Leicester often gets a bad wrap in the UK – or, more often, completely forgotten about. But with two museums that most other cities would be jealous of, a pretty historic centre and an incredible food scene, this vibrant midlands city is well worth a visit. Here are some great things to do in Leicester.
Top things to do in Leicester
National Space Centre
The National Space Centre, viewed from nearby Abbey Park.
The National Space Centre is great fun. It’s full of interactive exhibits and important artefacts telling the story of space exploration. These include exhibitions on the universe, planets in our social system, and space travel – as well as an exhibition on our own planet, and how we’re changing it. Overall, the the whole museum is highly interactive and great for kids – and for adults wanting to bring out their inner child. They’re also informative and engaging.
The highlight for me was the planetarium – the largest in the UK – for which entry is included with your ticket (about £20 for adults), and which has a range of shows – sometimes with celebrity narrators. The centre also has an astonishing 42 metre high Rocket Tower, with exhibition decks to view space rockets and learn about the Space Race. Without a doubt, this museum is one of the best things to do in Leicester.
Visit website.
King Richard III Visitor Centre
In 2012, an incredible discovery was made in a car park in Leicester: the remains of King Richard III, an English king killed in battle in the 1400s. After his death in the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, King Richard III’s remains were lost for more than five centuries. This astonishing, multi-award winning museum overlooking the king’s grave site tells this story, featuring exhibits on the science behind his discovery. King Richard III’s life was also fascinating, and the museum tackles the stories, myths and legends that surround his life and death. There’s also an excellent exhibition on the War of the Roses. £10 entry.
Visit website.
Eat on the Golden Mile
According to the city’s tourist board, Leicester boasts the second highest number of Indian restaurants per capita in the world (outside of India). Nowhere is this Indian heritage more apparent than the Golden Mile, the heart of the city’s Asian community and packed with places to buy authentic food, spices and clothing. I recommend Bobbys, a vegetarian restaurant which has been open since 1976, founded by Mr and Mrs Lakhani. It gets its name from Mr Lakhani’s favourite Bollywood film. The food is top quality.
Bobby’s restaurant.
Explore the historic centre
Within the town centre, there are a number of interesting sights, buildings and landmarks. Its well worth spending a bit of time strolling around. Here are some of the best sights in the city centre.
The Clock Tower
One of the most recognisable landmarks of Leicester, bang in the centre of town, the Haymarket Clock Tower was built to ease congestion and was Britain’s first traffic island. For decades, it was in the middle of a busy traffic junction – but the area is now largely pedestrianised. Since it was built in 1868 its been a key meeting point in the city. Towards the top of the tower are stone-carved monuments to four of Leicester’s key benefactors: Simon De Montfort, William Wigston, Sir Thomas White and Alderman Gabriel Newton.
Leicester Cathedral
Leicester Cathedral is at the heart of Leicester’s old town. It was built on the site of Roman ruins, and parts of the building go back 1,000 years – though most of the current building, including the 220 foot spire, is Victorian. After the discovery of King Richard III’s remains, he was re buried in the cathedral, and thousands visit the cathedral to visit his tomb.
Visit website.
The Magazine
A Grade 1 listed building, the Magazine was built in the 1400s as a gateway to the ‘Newarke’ religious precinct – and was used to imprison Catholics during Elizabeth I’s reign. It gets its name from the English Civil War, when it was used to store munitions.
Town Hall Square and lion fountain
Leicester’s pretty town hall dates from the 1800s, designed by local architect Frances J. Hames. He also designed the Town Hall Square, a quiet elegant space with a beautiful fountain. Fun fact: there’s an almost identical fountain in Porto, who wanted an attractive monument and liked Leicester’s so much, they copied it.
Leicester Market
There’s been a market on this site for more than 700 years. In the 20th century, it became a key space for political rallies and protest – including those led by the sufragettes. A statue of suffragette Alice Hawkins can be found nearby. It’s now the biggest covered market in Europe, and a key part of the city. More recently, Leicester legend Gary Lineker worked on his parents’ stall while growing up.
Visit website.
Street art
Leicester has a buzzing street art scene – and walking around the city you’ll often stumble across huge murals, like those pictured below. The Cultural Quarter is especially abundant.
This is a potted list of sights I especially enjoyed in my time around Leicester. I’d recommend Be-Lavie’s blog ‘A locals guide to historic Leicester’ which has some great further suggestions.
A brief history
Leicester can date its history back to Roman times – or even earlier. It was likely abandoned after the Romans left, but became a thriving town again throughout the Middle Ages and was mentioned in the Domesday Book. Like many UK cities, it grew massively in the 18th and 19th centuries – and in the early 20th century, it officially became a city. Since the Second World War, it has seen high levels of migration — especially from South Asia – and it’s now a multicultural, vibrant city.
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