Leicester

The National Space Centre in Leicester is a captivating destination for space enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. It features rockets, space technology, and exhibits exploring our near solar system, providing an engaging overview of space exploration. While the UK’s former space agency, the British National Space Centre, was replaced by the UK Space Agency, the Leicester center continues to inspire with its interactive displays and educational programs, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the cosmos.

Delve into Leicester’s royal past at the King Richard III Visitor Centre, where history comes alive through engaging exhibits. This site offers an immersive experience that appeals to curious minds of all ages, making it a perfect family outing that bridges the past with the present.

The Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, nestled along New Walk, has been welcoming visitors since 1849, making it one of the earliest public museums in the UK. Its collection spans the ages, showcasing archaeology, natural history, and fine art—both local and international. The building itself was designed by Joseph Hansom, the inventor of the famous Hansom cab, and has been expanded multiple times, most recently in 2011, to better serve the public. Whether you’re interested in ancient relics, artistic masterpieces, or scientific exhibits, this museum offers a comprehensive glimpse into Leicester’s rich cultural tapestry.

In the heart of Leicester, the Cathedral of St Martin rises as a beacon of history and reverence. Rebuilt in the 1860s and elevated to cathedral status in 1927, it is the final resting place of King Richard III, whose remains were reburied here in 2015 after centuries lost beneath the Greyfriars site. The cathedral’s simple stone slab marks his burial, a poignant reminder of Leicester’s medieval legacy. Its ancient walls and spiritual ambiance offer visitors a profound glimpse into the city’s religious heritage, blending history with ongoing devotion.

Hidden behind Leicester Cathedral, the Guildhall whispers stories of centuries past through its timber-framed facade. Once a hub for civic life and theatrical performances, this ancient structure invites explorers to step into a living piece of Leicester’s history, where every beam and corner echoes with centuries of local tales.

The Jewry Wall Museum is a fascinating window into Leicester’s ancient past. Built in the 1960s beside the impressive Roman Jewry Wall ruins, the museum showcases artifacts from Iron Age, Roman, and medieval periods, highlighting the city’s long history. Highlights include the Cyparissus Pavement, the Blackfriars Pavement, and the Norfolk Street Wall Paintings. After a major upgrade and expansion plan, the museum reopened in July 2025, inviting visitors to explore Leicester’s archaeological treasures and uncover stories from over two millennia.

Flowing gracefully through Leicester, Abbey Park is a verdant sanctuary that beautifully intertwines recreation and history. Established in 1882 on the floodplain of the River Soar, it expanded in 1932 to encompass the ancient site of St Mary’s Abbey and the ruins of Cavendish House. The park’s sprawling lawns, scenic pathways, and historic remains create a tranquil escape, where visitors can stroll past archaeological remnants and enjoy the lush landscape. Recognized for its cultural significance, Abbey Park bears the distinction of Grade II* listing, celebrating Leicester’s rich blend of nature and heritage.

The Abbey Pumping Station is a fascinating science and technology museum set on Corporation Road, right next to the National Space Centre. Here, you can see four historic steam-powered beam engines in their original location, alongside exhibits on transport, public health, optics, toys, and civil engineering—an engaging stop for those interested in engineering marvels of the past.

De Montfort Hall stands as Leicester's premier venue for concerts and performances. Located next to Victoria Park, this historic concert hall is named after Simon de Montfort, the influential Earl of Leicester known as the 'Father of Parliament.' Its spacious stage and rich history make it a key cultural landmark in the city.

The Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower is more than just a timekeeper—it’s a well-loved symbol of Leicester’s city center. Strategically placed where five major streets converge, including Gallowtree Gate and Humberstone Gate, this landmark serves as a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Its central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Leicester’s shops, cafes, and vibrant street life.

Standing within Leicester Castle's historic grounds, the Church of St Mary de Castro offers a glimpse into medieval England. Its earliest sections date back to 1107, though much of what you see today was restored in the 19th century. The church’s name, 'de castro,' links it directly to its origins as the castle’s chapel, distinguishing it from nearby St Mary de Pratis, or 'St Mary of the Meadows.' In recent years, the church faced challenges — notably, in 2013, the spire was deemed unsafe and was dismantled, leaving the tower without its traditional pinnacle. Visiting this site provides not only a chance to appreciate centuries of architecture but also to understand its enduring role in Leicester’s spiritual life.

The Curve Theatre, located in Leicester’s vibrant city center, is a hub for performing arts, showcasing touring productions alongside local performances. Known for its contemporary design, this venue continues Leicester’s rich tradition of theatrical entertainment, and its proximity to the Leicester Athena conference center makes it a cultural focal point.

Dominating Leicester’s New Walk, the Holy Cross Priory is a serene Roman Catholic church and priory affiliated with the Dominican Friars—also known as Blackfriars. This spiritual site offers a peaceful place for reflection and a glimpse into the religious history of the city, standing as a testament to Leicester’s ecclesiastical heritage.

Nestled in Leicester's history, Leicester Abbey was once a flourishing Augustinian monastery founded in the 12th century by Robert de Beaumont. Its wealth grew through royal privileges and extensive landholdings, making it the richest religious house in Leicestershire. As centuries passed, financial strains and mismanagement led to its decline, culminating in dissolution in 1538. The once-grand abbey, including a cell at Cockerham Priory, left behind ruins and stories, with its materials repurposed across Leicester. The site transformed into Cavendish House and later became Abbey Park, a cherished green space opened in the late 19th century. Rediscovered through excavations in the 20th century, the remains are now a protected monument, inviting visitors to step into Leicester’s medieval past amidst archaeological treasures.

Nestled within Leicester's historic heart, the Newarke Houses Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Housed in two 16th-century buildings dating back to 1511, the museum showcases Tudor-era life along with exhibits on more recent history, including the 1950s and local regiments. Visitors can stroll through an attractive garden and explore the nearby Magazine Gateway, part of the medieval 'Newarke'—a historic area developed under Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Situated centrally on the De Montfort University campus, this site provides a charming blend of history, education, and local culture.

Greyfriars in Leicester was once a bustling Franciscan friary established around 1250 on the city's west side. Its existence was cut short in 1538 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, after which the site was demolished and redeveloped over the centuries. Despite this, the area retains its historic name—Greyfriars—and the streets named 'Grey Friars' and 'Friar Lane' keep the memory alive. The site gained renewed prominence when archaeological excavations in 2012-13 uncovered the precise location of the friary’s church and the burial site of King Richard III, who was hastily laid to rest there after dying at the Battle of Bosworth. Today, the site is protected as a scheduled monument, and visitors can explore its significance through the nearby King Richard III Visitor Centre, opened in 2014.

Leicester’s oldest surviving church, St Nicholas' Church, dates back over 1,150 years to the 9th century. Built atop a Roman shrine dedicated to Janus, it has witnessed centuries of history—from its early Anglo-Saxon origins through Norman and Victorian renovations. Located on Leicester’s western edge, near the Jewry Wall and Roman baths, St Nicholas remains an active church, known for its vibrant, youthful congregation and its role as the university’s official church. Its architecture and history offer a fascinating journey through Leicester’s religious past.

Perched on the edge of Leicester’s vibrant cityscape, St Margaret’s Church stands as a testament to centuries of faith and craftsmanship. This medieval parish church, rooted in Anglo-Saxon foundations, boasts a history that possibly dates back to 679. Rebuilt multiple times, its most admired features include a striking perpendicular tower, a vaulted south porch, and a distinctive stair turret—each unique in Leicestershire. Its massive peal of 14 bells echoes through the city, and its commanding presence opposite the bustling bus station makes it one of Leicester’s most recognizable landmarks. An enduring symbol of spiritual resilience, it is designated as a Grade I Listed Building and a key member of the Major Churches Network.

Rising majestically in Victoria Park, Leicester, the Arch of Remembrance stands as a solemn sentinel to history, crafted by Sir Edwin Lutyens to honor those who served in the First World War. This commanding Portland stone tetrapylon, with its four arched legs and a crowned dome, captures the sunrise on Armistice Day, when sunlight filters through its grand openings, illuminating a tribute to sacrifice. Its interior reveals a coffered ceiling and painted stone banners representing Britain’s armed forces and Merchant Navy, while iron railings and gates enclose this imposing monument. Dominating the park’s landscape since its unveiling in 1925, the arch’s presence is a powerful reminder of remembrance, visible from the city’s main routes and cherished as a Grade I listed masterpiece, part of a national collection of Lutyens’s war memorials since 2015.

All Saints' Church in Leicester is a remarkable Anglican church recognized for its historical importance. As a Grade I listed building, it is preserved under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust, offering visitors a chance to explore a beautifully preserved piece of religious and architectural history in the city.

Victoria Park is Leicester’s green oasis, sprawling over 69 acres just outside the bustling city center. Located in the south-east part of Leicester, it offers a peaceful escape with open lawns, walking paths, and scenic views. The park’s proximity to the University of Leicester and Leicester railway station makes it an accessible spot for both students and travelers seeking a leisurely stroll or a picnic amidst nature.

Located in the heart of Leicester’s Knighton neighborhood, Knighton Park offers a blend of open grasslands, lush gardens, and peaceful walking paths. The gentle stream flowing through the park creates a calming atmosphere, ideal for both quick lunch-time walks and extended winter strolls.

Aylestone Meadows offers a peaceful escape within Leicester, where urban life gives way to natural serenity. This city-based nature reserve is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to see otters and various bird species. The Great Central Way trail weaves through the reserve, providing a scenic route for leisurely walks and wildlife observation.

The Leicester Haymarket Theatre, located beside the Haymarket Shopping Centre on Belgrave Gate, has been a cornerstone of the city’s performing arts scene since 1973. After a period of closure, it reopened in 2017 and operated until 2020. Today, it serves as a dance school, continuing its legacy of fostering performing arts in Leicester.