The village's name originates from the relocation of people when the Ferrers family of Groby turned Bradgate into a deer park.

The people who lived within the estate were moved to the "New Town" - or hamlet as it would have been then, at the ford of the river Lin (once located at the junction of Markfield Lane and Main Street).

Bradgate Park is a popular destination for days out in Leicestershire, home to several herds of deer, and children are often seen paddling in the shallow river Lin, which runs through it.

Bradgate Park attracts walkers and cyclists, and in the summer the village is often full of day-trippers from all around Leicestershire.

The River Lin runs through the village, before flowing through Bradgate Park and joining the reservoir at Cropston.

All Saints Church (built c.1400) is next to the cricket pitch, but the village cemetery lies at the top of the hill on Groby Lane.

Newtown Linford is located within the Mid Leicestershire parliamentary constituency, currently represented by Peter Bedford.

It is within the Forest Bradgate ward of Charnwood Borough Council, on which is represented by Councillor David Snartt.