strong community spirit.
If you’re searching for a blend between quiet village life and the convenience of larger towns and cities, living in Leckhampton could be the ideal spot for your family. In this area guide, we’ll share exactly what family life is really like in popular Leckhampton, Gloucestershire.
Is Leckhampton a good place to raise a family?
Leckhampton is considered an excellent place to live, particularly for families. It boasts a low crime rate (Propertistics reports 64% lower than the national average) and low anti-social behaviour, making it a safe spot to raise children.
An affluent village, without feeling exclusive, Leckhampton has a wide range of excellent schools, spacious family homes, and transport links to the city of Gloucester and the Cotswolds.
Excellent Schools and Nurseries
Leckhampton’s family-friendly reputation is partly due to the quality of local schools. If you’re moving with young children, you’ll be able to choose from highly rated Leckhampton schools and nurseries, including:
Leckhampton C of E Primary School (Ofsted rated: Good)
The High School Leckhampton (Ofsted rated: Outstanding)
The Richard Pate School (ISI rated: Excellent).
All of these are located within the village, making them easily walkable so you can skip the school-run traffic.
There are also plenty of educational opportunities in the wider Cheltenham area, including preparatory schools, Cheltenham College, and the University of Gloucestershire (which has campuses spread across Cheltenham and the nearby city of Gloucester).
Plenty of Green Space
Leckhampton is surrounded on its southern edge by open countryside, giving you plenty of access to nature walks.
Hike up Leckhampton Hill for stunning views of Cheltenham and a beautiful stretch of the Cotswolds Way. Or walk to Devil’s Chimney and delve into folklore (local legend has it that the devil still resides beneath the earth here).
From Leckhampton to the Cotswolds
Leckhampton is on the very cusp of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with many of the local walks venturing right into this gorgeous part of the British landscape.
This proximity offers your family the opportunity to embrace the countryside while remaining close enough to Leckhampton’s town amenities.
It’s the ideal setting for a weekend adventure with younger (and older!) kids where you can explore the rolling hills and ancient woodlands, be it on foot or by bike, and fully embrace countryside life as a family.
Local Community Activities
Moving to a village with children can feel like a leap, especially if you’re coming from a busier town or city. Leckhampton makes the transition easier thanks to its strong community feel and family-friendly activities.
There’s the Leckhampton Scouts, which is open to both boys and girls. They offer a range of activities that help children build confidence, learn new skills, and make friends outside of school in a supportive, welcoming environment.
The kids can also join in with a variety of sports, including the AT Soccer Camps hosted in association with local schools, Tag Trogans tag rugby club in Cheltenham, and Tumbletots for little ones.
For adults, head to events at Leckhampton Village Hall and become an active part of the neighbourhood. You can also join yoga classes, pottery workshops, and meet your neighbours at The Dug Out Cafe.
Easy Access to Wider Cheltenham
Leckhampton may be a small village, but it's by no means isolated! As part of Cheltenham, you’re a quick bus ride away from the bustling town centre, where you’ll find:
Cheltenham Lido: A popular outdoor swimming pool that’s ideal for the whole family. Check out their events to get involved with the wider Cheltenham community.
Montpellier Gardens: Elegant formal gardens in the heart of town, ideal for picnics, events, and leisurely strolls.
Sandford Park: A larger, family-friendly park with a playground and stunning gardens.
Everyman Theatre: A gorgeous, historic theatre that first opened its doors in 1891, and hosts regular plays, actor workshops, and family-friendly events.
There’s also a wide range of shops and town facilities, including Cheltenham General Hospital.
Easy access to Cheltenham gives families choosing to move to Leckhampton the unique advantage of being a quiet, community-centred village that doesn’t sacrifice the convenience of town life.
Surrounding Areas to Explore
Leckhampton is less than a 25-minute drive away from Gloucester, making it easy to reach the city centre, offering a wealth of cultural attractions, historic docks and family-friendly museums. A perfect place for day trips and educational outings during half-term breaks.
As it’s on the edge of the Cotswolds, you’re also close to some of the most beautiful villages that the UK has to offer. The best villages near Cheltenham include:
Painswick (20-minute drive)
Bourton-on-the-Water (30-minute drive)
Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter (30-minute drive)
Bibury (35-minute drive)
Castle Combe (1 hour drive)
Leckhampton’s wonderful location, and neighbouring villages, at the edge of the Cotswolds gives families plenty to explore.
Homes For Sale in Leckhampton
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to live and raise a family in Gloucestershire with beautiful natural surroundings, excellent schools, and a low crime rate, Leckhampton could be the ideal village. The next step? Start searching for your dream family home.
At Peter Ball, we help families find the perfect property to rent or buy that ticks all your boxes. Start exploring our current properties for sale to see what’s out there and take the next step towards your new home in Leckhampton.
