Visit Leicester
With over 2,000 years of history, Leicester has been a stage for some remarkable historical dramas. Uncover the stories of the city’s ancient Roman quarter and Old Town, walk medieval streets to see the final resting place of King Richard III, discover the secrets of great museums or eat out in some remarkable buildings to savour a true taste of the local heritage.
Days out in Leicester
See all in /explore →360 Play Leicester
Looking for a fun, budget-friendly day out? 360 Play offers endless entertainment for all ages without breaking the bank!
Abbey Pumping Station
Step inside Leicester's Victorian industrial museum and discover four restored beam engines, vintage vehicles and hands-on science exhibits.
Bar Dos Hermanos
A lively Spanish-Cuban bar and brunch spot praised for its Bloody Marys, Cuban sandwiches and genuinely friendly service.
Bar Tropicia
A tropical cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester where jungle vibes and daily happy hour make for a lively evening out.
Barceloneta
A lively Leicester tapas restaurant bringing the art of Spanish small plates to Clarendon Park since its opening.
Bill's Highcross
A lively all-day restaurant in the heart of Leicester's Highcross shopping centre, serving brunch, burgers and cocktails.
Caddyshackers
Looking for a unique and thrilling mini golf experience? Look no further than Caddyshackers – the biggest, baddest, and best 9-hole crazy golf course in Leicester!
Chutney Ivy
A multi-award-winning Indian fine dining restaurant serving creative, freshly prepared cuisine in the heart of Leicester.
Places to eat in Leicester
Bar Dos Hermanos
A lively Spanish-Cuban bar and brunch spot praised for its Bloody Marys, Cuban sandwiches and genuinely friendly service.
Bar Tropicia
A tropical cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester where jungle vibes and daily happy hour make for a lively evening out.
Barceloneta
A lively Leicester tapas restaurant bringing the art of Spanish small plates to Clarendon Park since its opening.
Bill's Highcross
A lively all-day restaurant in the heart of Leicester's Highcross shopping centre, serving brunch, burgers and cocktails.
Everards Beer Hall
A proper Leicestershire brewery with a beer hall open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and freshly brewed pints.
Leicester Coffee House Company
A relaxed coffee shop in a historic Granby Street building, serving house-roasted single origin espresso drinks and freshly baked cakes.
The Old Horse, Leicester
A classic Leicester pub since 1864, serving well-kept ales, craft beers, and Neapolitan-inspired pizzas in a warm, welcoming setting.
Watsons
A vegan cocktail bar and tapas spot in Leicester city centre, inspired by the founder of the vegan movement.
Places to stay near Leicester
Visiting Leicester — your questions, answered.
Is Leicester worth visiting?+
Absolutely. Leicester packs a lot into one walkable city: the King Richard III Visitor Centre (built over the very spot the king was found), his tomb in Leicester Cathedral, the UK's National Space Centre, one of England's oldest street markets, and the Golden Mile's legendary food. It's an easy, affordable day out — and a great base for exploring the county's market towns.
What is Leicester famous for?+
Three things above all: the astonishing 2012 discovery of King Richard III under a city car park, Leicester City's fairy-tale Premier League title in 2016, and the National Space Centre — the UK's largest attraction dedicated to space. Add the Golden Mile's Diwali celebrations (among the biggest outside India) and the county's famous foods, from Melton Mowbray pork pies to Red Leicester cheese.
What are the best things to do in Leicester with kids?+
Start with the National Space Centre — real rockets, a planetarium and interactive galleries that keep families busy for hours. Leicester Museum & Art Gallery on New Walk has dinosaur skeletons and is free to enter, Abbey Park has boating, play areas and miniature railways in season, and football families can tour the King Power Stadium.
How do I get to Leicester?+
Leicester sits right in the middle of England. By car it's just off the M1 (junction 21) and M69. By rail, direct trains run from London St Pancras in about 1 hour 15 minutes, and from Birmingham in around 50 minutes. East Midlands Airport is roughly 30 minutes away.
How long should I spend in Leicester?+
A full day covers the city's headline sights comfortably. Make it a weekend and you can add the county too — Bradgate Park's deer and ruins, Bosworth Battlefield, the National Forest, and market towns like Melton Mowbray and Market Harborough are all within half an hour.
Is parking easy in Leicester city centre?+
Yes — Leicester has several large central car parks including Highcross and John Lewis multi-storeys, plus Park & Ride sites on the edge of the city. Sundays and evenings are usually quieter, and the city centre is compact enough to explore entirely on foot once you've parked.
Where should I eat in Leicester?+
Leicester's food scene is one of the Midlands' best — the famous 'Golden Mile' on Belgrave Road is renowned for Indian food, while the city centre and Cultural Quarter offer everything from independent cafés to fine dining. Browse our food and drink listings for current favourites.
What can I do in Leicester on a rainy day?+
Plenty — the National Space Centre, King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Museum & Art Gallery and Highcross shopping centre are all indoors, and most are family-friendly. Check our what's-on listings for exhibitions, theatre and live events happening during your visit.