The Vintage House That Could goes to Market Bosworth

Katie Sutton, event stylist and founder of The Vintage House That Could, guides us around the vintage delights of her home turf of Market Bosworth and its surrounding villages

After moving into a nearby village 11 years ago, Market Bosworth has become a home from home. It’s the perfect base for exploring the area and within a couple of minutes you’re in glorious countryside and picture-postcard villages, not to mention the legendary Battle of Bosworth battlefield.

Market day

On this particular windy Sunday the cobbled square, which dates back to the 8th century, is home to the very popular monthly farmers’ market and the smell of free-range, locally made sausages wafting in the air is almost too much to bear. I wander around, sampling the huge array of food and beverages – but the pull of the shops is too tempting. One of the newest in town is Content, a beautifully styled store selling a selection of homeware, furniture and vintage.

So square

Next door is Thistle Cottage, one of the oldest buildings on the square, dating back to 1640 and now a cosy café. I order a welcome hot chocolate to warm my hands. The café is always busy, and a popular stop for cyclists, walkers and families. With my hands now less frozen I wander over the road – there’s plenty of eye-candy what with the historic school, Dixie Grammar, and splendid Georgian houses – but I stay focused as I want to buy some flowers at Rose & Radish. I then head down the street to Bosworth Antiques. The same proprietor, John Thorpe, has owned this treasure trove in a gorgeous old building for 35 years.

My next stop is the imposing Grade II-listed stately home, Bosworth Hall. Now a hotel and conference centre, this beautiful building holds so much history, going back to 1629. Notable residents include Samuel Johnson and Sir Wolstan Dixie, who built the hall and created the school that still stands today.

Hidden gem

A couple of miles outside Market Bosworth is a lovely, quaint village, Shenton. Whitemoors Antiques Centre is nestled into a corner of Shenton and a real treat. With old farm buildings housing room upon room of vintage and antique treasures, more containers outside, a Victorian sweet shop and a mouth-watering tearoom, it is a must-visit.

On the railway

Passing the historic site that saw the Battle of Bosworth, now a visitor centre and Tithe Barn Café, I continue on to the picturesque village of Shackerstone. This is another family favourite of ours as we like to visit The Battlefield Line railway. It runs on certain days from Shackerstone via Market Bosworth to Shenton. Shackerstone Station is at the northern end of the line, and is the headquarters of the railway with museum and Victorian tearoom souvenir shop.

Sunday best

Feeling suitably happy with my vintage fix, I head home to use my primroses and books for some Sunday afternoon faffing. Living in such close proximity to all of these fabulous places makes me feel very lucky, and the best bit is we have a huge selection of pubs to choose from for Sunday lunch. Well, I haven’t got time to cook now!