Leicester: The Complete Guide

Leicester, located in the heart of England’s East Midlands, is a lively and culturally diverse city that’s perfect for a short visit or weekend break. Its central location makes it easily accessible by train or car, and it serves as a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside of Leicestershire.
The city centre offers a mix of modern shopping, dining, and entertainment alongside green spaces like Abbey Park. Whether you’re wandering through the bustling streets, enjoying a coffee at a local café, or browsing independent shops in The Lanes, Leicester has a relaxed yet energetic atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of visitors.
Leicester also boasts a strong cultural scene with galleries, theatres, and live music venues. The Curve Theatre is a standout for performances, while the city’s varied restaurants reflect its rich multicultural community. Whether you’re looking for a bit of urban exploration or a place to unwind, Leicester offers a refreshing blend of the contemporary and the traditional.
Table of Contents
- History of Leicester
- Leicester in Prehistoric and Roman Times
- Leicester in the Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Periods
- Leicester from the Tudor Era to the Industrial Age
- Leicester in the 20th Century and Beyond
- Best things to do and See in Leicester
- Leicester Cathedral and Richard III Visitor Centre – Leicester
- King Richard III Statue and Jubilee Square – Leicester
- The Guildhall – Leicester
- Leicester Museum & Art Gallery – Leicester
- Jewry Wall and Roman Baths – Leicester
- Abbey Park – Leicester
- National Space Centre – Leicester
- Newarke Houses Museum – Leicester
- Victoria Park and the War Memorial – Leicester
- Leicester Market and Clock Tower – Leicester
- 11 Best Day Trips from Leicester
- Twycross Zoo
- Coventry
- Nottingham
- Derby
- Northampton
- Warwick
- Birmingham
- Peterborough
- Wolverhampton
- Bakewell
- Lincoln
- Where to Stay in Leicester
- Best Time to Visit Leicester
- How to get to Leicester
History of Leicester
Leicester in Prehistoric and Roman Times
Leicester’s history stretches back to prehistoric times, with evidence of Iron Age settlements in the area. However, it was during the Roman period that Leicester began to take shape as a significant settlement. Known as Ratae Corieltauvorum, it became a key Roman town with paved roads, a forum, baths, and other structures typical of Roman urban planning. The remains of Roman Leicester can still be seen today, particularly around the city centre and the Jewry Wall area.
Leicester in the Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Periods
After the decline of Roman rule, Leicester became part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia. It was one of the original Five Boroughs of the Danelaw, and the influence of Viking settlement is still evident in the city’s street names and layout. During the medieval period, Leicester developed as a market town. The Normans built a motte-and-bailey castle, and religious institutions like Leicester Abbey and St Mary de Castro Church became prominent.
Leicester from the Tudor Era to the Industrial Age
In Tudor times, Leicester played a role in national politics, particularly during the reign of Richard III, whose remains were famously rediscovered beneath a city car park in 2012. The city remained relatively small until the Industrial Revolution, when it rapidly expanded thanks to the growth of textile manufacturing and engineering. By the 19th century, Leicester had transformed into a thriving industrial hub with railways, factories, and a growing population.
Leicester in the 20th Century and Beyond
Throughout the 20th century, Leicester continued to evolve, becoming known for its diverse communities and strong manufacturing base. Post-war immigration brought new cultures, which have shaped Leicester into one of the UK’s most multicultural cities. In recent decades, regeneration projects, a renewed focus on education and the arts, and the global spotlight brought by the reburial of Richard III have all contributed to Leicester’s modern identity as a vibrant, forward-looking city with deep historical roots.
Visiting Leicester for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Leicester on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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Best things to do and See in Leicester
1. Leicester Cathedral and Richard III Visitor Centre – Leicester
Leicester Cathedral stands as a stunning example of English Gothic architecture and is most famous as the final resting place of King Richard III. The cathedral was extensively restored in the 19th century and houses beautiful stained-glass windows, medieval stonework, and a serene interior that invites reflection. Its modest scale belies its national significance, particularly since the 2015 reinterment of Richard III, discovered under a nearby car park.
Directly across from the cathedral is the Richard III Visitor Centre, a modern and engaging museum that tells the remarkable story of the king’s life, death, and rediscovery. It features interactive exhibits and a glass-floored display of the actual gravesite. Admission is £11.95 for adults and £5.95 for children. Open daily from 10:00 to 16:00 (closed Mondays from November to March).
2. King Richard III Statue and Jubilee Square – Leicester
Located beside the cathedral, the bronze statue of King Richard III captures the monarch in a commanding pose and serves as a popular photo spot. Erected in 1980, the statue honours the last Plantagenet king of England and connects directly to the dramatic events that unfolded during his reburial in Leicester.
Just steps away is Jubilee Square, a modern urban space designed for leisure and events. Surrounded by cafés and open seating areas, it is often animated by markets, pop-up events, and seasonal attractions like big screens or ice rinks. It makes a good stop for a break while exploring the city’s historic centre.
3. The Guildhall – Leicester
One of the best-preserved timber-framed halls in England, the Guildhall is a window into medieval Leicester. It served various civic functions from the 14th century onward, including as a town hall, courtroom, and even a school. Its interior features dark wooden beams, creaky floors, and a Great Hall filled with artefacts from the city’s past.
Entry is free, and the building is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 16:30. Special exhibitions and occasional theatrical or ghost-themed events are held throughout the year, enhancing the atmosphere of this unique venue.
4. Leicester Museum & Art Gallery – Leicester
Leicester Museum & Art Gallery (formerly New Walk Museum) is a family-friendly attraction offering diverse exhibits from dinosaurs to Egyptian mummies, Victorian paintings, and modern art. The museum’s standout features include the Rutland Dinosaur, a fossilised cetiosaurus, and an internationally important collection of German Expressionist artworks.
Entry is free, and the museum is open daily from 11:00 to 16:30. It’s located on New Walk, a pleasant pedestrian promenade lined with Georgian architecture and mature trees—ideal for a relaxed approach to your visit.
5. Jewry Wall and Roman Baths – Leicester
The Jewry Wall is one of the largest surviving pieces of Roman masonry in Britain. Once part of a Roman bath complex, it stands beside the recently reopened Jewry Wall Museum. The ruins provide a glimpse into Leicester’s Roman past, with the museum offering artefacts, reconstructions, and interpretive panels to contextualise the remains.
The site is free to explore at any time, and the museum is open Thursday to Sunday from 11:00 to 15:30. Ongoing plans for site improvements promise to make this a more interactive and immersive experience in the future.
6. Abbey Park – Leicester
Just north of the city centre, Abbey Park is a large, beautifully landscaped green space divided by the River Soar. It features formal gardens, a boating lake, tennis courts, and a café. Walking paths and shaded areas make it a peaceful retreat in any season.
One of the highlights is the ruins of Leicester Abbey, where Cardinal Wolsey died in 1530. There’s also a pet corner for younger visitors, and miniature railway rides in summer. Entry to the park is free and it’s open from dawn until dusk year-round.
7. National Space Centre – Leicester
The National Space Centre is Leicester’s flagship science attraction. It houses interactive galleries focused on astronomy, cosmology, space travel, and Earth observation. Highlights include real rockets, space suits, and a 42-metre-high Rocket Tower. The Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium offers immersive shows for all ages.
Admission is £18.95 for adults, £16.95 for children, and includes a free return visit within 12 months. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00 during term time and daily during holidays. It’s located just 3 km north of the city centre and accessible by bus or car.
8. Newarke Houses Museum – Leicester
This charming museum, housed in two historic buildings, explores Leicester’s social history and military heritage. Exhibits range from recreated Victorian homes to artefacts from the Leicester Regiment. There’s also a section dedicated to Daniel Lambert, a local 18th-century celebrity known for his enormous size.
The museum is free to enter and open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 16:30. The period gardens and courtyard add to the atmosphere, making it a relaxing and educational stop, especially for history buffs.
9. Victoria Park and the War Memorial – Leicester
Located southeast of the city centre, Victoria Park is a large open space perfect for walks, picnics, and sports. Its broad avenues and tree-lined paths offer a refreshing break from urban sightseeing. The park hosts events including festivals and sports days throughout the year.
At its centre stands the striking War Memorial Arch, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, commemorating those lost in the First World War. The arch is an iconic Leicester landmark and forms part of the city’s Remembrance Day events each November.
10. Leicester Market and Clock Tower – Leicester
Leicester Market is one of the largest outdoor covered markets in Europe and has been a centre of city life for centuries. It offers a mix of fresh produce, clothing, household goods, and specialty items. A new food court and redevelopment are modernising the site while preserving its traditional appeal.
Nearby, the Clock Tower stands at the junction of five busy pedestrianised streets and is Leicester’s most recognisable urban feature. A popular meeting spot, it marks the heart of the shopping district and is surrounded by street performers and local activity.