Things to do in Leicester, Leicestershire
In Leicester you can travel through the ages, and learn about the history of the city in its excellent Museums, and by taking an Old Town Heritage Trail available from the Tourist Information Centre.
You can come right up to date with a true 'Big City' shopping experience.
Recognised as one of the country's leading centres for retail, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Leicester's multi-cultural population has created a unique blend of the past and the vibrant present day, giving Leicester a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Leicester was built on the Roman settlement known as Ratae Coritanorum.
Today you can still see evidence of the Roman occupation at the Jewry Wall; this is the site of the largest Roman bath to be found in England.
Leicester was the home of Simon de Montfort first Earl of Leicester, 'father of English Parliament'.
Simon de Montfort led the famous revolt against Henry III, and forced Henry to grant the first English Parliament in 1265.
With the growth of industry, Leicester grew to become the centre of the hosiery trade, expanding into the manufacture of knitwear, footwear and engineering in the 19th century.
Engineering is still important in the city, which is home to the School of Engineering at Leicester University.
Places of interest to visit
St. Martin's Cathedral - An 11th century church with much restoration, St. Martin's was elevated to the status of Cathedral in 1926.
The Castle Mound - The ruins of Leicester Castle and the lovely Castle Gardens.
Belgrave Hall and Gardens - A delightful Queen Anne house dating from 1709. The rooms reflect Victorian cosiness and the more elegant Edwardian era.
The Guildhall - A unique Grade I listed medieval building of national importance, incorporating the Mayor's parlour, civic murals, old town library and 19th century cells.
Abbey Pumping Station - Historic 1891 pumping station with massive steam engines, and exhibitions.
Leicester's Golden Mile - Come right up to date with a walk through the Unique Asian Quarter, which offers an unrivalled display of foods, fashion, jewellery, cooking ingredients and utensils.
Leicester is famous for its Markets:
Leicester Market Centre
The famous food hall offers meat, poultry and dairy produce as well as fresh fish from all over the world. This indoor market also has another four floors selling a wide range of other commodities. Open - Tuesday-Saturday 7.30am-6pm.
Leicester Retail Market
The largest and finest of its type in Europe with a tradition for quality and service stretching back 700 years. Over 300 stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables and a wide cross-section of other goods.
Wigston Framework Knitters Museum - Four miles south of Leicester is the 18th century knitter's house and workshop, with original frames. Hands on, use the Griswold, knit on the frame. Enjoy the Victorian cottage garden.
When you take a well-earned refreshment break, you'll be spoiled for choice of food from around the world.
Leicester is renowned for its authentic Indian Restaurants, and people come to the city especially to enjoy true Indian food, at one of the specialist Restaurants on the Belgrave Road.
The 'Big City' experience really comes to life in the evening. From major concerts at the renowned De Montfort Hall, to nationally respected Haymarket Theatre, your complete day out might just last a bit longer than you planned.
If you're visiting Leicester with your toddlers, have a look at our guide "Fun things to do in Leicester with Toddlers"
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Days Out in Leicester
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Gorse Hill City Farm (1 Mile)*
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National Space Centre (1 Mile)*
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National Gas Museum (2 Miles)*
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Leicester Racecourse (3 Miles)*
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Great Central Railway (9 Miles)*
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Charnwood Museum (9 Miles)*
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Donington le Heath Manor House (11 Miles)*
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Bosworth Water Trust Leisure and Water Park (12 Miles)*
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Melton Carnegie Museum (13 Miles)*
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Harborough Museum (14 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Leicester
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Birstall (3 Miles)*
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Glen Parva (4 Miles)*
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Cropston (4 Miles)*
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Kirby Muxloe (4 Miles)*
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Enderby (4 Miles)*
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Rothley (5 Miles)*
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Syston (5 Miles)*
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Newtown Linford (5 Miles)*
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Swithland (5 Miles)*
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Mountsorrel (6 Miles)*
Also near Leicester |
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