City of Leicester

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City of Leicester

Leicester, the largest city in the East Midlands of England, rests on the banks of the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal, approximately 140 kilometres north-northwest of London. As a unitary authority area and the county town of Leicestershire, Leicester is a place where history intertwines.

This city is known for being the burial place of King Richard III, the last king of the Middle Ages in England. If you want to learn about the king's life and death, you can come to the King Richard III Visitor Center.

Aside from delving into the city’s history, Leicester also offers you the chance to enjoy many contemporary art exhibitions, dance performances, and live music by visiting The Attenborough Arts Center or watching various famous orchestra performances at Kilworth House Theatre. You can also visit The Cultural Quarter, a hub for various arts and culture featuring museums, galleries, and theatres where engaging events unfold, offering an experience you cannot miss.

Leicester is also famous for its cultural diversity and is home to world-class universities. Annually, the city hosts several festivals and parades that you can see, including the UK Leicester Comedy Festival, Diwali celebrations, Caribbean Carnival and Parade, and Leicester Pride Parade, offering a vibrant and diverse cultural experience.

Get to Know City of Leicester

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for City of Leicester

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around City of Leicester

A guide to City of Leicester's local transportation

Bus

Taxi

Car rental

To get around Leicester, the bus is the best transportation option that you can use. The bus station in Leicester is open from 5 AM to 11 PM on Monday to Saturday and from 7 AM to 11 PM on Sunday. Most companies operate from St Margaret's or the Haymarket Station. To find ticket prices and travel routes, you must contact the bus company directly because each bus company has different prices. However, you can get several types of tickets, such as single tickets on board, for around EUR2.

Practical Tips for City of Leicester

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the top places to visit in Leicester?

A must-visit destination in Leicester is the Cultural Quarter, which houses iconic landmarks such as the Curve Theatre. This renowned venue showcases contemporary art productions suitable for audiences of all ages. You can also visit the Phoenix Cinema and Arts Center, located near the Cultural Quarter and serving as the city's art, film, and culture hub.

For those interested in exploring magnificent palace structures and delving into their history, a visit to Leicester Cathedral, which is renowned for housing the remains of King Richard III, is highly recommended. Additionally, you can join a guided tour at Belvoir Castle for a unique opportunity to explore this castle, boasting the finest Regency architecture in England.

Beyond the art and historical tourism, Leicester invites you to appreciate its natural beauty in the National Forest, the first forest in England which stretches northwest of Leicester. This expansive forest features majestic manors, herds of deer, and atmospheric castles, all framed by nine million trees dotting the landscape.

What to do for one day in Leicester?

If you have one day to explore Leicester, engage in a variety of activities and visit diverse locations that promise interesting experiences. To start the day, you can go to Leicester Cathedral, then delve into the city’s history at the Richard III Visitor Centre or Abbey Park to enjoy some greenery.

Then, you can explore the cosmos at the National Space Centre, visit the Cultural Quarter to savor diverse cuisines, and shop at Highcross Leicester. Relax in Victoria Park’s greenery before finishing off your day with watching a theatrical performance at Curve Theatre.

What to eat in Leicester?

When you are in Leicester, make sure you enjoy Red Leicester Cheese, an iconic local Leicester dish. Red Leicester Cheese is a cheddar-style cheese but with a slightly more crumbly and dense texture that has a rich and sweet taste resembling caramel. Another delectable cheese to explore is Stilton, a white cheese with blue veins running through it, which is famous for its strong aroma and taste. Stilton has a soft texture with aromas like caramel and apple. In addition to the diverse cheese selection, try the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie, a hearty, meat-filled pie with a thick crust.

What is the best time to visit Leicester?

The best time to visit Leicester is in the summer months, from May to September, coinciding with numerous carnival attractions. In June, July and August, the weather in Leicester is quite warm, with an average of 22.6 degrees Celsius. If you are seeking a dry season with significantly low rainfall, come to Leicester in March, April and September.

What is Leicester famous for?

Leicester is famous for its sporting expertise and is a suitable city for you to watch various sporting matches, such as the Leicester City Premiership Football Club, Tigers Rugby, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, and a racecourse. Apart from that, the City of Leicester is also famous for its beautiful city, which is surrounded by market towns with rural areas and the unique National Space Center, which is available for exclusive use.