Top Things to Do in Leicester

Places to Visit in Leicester

There are several famous things to do in Leicester, that are must to visit and get the experience of the vibrant culture and heritage there. So, go through the list of 10 must-visit places and then make a proper itinerary.

1. Leicester Cathedral

Leicester Cathedral is one of the few places outside of Westminster or Windsor to see the tomb of a British monarch. So, you can put this place in the category of best things to see in Leicester. The cathedral is famous for being the final resting place of King Richard III, whose remains were discovered under a car park in Leicester and reinterred in the cathedral in 2015.

2. Leicester Museum & Art Gallery

The Leicester Museum & Art Gallery is a museum on New Walk in Leicester, England, not far from the city center. This is one of the most famous places in Leicester. The place was opened in 1849 as one of the first public museums in the United Kingdom. Leicester Museum & Art Gallery contains displays of science, history, and art, both international and local.

3. Abbey Park

If you are a cultural person and want to explore history, then visiting the historic cities in Leicester is very beneficial. Heritage lovers will enjoy a stroll around the remains of the twelfth-century Leicester Abbey and the ruins of Cavendish House, a 17th-century mansion. It is owned and managed by Leicester City Council and is Leicester’s premier park.

4. Leicester Market

Leicester Market is a historic market in the city of Leicester, England, with a history spanning over 700 years. Visiting this market is one of the best activities in Leicester to do. Moreover, this place is the largest outdoor market in the entire Europe. The market is also known for its vibrant atmosphere and role in the city's social and cultural life.

5. King Richard III Visitor Centre

King Richard III Visitor Centre is a museum in Leicester, England that showcases the life of King Richard III and the story of the discovery, exhumation, and reburial of his remains in 2012–2015. This is one of the most important and famous places in Leicester. In October 2018, the Visitor Centre was awarded "Best Museum" in the Group Leisure and Travel Awards.

6. National Space Centre

The National Space Centre in Leicester is a popular museum and educational resource dedicated to space science and astronomy. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Leicester. It features the UK's largest planetarium and an iconic 42-meter-high rocket tower. The center also serves as a venue for corporate and private events.

7. Newarke Houses Museum & Gardens

The Newarke Houses Museum & Gardens is a social history and regimental museum, offering a blend of iconic cities in Leicester. It combines a social history museum with the museum of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment. It incorporates the Museum of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment and has a range of exhibits illustrating post-medieval and contemporary Leicester.

8. Jewry Wall Museum & Site

The Leicester Jewry Wall Museum & Site is a fascinating historical location, that combines the impressive remains of a Roman bathhouse with a museum dedicated to Leicester's past. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Leicester if you are a history lover. The museum is located in a building that was originally part of Vaughan College. It has been extensively refurbished and expanded to showcase the city's history.

9. University of Leicester Botanic Garden

The University of Leicester Botanic Garden is a 16-acre garden focused on global biodiversity, offering a variety of collections, educational programs, and research opportunities. This place is one of the top attractions in Leicester City. The garden houses a wide array of plants from around the world, including glasshouses with temperate and tropical plants, alpines, and succulents.

These are the top places to visit in Leicester. You can check out this place on the official tourism website for more information. One of the benefits is that these places are in better connectivity or even very close to the student accommodation in Leicester. Thus, these places will be a good option for your day out in the city.

Things to Experience in Leicester

The city offers a lot of experiences that will keep you busy and entertained. So, some of the best things to do in Leicester are:

1. Dive into the city’s history and culture: Places such as King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Cathedral, Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, Newarke Houses Museum, Jewry Wall Museum, and others will take you back into the time and explore the wide culture and heritage of this historic city.
2. Science & technological aspects: The National Space Centre is the place that will not only help you understand the technical aspects but also pull your attention towards science even if you are from a different background. So, you will get to explore the wonders of space with interactive exhibits, rockets, and a planetarium.
3. Spending time in parks & other outdoor activities: Abbey Park, New Walk, Watermead Country Park, and other places are some of the top places for your day out. You can plan your picnic here, go out alone to read, or even go for morning and evening walks.
4. Go shopping: Highcross, The Lanes & St. Martins Square, Leicester Market, and other places are some of the top places for shopping and buying stuff both locally or from a major brand. You will have a lot of options to shop for, involving both local and international products.
5. Attend the festivals & events: Leicester Comedy Festival, Diwali celebrations, and Riverside Festival are some of the best events and festivals that will make your visit worth spending every penny. Moreover, get ready to experience the biggest Diwali festival outside India.

These are some of the best things to do in Leicester. Plan in advance so that you have a fixed schedule and get to experience everything this city is famous for.

Fun Activities to Do in Leicester

Apart from visiting different places for shopping, eating, or exploring the culture of the city, there are several fun things to do in Leicester. So, read about them below.

1. Stop by Curve Theater: Attend a performance or show at this contemporary theater that hosts a variety of productions.
2. King Power Stadium: Go on a tour of Leicester City Football Club's home stadium and explore its history.
3. Wistow Maze: Lose yourself in this massive maize maze, a great activity for groups and families.
4. 360 Play Leicester: A children's play area with play spaces, rides, and activities.
5. Boost Trampoline Park Leicester: Spend a high-energy day bouncing and making the most of the trampoline equipment.

Conclusion

This was all about the best things to do in Leicester. Here, you can check the list and details of places that are top attractions there and you must consider visiting there. Apart from that, there are several things that you should experience there, such as eating out and visiting the places that highlight the culture. One plus point here is that you can easily find suitable student accommodation in UK, making your life easy and comfortable. Furthermore, getting involved in the fun activities there is also recommended to make your visit worthwhile. So, plan ahead for a better experience and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

FAQs

1. What Are the Best Months to Visit Leicester?

The best time to visit Leicester is generally during the summer months (May to September). This period offers warmer weather, vibrant festivals, and a lively atmosphere, making it ideal for outdoor exploration and enjoying the city's attractions.

2. Do I Need a Visa to Visit Leicester?

Yes, if you are not a "non-visa national", you will likely need a Standard Visitor Visa to visit Leicester, UK.

3. What’s the Best Way to Travel Around Leicester?

Public transportation, particularly buses, is a convenient and affordable option to travel around Leicester.

4. Is Leicester Expensive to Travel?

No, Leicester is generally considered an affordable city to travel to, particularly compared to other major cities in the UK.

5. What Is Leicester Famous For?

Leicester is renowned for several things, including its strong cultural scene, including diverse festivals, a vibrant arts and music scene, and its connection to the space industry.