AN ULTIMATE LOCALS GUIDE TO LEICESTER, UK: HOTELS, ATTRACTIONS, FOOD & DRINK

Leicester in the UK, is located right in the heart of central England and is often overlooked from other cities in England despite having major transport links to larger cities such as London, Birmingham, Edinburgh. It’s best known for the discovery of the last Plantagenet King, Richard III’s remains and now his final resting place; being the underdogs of football who won the premiership league in 2016; the world class Leicester Tigers Rugby Club; and not to mention it’s connection to many playwrights, most notable being Sue Townsend and Joe Orton and then there’s it’s links with the great David Attenborough! The city has so much to offer in terms of its culture, Roman and medieval history, food scene and so much more. As a Leicester born and bread girl, this locals guide to Leicester is a labour of love highlighting places to stay, places to eat and drink, the best city and county attractions, day trips, cultural and historical points of interest. Read on to discover all the good stuff this lively city has to offer.

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Why Visit Leicester?

Leicester, once known as the Roman city of Ratae Corieltauvorum, brings an immersive mix of cultures, in terms of its international and local cuisine, the diversity of those who call the city home, plus its Roman and medieval historical surroundings are simply like no other. It is a city that is completely captivating which is what makes it such a great place to live and visit.

This ultimate locals guide to Leicester provides visitors with a fine directory to plan a break in the city and surrounding county, with carefully curated accommodation options, activities, restaurants, cafes, sporting facilities, local festivals and more. We have also included our favourite local small businesses that we genuinely support so you are also able to contribute to the local economy of our city when you visit.

There is so much to see and do in Leicester for everyone! You just need to decide when you’re coming!

Did you Know? Gary Linker, Gok Wan, Sir David Attenborough Sue Townsend and Engelbert Humperdinck are associated with Leicester? For more celebrities associated with Leicester, refer to, famous people associated with Leicester.

Map of Leicester

How to use the Map: Click on the menu on the left, to reveal a legend of the map locations of places that have been featured in this local’s guide to Leicester

How to Get to Leicester

• Air: East Midlands is the closed airport to Leicester, and is approximately a half an hour by car to the city. Get the most convenient flight times and prices deals via Skyscanner.

• Train: Due to Leicester’s central location, it is served by a number of train lines including East Midlands Railways and is only 1 hour 3 mins to St. Pancras Station and also Cross Country Trains with links to many of the airports. We’d recommend searching on Trainline for train times and rates.

• Car: Leicester can be accessed via the M1 (Junction 21) or the M69 from the north and south of the country. If you’re taking a flight and want to hire a car for flexibility, Rentalcars have some great options

• Bus: Leicester Coach Station is located right in the heart of the city with a frequent service run by National Express throughout England (direct and with connections). Megabus is also a great option if you have flexible travel times (also book train tickets through here).

Car Parking

Many hotels will be able to recommend parking options but here are some of city centre ones.

• The Highcross Shopping Centre – Close to the main shopping and restaurants in the heart of the city (we’ve included the John Lewis Car Park location but there is also the Highcross Rooftop Car Park.
• NCP Dover Street – Closer to the train station and a 10 minute walk to the historic parts of the city.
• NCP Rutland Street – Right beside The Curve Theatre and in the Cultural Quarter.

Best Time To Visit

Leicester is a lively bustling city any time of year but if you love culture a great time to visit is when the city is holding one of its many diverse festivals. Here are a few notable ones to add to your list:

• December: Christmas Lights and Markets throughout the city centre from November onwards.
• Autumn (varies each year) Diwali: The largest celebration for this HIndu festival outside of India.
• February: The Leicester Comedy Festival.
• Summer (dates vary each year); International Street Art Festival (Bring the Paint), Summer in the City, Caribbean carnival (August).
• June: The Riverside Festival: Waterside festival of the arts and crafts and food.

Where to Stay

Leicester city as well as the county has a wonderful range of hotels to choose from that can suit all budgets and tastes. So whether it’s a family friendly low key accommodation you’re after or a chic boutique couples getaway, we have listed some of our favourites in the city centre below. We also compiled a more extensive deep dive into accommodation in our comprehensive guide, the most beautiful hotels in Leicestershire.

• Novotel Leicester Located in the heart of the city centre, a stone’s throw from medieval Leicester and Highcross Shopping Centre. Think modern and sleek interiors and close proximity to bars and restaurants. Find it here: Novotel location I Read all about our stay at Novotel.
• The Gresham ApartHotel Housed in a modern apart-hotel style accommodation, housed in the old Fenwicks building with a rich history. The newest accommodation to be added to the city centre scene. Find it here: The Gresham Aparthotel I Read all about our stay at Gresham Aparthotel.
• St Martins Lodge Grade II listed Georgian building houses this 28 room boutique hotel. Many rooms feature a roll top bath with the hotel having a great location, right opposite the cathedral in medieval Leicester. Find it here: St Martin’s Lodge location I Read all about our stay at St. Martin’s Lodge.

• Winstanley House A stunning Grade II listed Georgian house, now a stunning boutique hotel located just out of the city centre with 19 bedrooms and the famous Black Iron restaurant. Find it here: Winstanley House location I Read what other guests are saying about Winstanley House.

• Marriott Hotel Located just off the M1 with easy links in and out of the city, the hotel is modern with beautiful rooms and a cocktail bar and pool. Find it here: Marriott Leicester location I Read what other guests are saying about the Marriott.

• Belmont Hotel A boutique hotel found on the leafy, tree lined pedestrian walkway known as New Walk, this boutique hotel dates back to the 1930’s. They also do a pretty good afternoon tea! Find it here: Belmont Hotel I Read what other guests are saying about the Belmont Hotel.
• VOCO Hotel This stylish yet cool hotel feels a little like you’re in Brooklyn, NYC with it’s warehouse feel inside. It’s well located right next door to the Mattioli Woods Leicester Tigers Rugby Stadium. Find it Here: VOCO Hotel by IHG location I Read what other guests are saying about VOVO.

Top 16 Things to do in Leicester By a Local

There is just so much to do and see in Leicester, and here we’ve tried to break things down in a more manageable format, linking to our other articles that go into further depth about attractions and activities to avoid replication. This way you can pick and choose what interests you. Here are our top 12 things to do from a locals perspective if you’re visiting Leicester for the first time.

#1. Go on a historical self-guided Leicester walking tour.

For those who love history, especially dating back to the Roman and medieval times, Leicester has a lot of it and that may be quite surprising. We’d recommend having a read of our article ‘A locals guide to historic Leicester‘, for the location of many of the points of interest and the stories behind them. Also when you walk around Leicester city centre and the surroundings, keep an eye out for the ‘Story of Leicester boards’ that are essentially a heritage walking trail by Visit Leicester.

Alternatively, if you’re short of time, then we recommend the below walking tour, led by a local that can be customised to your interest for upto 6 hours and has so many tips and recommendations that only a local can provode insight into.

Be-lavie Tip: There are over 300 heritage panels that showcase the colourful 2,000 year history of Leicester. They aim to play homage to the people, places and events of Leicester’s past. The panels are all colour codes for specific eras and topics and give visitors and residents a chance to learn more about Leicester’s extensive story dating back to Roman times, through the Middle Ages, the city’s manufacturing, engineering and transport history, the Victorian era into the present day. Maps are available from the Visit Leicester Tourist Information Centre.

#2. Visit The National Space Centre

This is a must when visiting Leicester, and especially if you have children as they have so many wonderful activities for them to get involved with. The award-winning National Space Centre, is where you’ll see the UK’s largest planetarium with six interactive galleries and a forty two metre iconic rocket tower.

You don’t have to have children to visit the space centre as it’s a fascinating day out and we’d say you could easily spend hours here being entertained by the 150 hands on elements they have. It’s a very short walk from Abbey Park and right next to Abbey Pumping Museum.

• Street Location I Exploration Drive, Leicester LE4 5NS I Find it Here: Map Location I Details: Opening times & entry fares.

#3. Take a Self-Guided Street Art Tour

Leicester is well known for it’s regeneration of urban space through street art, in fact, it hosts the award-winning, International Street Art Festival, ‘Bring the Paint’ every two years. The week long event invites street artists and graffiti artists from all over the world to unite in the city and produce murals and artworks in designated spaces all over the city.

Graffwerk are a multifaceted arts project team that focus on aerosol art with the aim of redefining the visual landscape of cities through the use of street art. They have locations of the street art in Leicester on their website and we’d suggest you start by heading to the Cultural Quarter and Frog Island to see some fine examples. We’ve showcased some of the street art in ‘The Urban Street Art Scene Transforming Leicester‘.

#4. Culture Vultures Head to Leicester’s Speciality Museums

Leicester has a wonderful diverse range of museums to visit in the city centre or located a short walk or bus ride away. .

New Walk Museum & Art Gallery

Dating back to 1849 and was one of the first public museums in the UK, for its diverse selection of geological rocks, the Rutland dinosaur skeleton (very impressive), a section of Egyptology, natural and social history as well as art collections. They also have local artist exhibitions, New Walk Museum & Art Gallery Map Location.

L-R: EXTERIOR OF NEW WALK MUSEUM & EGYPTOLOGY GALLERY. MUMMY TOMB IN GLASS CABINET.

Newarke Houses Museum & Gardens

Displays include a cinema experience, a collection of toys from Tudor to present day and a play area for children to try various games, a cobbled stone street with shops depicting the ones in the city in the 1950s, local regiment history as well as beautiful gardens to the rear. Newarke Houses Museum & Art Gallery Map Location.

L-R: EXTERIOR OF NEWARKE HOUSES MUSEUM & THE HABERDASHERY SHOP RECONSTRUCTION

Abbey Pumping Museum

See collections of industrial, technological and scientific items relating to Leicester. The pump house has four working examples of Woolf compound rotative beam engines made by Gimsons, a Leicester engineering business. Visitors can see the beam engines up close and and operational during selected events. Abbey Pumping Museum Map Location.

L-R:EXTERIOR OF ABBEY PUMPING STATION & ENGINE ROOM.

Be-lavie Tip: The museums listed above are all free to visit however donations are very much appreciated.

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

The Van Gogh Experience has been in Leicester for many years and you can see it at All Saint’s Church close to Leicester City Centre. The experience will let you discover the life of the artist in a new way: his time at the convent and in Arles, the secrets from the letters he wrote to his brother and much more. You will participate in a unique sound and light show that will immerse you in the world renowned and familiar images of Vincent Van Gogh. No one will leave untouched. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a 360 degree experience in the universe of one of the greatest geniuses of the last century.

• Street Location: All Saints Church, 107 Highcross St, Leicester LE1 4PH I Find it Here: Map Location I Details: Opening hours & Admission

#5. Visit The Richard III Visitor Centre & Leicester Cathedral

King Richard III Visitor Centre

No visit to Leicester is complete without heading to the award winning King Richard III Visitor Centre, which charts the story of one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told. Learn about the discovery of the bones of the last Plantagenate King right through to all the DNA fingerprinting work by researchers from University of Leicester performed right up until his reinterment ceremony on 15 March 2015. It also has a lot of information of the history and background of the King who died at the Battle of Bosworth in Leicestershire. Visitors can see through glass floor panels where the kings remains were found at the visitor centre.

• Street Location: 4A St Martins, Leicester LE1 5DB I Find it here: Map location I Details: Opening times & entry fares.

Leicester Cathedral

Right across the road from King Richard III Visitor Centre is Leicester Cathedral, where it’s possible to see the final resting place of King Richard III. Take a moment to truly absorb the history and architecture of this 900 year old medieval cathedral with its spire, home to a family peregrine falcons, whom you are bound to hear and can watch a live stream from the cathedral’s website, together with a new heritage centre which was opened in June 2025.

The tomb has been made from Swaledale fossil stone and Kilkenny limestone and features a two tonne block of Swaledale fossil limestone, with a deep cross cut into it, resting on a plinth of Kilkenny limestone. The plinth also bears the monarch’s name, dates, motto, and coat of arms. 

L-R: INSIDE LEICESTER CATHEDRAL & KING RICHARD III TOMB

• Street Location: St Martins House, 2 Peacock Ln, Leicester LE1 5PZ I Find it here: Map location I Details: Opening times & entry fares.

#6 Mooch Around Leicester’s Independent Shops at St Martin’s Square

The Lanes, located around St Martin’s Square in Leicester, are where you’ll find plenty of small independent stores as well as great places to eat and drink. There’s a really cool international food vibe and other local businesses with more niche shops in the area. It’s always worth supporting local and we always advocate this, in fact we head to a lot of the bars and cafes in this area ourselves and love the individual vibe. The best way to discover this area is walking up and down the little myriad of lanes.

For more independent stores checkout Silver Arcade, Malcom Arcade and Royal Arcade for shoes, artwork, artefacts, pre-loved clothing, quirky cafes and more.

#7. Take In a Show at One of Leicester’s Theatres

When it comes to performing arts, Leicester has a few great options where visitors can either get a last minute ticket if availability allows or pre-book way ahead of a visit. Here are our main recommendations:

• Curve Theatre – this is the main theatre in Leicester and is located quite aptly in the Cultural Quarter. It has an impressive line-up of ‘Made at Curve‘ shows as well as many smash hit West-End and International touring performances. Keep an eye out during you’re visiting especially mid-November to early January as they always have a wonderful production at this time of year. It’s named Curve due to it’s award winning and unique circular design which enables viewers to get an unobstructed view of the stage from most angles. Read more of our Leicester Curve theatre reviews (scroll to end of page).

• The Little Theatre – This smaller quainter theatre is also located in Leicester City Centre and Leicester Drama Society. The Theatre has a main auditorium seating 349, along with an additional studio space and is a really lovely inviting environment for more intimate shows.
• The Y Theatre – This is Leicester’s oldest theatre, located right across the road from the railway station and hosts an eclectic mix of comedy, theatre, dance, spoken word and more. The Y Theatre is a Community focused nonprofit named after the YMCA.
• Demontfort Hall – This has to be the largest performing arts venue in Leicester and can seat between 400 and 2,200 people. The space is known for music concerts, Musicals, large scale shows, pantermines as well as hosting famous comedy acts.

• Kilworth House Theatre – Located in the heart of the countryside, this partial open air theatre is perfect for a treat away from the city. It’s on the grounds of the beautiful Kilworth House Hotel, if you fancy making a night of it and staying over in one of their beautiful rooms. They host great West-End style shows here, if you fancy some time away from the city scene.

#8. Head to Leicester Market (Once Europe’s Largest Covered Market).

Leicester market has a long standing history dating back 700 years and was named Europe’s largest covered market although now the site has been undergoing redevelopment with the market stalls being moved to Green Dragon Square. Stalls include fruit and vegetables, clothing, hairdressers, a fab falafel outlet (Just Falafel), hardware, electrical and international produce.

There is a portion of the market which is indoors and specialises in local cheeses, meats, poultry and fish which is a great place to source local ingredients from Leicester’s surrounding county and the villages that make it up. It’s a great place to pick up picnic items and head to one of the open spaces to enjoy some casual al fresco snacks. There is no better way to support local than heading to Leicester Market.

Top: Market stalls. Bottom: L-R Cheese stall and falafel from Just Falafel

• Street Location: 2 Market Place, Leicester LE1 5GF (temporarily at Blue Dragon Square) I Find it here: Map Location.

#9. Take A Stroll to the Golden Mile

Walk 25minutes from the city centre towards Belgrave Road , also known as The Golden Mile. This is one of Leicester’s most vibrant and culturally unique places to visit and is also home to the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India. It’s home to Leicester’s Indian community, where many Uganda Asians first came when they were expelled by Idi Amin in 1972. They as well as other Indian Asians have built many businesses here from jewellery stores to restaurants, groceries, music and clothing outlets. We’d definitely recommend a visit . Whilst your there pop into one of the many restaurants or cafes for some traditional Indian cuisine at Bobby’s, Chai Pani or Sharmilee.

Be-lavie Tip: Belgrave Road was an ancient Roman link road now known for its Indian fashion, spice bazaars, jewellery shops and of course for hosting the biggest Diwali celebrations each year outside of India.

#10. Enjoy A Weekend Brunch in The City

Weekends, especially Saturdays are quite popular in the city for brunches, with many places now offering bottomless brunch options as well as regular long laid back brunch offerings. We’d suggest heading to Audrey or The Frame for bottomless brunches, Kai, Knight & Garter, Merchant of Venice, &Kith, La Foret Cafe, Mrs Bridges Tea Rooms, Bryter Moon Deli, Orso and James Deli cafe for a more laid back casual experience.

Scroll a little further further down in this article in the ‘Where to Eat’ section to see our linked suggestions with all details in our round-up article of 11 Independent Places To Have Brunch in Leicester City Centre.

#11. Head to One of The City’s Sporting Venues

Sporting fans will be aware that Leicester is well known for its sport inclduing football, Rugby, Basketball and Cricket. If you’re in the city for the sport then we’d recommend you buy tickets for events as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Club locations and further information below:

• Leicester King Power Stadium I Find it here: Map location I Further Information: Games, Matches & Tickets.
• Leicester Tigers, Rugby Club I Find it here: Map location I Further Information: Games, Matches & Tickets.
• Leicestershire County Cricket Club I Find it here: Map location I Further Information: Games, Matches & Tickets.
• Leicester Riders Basketball at Mattioli Centre I Find it here: Map location I Further Information: Games, Matches & Tickets.

Take Part in Sporting Activities

Additionally if you enjoy getting involved in outdoor activities why not look into hiring a Kayak and going Kayaking on the River Soar from Get Lost Leicester’s base in Barrow-upon Soar. You can even pop into one of the pubs halfway through for a little kayak pit stop!

For those who fancy open water swimming or learning to dive at the National Dive Centre, head to Stoney Cove located in Stoney Stanton in the National Forest. They even have a a restaurant so you can make a day out of your visit. It’s possibel to hire bikes from here to and cycle around the surrounding trails.

#12. Get Out Of The City & Visit Green Spaces

• Bradgate Park – A personal favourite for seasonal walks, this huge, 850 acres of parkland in Newtown Linford provides acres of fresh green space, deer, peacocks and is very rich in history. Infact, it used to be the home of Lady Jane Grey. It’s a particularly lovely spot for picnics in the summer or during the autumn time. If you love autumnal walks then these historic autumnal walks in Leicester may be right up your street! Find it here: Map Location.

• Wistow Maze – Explore one of the country’s largest Maze if you fancy a mind and body exercise. Also a great way to keep the kids entertained for a while! Find it here: Map Location.
• Foxton Locks – On the line of the Grand Union canal, this 10 lock canal consists of two staircase locks and is a great place to walk and discover the history of this system at the on site museum and a visit to the local watering hole. Find it here: Map Location.

• Belvoir Castle – A fabulous day out in the vale of Belvoir, have a peruse of the beautifully manicured gardens and stunning castle, the home of the Duke & Duchess of Rutland. One of the most stunning places you will visit in the area. Find it here: Map Location.

#13 Visit One of the Local Parks in the City or County.

Leicester has many beautiful open spaces to walk around and get some fresh air. They are well maintained and some are stunningly landscaped. Pick as many as you like from the line up in the Leicester Parks below. Many are just a short walk away from the city centre whilst others are great if you have access to a car and can get out into the countryside and Leicestershire surroundings. Leicester Parks has all the information by Leicester council related to the outdoor green spaces in the city.

Abbey Park

Having first opened in 1882 and later expanded in 1932, this beautiful landscaped park incorporates the medieval ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey and Cavendish house within it’s stunning grounds. This grade II listed riverside park, taking up 32 acres, comprises of Victorian gardens, a boating lake, outside Peppercorns cafe, is a statue of Cardinal Wolsey, buried in Abbey Church. There is also a sensory garden, Japanese garden, bandstand, miniature railway, children’s playground, all making up centuries old heritage. Abbey park is around a 20-30 minute walk from the city centre.

Abbey Park Map Location.

Victoria Park

This city park is around a 30 minute walk from the city centre via New Walk and is most commonly known for its memorial arch, walking trails and children’s play areas. The park hosts festivals and concerts throughout the year and is right next to the Leicester University Campus. Victoria Park used to the be old City racecourse in the Victorian times.

Victoria Park Map Location.

New Walk

This Georgian walkway or promenade, further laid out in 1975 as it is today, a means to connect the city centre of Leicester to Victoria Park, which is where the city’s racecourse was in later victorian times. The walkway has great preserved Victorian character from its buildings and it’s distinct tree lined path which opens out onto small open gardens with benches. New Walk gives access to New Walk Museum & Art Gallery.

New Walk Map Location.

Leicester University Botanic Garden

This 16 acre space is made up of the most beautiful collection of plants and flowers. Completely free to visit, here you can walk around and admire the manor houses as well as numerous gardens. These include Japanese inspired, wild gardens, tropical greenhouses, cacti, as well as a stunning fish pond, home to a collection of Coi carp. If you have green fingers, this is the place to see many plants and flowers and watch the gardeners working away, simply sit and relax in this peaceful area which is right opposite Leicester Racecourse.

Leicester Botanic Garden Map Location.

L-R WILD FLOWER FIELD & MANOR HOUSE

Castle Gardens

This quaint park sits right beside the Grand Union Canal and features beautiful landscaped blooming trees, gardens, picnic areas & walking paths. It’s perfect for a little time away from the hustle and bustle of the city and is right beside the De Montfort University Campus. It’s also close to St Mary de Castro Church and Leicester Castle so it’s worth walking around the area a little for a short history lesson and reading the Story of Leicester boards.

Castle Gardens Map Location.

Trinity House Herb Garden

Behind Trinity House, an old infirmary, is a herb garden where plants and herbs were grown for medicinal purposes for the patients. Today you will find Chives, Spearmint, Thyme, Parsley to mention a few and beautiful lavender along with many other plants, shrubs and even grape vines.

The building is now owned by De Montfort University and the chapel can be visited by the public. It’s a serene oasis and perfect for an afternoon of reading or taking in the medieval past of Leicester.

Trinity House Herb Garden Map Location.

Knighton Park

Knighton Park is a 76 acre and is full of trees, shrubs and flower beds. It also has a children’s Sensory Play area with a wheelchair accessible roundabout, a Changing Places Facility. Coffee, hot chocolates, teas and cakes are provided by Scruffy Thomas which is close to the play area. The park is located in a residential district, Knighton and is perfect for families, dog walks and leisurely strolls.

Knighton Park Map Location

Bradgate Park

This country park in located in Newtown Linford and is around a 35 minute drive from Leicester City Centre. It covers over 830 acres, steeped in history, teeming with wonderful wildlife, the UK’s oldest fossils, 550 red and fallow deer, peacocks, bee hives and the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey.

Bradgate Park Map Location

Swithland Wood

Covering an area of 170 acres, Swithland Wood is located right across the road from Bradgate Park. It’s part of the Charnwood Forest Trust and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its diverse flora and fauna species. It’s the perfect place for walking, enjoying some country air or walking dogs.

Swithland Wood Map Location.

Beacon Hill Country Park

Part of the National Forest, just like Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood, Beacon Hill is is thought to be one of the earliest known places where man made home. It’s said to be the Bronze Age Hill Fort since a line of defensive earthworks was discovered near the summit of the Hill.  In 1858, this was confirmed when bronze jewellery, an axe and spear head were found at the site.

Beacon Hill is full of livestock, a bluebell wood, interesting rock formations for those interested in geology and also has a cafe to fuel up whilst walking.

Beacon Hill Map Location.

#13. Visit Heritage Properties

As you’ve probably read during the course of our article, Leicester has lots of heritage properties. Here are a couple located in Leicestershire that we’d recommend visiting if you can spare the time. Although it’s possible to go via public transport such as train or bus, this may be slightly trickier and a car would be your best and most direct bet.

• Ashby de la Zouch Castle – A short distance out of Leicester, in Ashby, this former house ruins makes for a perfect day out and even provides you with an audio guide for a real feel for the site. Ashby Castle is a English Heritage Property and we’d recommend getting English Heritage Membership you like visiting old preserved ruins and gardens to make things more cost effective, especially for families. We have the joint membership but it’s also available for families, individual and seniors.
• Kirby Muxloe Castle – A gorgeous castle surrounded by a moat, compete with a turret or two. Spend some time at leisure checking out the area with a picnic. Kirby Castle is also a English Heritage property.
• Stoneywell – Located in Ulverscroft, in the National Forest, Stoneywell is a family cottage with quirky rooms, original furniture and family treasures that depicts the realisation of one mans arts and crafts vision within a family home. There’s a fort and woodland nearby too. Stoneywell is part of the National Trust and we used our lifetime membership to get free entry and parking as with all national Trust properties for members.
  

If like us you love English Heritage or National Trust membership, then have a read for some inspiration for places to visit at 10 sites to explore with English Heritage and 10 UK National Trust properties to visit.

Heritage Open Days

When visiting Leicester, keep your eyes peeled for Heritage Open Days, where the public can get free guided tours of many of the heritage properties in Leicester. The majority are based in the city centre area with a few slightly out. We’ve been on quite a few of these personally and find the guides to be very knowledgeable with lots of historical information and its great for casual learning in a small group of like minded people. Our favourite Heritage Open Day tours have been the Magazine Gateway, Leicester Castle, St Mary de Castro Church, Hidden Gems of Leicester Cathedral and Leicester Orthodox Synagogue.

Be-lavie Tip: You must book a tour well in advance to avoid disappointment, head to the Heritage Open days website to check dates and book.

#14. Explore The National Forest

If like us you enjoy spending time in Nature and enjoy some adventure fun including hikes, walking trails or maybe cycling, then we’d thoroughly recommend visiting the National Forest. Here are some of our favourite spots that we think you’ll like. The best way to access these in our opinion is by car. There are car parks at all venues too for a small fee that goes back into maintaining these free outdoor spaces:

• Bradgate Park – perfect for seasonal walks, this huge, 850 acres of parkland in Newtown Linford provides acres of fresh green space, deer, peacocks and is very rich in history. Infact, it used to be the home of Lady Jane Grey. It’s a particularly lovely spot for picnics in the summer or during the autumn time. If you love autumnal walks then these historic autumnal walks in Leicester may be right up your street! Find it here: Map Location.
• Swithland Wood -Covering an area of 170 acres, Swithland Wood is located right across the road from Bradgate Park. It’s part of the Charnwood Forest Trust and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its diverse flora and fauna species. It’s the perfect place for walking, enjoying some country air or walking dogs. Find it Here: Map Location.
• Beacon Hill Country Park – Part of the National Forest, just like Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood, Beacon Hill is is thought to be one of the earliest known places where man made home. It’s said to be the Bronze Age Hill Fort since a line of defensive earthworks was discovered near the summit of the Hill.  In 1858, this was confirmed when bronze jewellery, an axe and spear head were found at the site. Beacon Hill is full of livestock, a bluebell wood, interesting rock formations for those interested in Geology and also has a cafe to fuel up whilst walking. Find it Here: Map Location.
• Stoneywell – This is a family cottage with quirky rooms, original furniture and family treasures that depicts the realisation of one mans arts and crafts vision within a family home. There’s a fort and woodland nearby too. Stoneywell is part of the National Trust and we used our lifetime membership to get free entry and parking as with all national Trust properties for members. Find it Here: Map Location.
• Mount St. Bernard Abbey – founded in 1835, this Roman Catholic monastic community of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance is a great find. If you love gardens then they have some wonderful ones here amidst walking trails behind the monastery. There are around 35 monks residing at the Abbey who divide their time between prayer, Bible study and work on their dairy farm and pottery. You can visit the church, and buy some of their varied produce in the gift shop such at the Trappist Beer which is brewed right on site here. Tynt Meadow, Mount St Bernard Trappist Brewery, is an acquired taste in our opinion but definitely worth a try, especially when visiting, pick up a bottle or two from the gift shop. Find it Here: Map Location.

#15. Neighbourhoods to Visit Close to the City Centre

A couple of our favourites which are within walking distance from Leicester City Centre are Clarendon Park and Stoneygate. Both leafy residential areas with beautiful houses and a community feel centred around a main road with eateries, bars and small independent shops.

• Clarendon Park – This leafy suburb is not only where I grew up but also has a lovely local shopping road called Queens Road. It’s packed full of lovely restaurants, bars, gift shops, coffee hangouts and is a lovely chilled area to take in the local scenes. It’s around a 20-30 minute walk from the city via Victoria Park and New Walk. Head to Queens Road which is the main street in Clarendon Park to hang out.

• Stoneygate Shopping – Another of Leicester’s suburbs, Stoneygate is within easy reach of the city centre and has some lovely coffee and cake stops as well as gift shops, bars, a yoga centre, great brunch spots, beauty salons and much more! We’d suggest walking straight up London road from the train station and a brisk walk would take around 40-45 minutes to get to Francis Street, the main shopping street.

#16. Spend the day on the Great Central Railway

Train enthusiast will know all about the beautifully preserved longest single track railway in England, The Great Central Railway, located in Loughborough, which is only a short train ride away from Leicester’s North Station which is a 15 minute drive away from the city centre.

Ride steam engines and trains that go between the stations of Leicester North, Loughborough, Rothley, and Quorn & Woodhouse. Great to see the workings of these trains from a bygone era and the work that goes on in keeping this historic track open to visitors by dedicated volunteers. The stations are in keeping with the old world charm and have waiting rooms, little shops and tea rooms and stacks of old leather suitcases and posters that decorate the walls. Have a peruse of the times and fares for most convenient journeys during your visit.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion whilst visiting, we’d thoroughly recommend making a reservation for either Afternoon tea on the Great Central Railway carriage or a first-class evening dining expereicens aboard the Great Central Railway. We’ve done both and they are truly memorable experiences, where you can get off at specified stations to walk along the platform or make a stop at Swithland viaduct to see the sunset!

L-R: LOUGHBOROUGH GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY & FIRST-CLASS DINING EXPERIENCE

Be-lavie Fact: Loughborough Great Central Railway Station has been used in many movies including British TV series, The Crown.

Leicester Villages

• Woodhouse Eaves – A picturesque village with pretty cottages, a village hall and some great restaurants.
• Swithland – Sits adjacent to Woodhouse Eaves with a history of slate production and local stone.
• Kirkby Mallory – A small cute village, where famed Mallory Racing Circuit is located. It’s a lovely place to escape the city and maybe stay in a cabin complete with hot tub. The village has some great history too with a link to Lord Byron, which you can read about in Mallory Meadows: a boutique cabin stay in Leicestershire.
• Rothley – Rothley is another one of Leicester’s villages that is perfect for a walk around, especially the Saxon history and small village vibes. Head to the Rothley court Hotel for a drink or visit Rothley Wine, The award winning artisan vineyard is open for visits by appointment only.

Day Trips From Leicester

Due to Leicester’s fantastic location right in the centre of England, it’s perfect if you’re combining the city with a much longer trip and using it as a base, there are great transport links to a number of locations. Here are some of our favourite day trip otions:

• Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire I Car 45 mins I Train 1 hour 7 mins. Our guide on why you should visit Leamington Spa.
• Uppingham, Rutland I Car 35 mins i Train 51 mins. If you like beautiful quaint villages, read these guides on Exton and Seaton in the county of Rutland. Looking for somewhere to stay in Rutland? look no further than the Rutland Hall Hotel & Spa or the Marquess of Exeter in Lyddington.
• London I Car 2 hours I Train 1 hour 5 mins.
• Northamptonshire (Harringworth) car (best option) 45 mins. Harringworth is a pretty village in Northamptonshire, we’d recommend visiting, with its stone buildings and historic viaduct.
• Coventry, West Midlands Car 40 mins I Train 51 mins.
• Wells-next-the-sea, Norfolk I Car (best option) 3 hours 25 mins. See our wider guide on visiting the best of Norfolk + where to stay and eat too!