Once greatly recognized for Walker’s Crisps as well as Gary Lineker, Leicester flew very much under the cultural radar up until the 2010s. Yet with the discovery of King Richard III in a city parking area in 2012 and the legendary 2016 Premier League win, the East Midlands city is on the map– and with a cultural regrowth, restored city center, and lots of fantastic locations to go, it’s a genuine location.
Whether it’s the city’s prospering bar and also food scene, budding independent arts community or rich heritage for the history or nature enthusiasts, there is something for all choices. Here are the best places to check out if you’re heading to the location.
1. The Space Centre
What is it? Integrated in 2001, the National Area Centre is a museum and also an educational centre packed with rockets, exhibitions, galleries, and also the UK’s biggest planetarium. Obviously, it’s the only museum worldwide to house upright space rockets inside your home.
Why go? The Room Centre is fantastic for youngsters, yet even if you do not have any type of, it’s still an enjoyable day out. You can check out the planetarium, have a look at actual rockets, discover what it’s like to reside in area, as well as appreciate 150 various other interactive exhibits. They also placed on routine occasions and movie clubs.
2. Golden Mile
What is it? Leicester is well-known for its Indian dining establishments and shops, and also you can find lots of places to get genuine food, seasonings, garments and also other products along the Golden Mile. It’s simply a ten-minute stroll from the centre on Belgrave Road, which then develops into Melton Road, at the heart of the city’s Asian community.
Why go? Along with being able to acquire anything you might potentially require, the Golden Mile is home to fantastic restaurants, like the acclaimed Curry High temperature. If you’re around in November, the Golden Mile is also host to the greatest Diwali celebrations beyond India.
3. King Power Stadium
What is it? One for the football fans, the King Power stadium is residence to Leicester City Football Club. Located on Filbert Method, the arena is the twentieth biggest in England and rests a little outside the centre.
Why go? There isn’t much to do at the stadium unless there’s a video game on, yet if you’re a fan, it’s a must-see expedition. You can walk the ground, take a tour, have your picture taken, see the gift shop, and also attempt to feel some of the enjoyment that fans and also players really felt when they won the Premier Organization.
4. Leicester Sanctuary
What is it? When ‘The King Under the Car Park’ was uncovered in 2012, Leicester had one of the most positive press it had had in years. Following research studies on the remains as well as a party that Benedict Cumberbatch participated in, Richard III was buried at Leicester Basilica, where he stays today.
Why go? Richard III is a huge part of Leicester’s history, and also the sanctuary itself is a spectacular structure right near the centre of town. Visiting his tomb will not take long, yet if you’re interested, the site visitor centre is nearby and provides a ton of intriguing academic sources regarding the King and also the look for him.
5. King Richard III Visitors Centre
What is it? Leicester is a wonderful place if you like background; actually, it is just one of the oldest cities in England!
Why go? Recognized for being the place where King Richard III was killed in the Fight of Bosworth, the city came under the limelight in 2012 when the king’s remains were unexpectedly located under a parking lot. Located in the old town, the restored Alderman Newton’s Institution building is now residence to the King Richard III Visitors Centre where background buffs as well as newbies alike can find out more regarding the missing king through electronic reimaginings, artefacts and the forensic scientific research that assisted strengthen his identification.
6. Grand Union Canal
What is it? While Leicester is totally landlocked, it is residence to a variety of green spaces and rivers. The Grand Union Canal runs from London to Birmingham, reducing straight with Leicester and offering a good, peaceful walkway mins from the busy city.
Why go? It can obtain rather busy in Leicester centre, and just strolling along the canal can feel like you’re elsewhere entirely. If you stroll much sufficient in either direction, you can find yourself at the Space Centre, Abbey Park, or the Aylestone Meadows nature book.
7. Bradgate Park
What is it? A 25-minute drive from the city centre, Bradgate Park is a favourite among outdoor-loving residents for both its area and also its closeness.
Why go? Home to free-ranging red as well as fallow deer herds, the park is an uncommon possibility to see the animals in their natural environment. The damages of Bradgate Home– the youth residence of Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for 9 days– are visible to walkers, whilst the eighteenth-century landmark of Old John’s Tower sits on the acme of the park as well as is free for all to check out. Pitch up with a picnic if the climate holds out.
8. Leicester Market
What is it? Right in the centre of community near the clock tower, Leicester Market is the largest protected exterior market in Europe and has been precisely where it rests now for 700 years. The area is likewise house to a Lloyd’s Bar and also a statuary of the fifth Battle Each Other of Rutland.
Why go? For the most authentic Leicester experience, wander around the market on a Saturday afternoon to browse fruit, veg, clothing, and other items at the 270 stalls. The marketplace sells anything you can perhaps need, however it’s additionally simply a terrific place to soak up the vibes.
9. Abbey Park
What is it? Abbey Park is a mile north of the city centre, yet it’s well worth the journey due to the fact that you’ll seem like you’re elsewhere totally. Home to Leicester Abbey, the River Skyrocket flows via the park, and you can likewise discover a small railway, café, and a boating lake there.
Why go? The park is ideal for a little getaway in the summer season either with youngsters or alone– you can play sports, lounge around, or just cool off with an ice cream. It’s additionally a terrific location to visit in the colder months, as the park holds firework celebrations and other events each year.
10. #LastFriday at LCB Depot
What is it? Every person loves a little street food, right? Held on the last Friday of on a monthly basis at LCB Depot in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter, the appropriately called #LastFriday brings the most effective of the city’s independent vendors right into the location’s yard for an evening of music, art, hanging out and also great ol’ made grub.
Why go? Whilst the brand names pitching up on any type of offered night tend to be on turning, visitors can anticipate to run into greasy burgers, stonebaked pizza and also scrumptious Greek food. The vegetarians as well as vegans are constantly catered for, so see out the working week by grabbing a seat and also cracking a bevvie.
11. New Stroll
What is it? Leicester’s New Walk area is a pedestrianised pathway that runs out of the city centre to Victoria Park. It’s lined with bars as well as restaurants and includes the New Stroll Museum.
Why go? The stroll down the course behaves by itself, yet it deserves looking into the museum– it’s completely cost-free and house to Old Egyptian and also dinosaur exhibitions along with routine events. If you reach completion you’ll come to Victoria Park (locally referred to as Vicky) where you can roam, consider war memorials, and also look into the renowned Caribbean Carnival on the very first Saturday of August.
12. Phoenix metro Movie theater
What is it? Possibly one of the primary cultural centers of the city, the Phoenix metro is an independent movie theater which– thus many arts locations– weathered some tough times when it concerned the succession of pandemic lockdowns. Thankfully, it has made it through the tornado and also continues bringing a wide array of film and art to Leicester.
Why go? Whilst its programme does cover an option of smash hits, it is the persistent support of indie and also foreign-language film plus job by arising filmmakers that makes Phoenix such an important location. Plus the group even host short programs for movie lovers.
13. Firebug
What is it? A long-lasting Leicester organization, Firebug is a late-night bar and also venue that covers all type of needs. A little more laidback than other bars in the area, Firebug serves food, alcoholic drinks, as well as anything else you could want.
Why go? In a studenty area, it’s tough to locate someplace cool that isn’t likewise stale or expensive. Firebug is open till 4am every evening of the week, playing a mix of preferred as well as different songs and consistently placing on quizzes, movie evenings, concerts, and various other occasions.
14. Gate 38
What is it? Leicester contains bars, so it takes something a little various to attract attention. Entrance 38 on Belvoir Road is a club with a twist– it’s aircraft-themed, and has actually seats developed to appear like you’re being in an airplane (total with little home windows).
Why go? Entrance 38 has rather a young crowd as it’s in the De Montfort College location, but it deserves nipping in for at least one– the novelty of getting your photo taken while resting drinking in a phony plane makes it worth the stroll.
15. University of Leicester botanic garden
What is it? The College of Leicester botanic garden rests simply outside the centre, technically in Oadby. However, it stays a must-visit– it has the Attenborough Arboretum and tons of different plants across acres of yard as well as glasshouses.
Why go? The botanic garden’s main objective is to underpin scientific study and also use an area for pupils to find out, yet it is also a charming area to spend a day. Its water attributes, sculptures, benches as well as plant life, make it the best area for a stroll.
