1. Abbey Pumping Station

Welcome to the quirky and marvelous Abbey Pumping Station in lively Leicester! This charming Victorian gem combines the excitement of steam power with the fascinating world of sewage (yes, you read that right!). Get ready to be impressed by the gigantic steam engines that pumped the city's effluent with more force than your grandma's nagging during a family gathering. As you step inside, brace yourself for an olfactory adventure that will surely tickle your nostrils and ignite your sense of wonder. The pungent aroma of time-traveling sewage will transport you back to the good ol' days when eau de toilette was, well, more literal. Marvel at the ingenious engineering feats showcased in the exhibition hall, where the eyebrow-raising history of toilets joins forces with the excitement of figuring out just how large pumps can, well, pump. So saddle up, fellow adventurers, and prepare for a wild ride through the overlooked world of sewage management at the Abbey Pumping Station - you won't be flushed with disappointment!

www.leicestermuseums.org

2. Leicester Market

Welcome to Leicester Market, where vibrant chaos and bargains galore await you! Energize your senses as you meander through a labyrinth of stalls, where exotic smells from global cuisines mix with the intoxicating aroma of a thousand perfumes. Prepare for a wild sensory overload as you navigate the maze, where traders will try to sell you everything from second-hand lawnmowers to magic carpets (warning: may come with a genie who never grants your wishes). Marvel at the ancient art of haggling, as Leicester's skilled negotiators swindle you into buying three knock-off designer handbags for the price of one. Be charmed by the charismatic sellers, who can turn a dented can of beans into the missing piece that will complete your culinary masterpiece. Finally, as you take a break from the hustle and bustle, indulge in a heavenly slice of locally made pie while being serenaded by the pigeon choir who claim the marketplace as their kingdom. Leicester Market: a place where you'll leave slightly wealthier in spirit and considerably poorer in pocket.

www.leicestermarket.co.uk

3. Highcross Leicester

Welcome to Highcross Leicester, where shopping dreams come true and credit cards tremble with anticipation! Get ready to navigate a retail labyrinth that could make even the most seasoned shopaholic weak-kneed. Prepare for endless possibilities as you wander through a bustling maze of stores, where fashion, gadgets, and everything in between await your eager browsing… and your cash, of course!

www.highcrossleicester.com

4. Curve Theatre

Welcome to Curve Theatre in Leicester, where the world of drama blends with the unspoken art of eye-catching architecture. This theatrical gem resembles a colossal yellow horseshoe sticking out of the ground, enticing all theater enthusiasts in. Inside lies a vibrant world of storytelling, where the performances are so captivating that even the pigeons outside gather round in awe, hoping to join the drama club. Step inside Curve Theatre and prepare to be whisked away on a rollercoaster of emotions, all from the comfort of your plush seat. With cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities, this theatre has mastered the art of whisking you away to a different world, kind of like the teleportation machine you've always dreamed of. Plus, if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a famous actor or two, casually sipping their tea at the theatre's café – who needs Hollywood? Don't be fooled by the curved exterior; Curve Theatre is more than just a pretty face. It's a place where the extraordinary happens, where imagination comes to life, and where the uncomfortable seats painfully remind you that art sometimes requires a little sacrifice. So, grab your popcorn, sit back and enjoy the show, because here at Curve Theatre, the only curveballs you face might just be in the plot twists.

www.curveonline.co.uk

5. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre

Welcome to the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre in Leicester, a place where history comes alive and swords sometimes battle it out over who gets the last parking spot. Nestled amidst the serene English countryside, this center offers more than just a walk through a field; it will transport you back to the 15th century, complete with a Wuthering Heights-worthy fog machine. Get ready to witness captivating reenactments where knights rehash the War of the Roses, risking their dignity and plastic armor in the process. And fear not, for those who tire easily, there's a cozy cafe nearby where you can refuel and discuss whether Richard III deserves a second chance at parking.

www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk

6. Foxton Locks

Welcome to Foxton Locks in the charming county of Leicester, where narrowboats dance their way through a series of remarkable character-filled locks like synchronized swimmers in a ballet. Marvel at the ingenuity of these water-based elevators designed to defy gravity and demystify the laws of physics, all in an effort to take boats 'up' or 'down' without resorting to magic or bumping into mermaids. Don't forget to pack your camera, because witnessing these eccentric locks in action is worth every penny (and pretty useful for blackmail purposes, just in case someone needs a gentle nudge during the voyage).

7. Castle Gardens

Welcome to the whimsical realm of Castle Gardens in Leicester! This enchanting spot boasts winding pathways that will transport you into a lawn-filled labyrinth. Be prepared to embark on a quest through the ever-shifting maze, dodging overly confident picnickers and mischievous squirrels as you seek the ultimate treasure – a grassy patch with just the right amount of sunshine and a fine view of the ancient ruins. Once you've conquered the quest, bask in triumphant leisure, reenacting your own version of Game of Thrones (sans the dragons, unfortunately) or simply enjoy a game of "spot the person who brought way too many sausages for their small barbecue."

www.leicester.gov.uk

8. Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre

Welcome to the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Leicester, where adventure meets awkward situations! Strap on your hiking boots and prepare to navigate through a labyrinth of non-existent signage, where finding the actual centre can be an adventure in itself. Once you finally locate the entrance, prepare to be baffled by their unique approach to customer service, as the staff members engage in a game of hide-and-seek, leaving you to wonder if you've become an unwitting participant. But fear not, for once you've managed to find your way through this comical maze, you'll be rewarded with thrilling activities and picturesque scenery that might just make it all worthwhile.

www.lopc.co.uk

9. Leicester Guildhall

Welcome to the charming Leicester Guildhall, where history and laughter intertwine in perfect harmony! Step inside this magnificent medieval building and prepare to be amazed by its quirky charm. With its crooked timber frame and wonky walls, you may wonder if you accidentally stumbled into a medieval funhouse – but fear not, this is just the Guildhall's way of ensuring you never take yourself too seriously! Once inside, enjoy the delightful blend of exhibits, including medieval artifacts and a vast array of humorous anecdotes that will have you chuckling in no time. So come on down to Leicester Guildhall, where laughter is the best tour guide one could ask for!

www.leicester.gov.uk

10. Leicester Cathedral

Welcome to Leicester Cathedral, a historic gem nestled in the heart of Leicester, sporting an awe-inspiring array of architectural wonders that will leave you feeling like you've stepped into a time-traveling kaleidoscope. Soak in the stunning beauty of the cathedral's medieval stained glass windows, which will make you question whether the builders were secretly fanatical fans of modern art, or simply had an ardent passion for kaleidoscopes. As you explore the impressive interior, keep an eye out for Richard III's tomb, just one of the many plots twists in the cathedral's lively history that could give Shakespeare a run for his money.

leicestercathedral.org

11. Belgrave Road

Welcome to Belgrave Road, where you can experience the vibrant heart of Leicester with a side of unapologetic British quirkiness. As you navigate this lively street, get ready to feast your eyes on a mouthwatering array of colorful sari shops, showcasing more fabric designs than the average person could imagine. But don't be fooled — it's not just about fashion here; Belgrave Road's impressive number of Indian restaurants will ensure you never run out of options for satisfying your cravings, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a "curry enthusiast" racing from one eatery to the next in search of the perfect tikka masala.

12. Newarke Houses Museum

Welcome to the Newarke Houses Museum in Leicester, where history meets quirkiness in a fusion that would make any time-traveling hipster feel at home. Step into this charming 17th-century mansion that boasts a delightful array of exhibits, ranging from archaeology to social history, making it the perfect escape for both history buffs and those needing a break from their virtual time machines. Delve into the captivating past of Leicester while also enjoying the company of a hundred cuddly taxidermy animals that seem eerily enthusiastic about sharing their tales.

www.leicestermuseums.org

13. King Richard III Visitor Centre

Nestled in the heart of Leicester, the King Richard III Visitor Centre is a must-visit attraction for both history buffs and aspiring amateur detectives. Step into a world of curiosities where you can unravel the enigmatic tales surrounding Richard III, the notorious 15th-century king. Immerse yourself in the interactive exhibits that will have you questioning if you're truly qualified to solve a centuries-old mystery or if maybe a game of Clue would be more up your alley.

kriii.com

14. New Walk Museum and Art Gallery

Welcome to the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery in Leicester, where history and artistic masterpieces unite in a harmonious concoction of culture and confusion. Be prepared to stroll through the corridors as if you're lost in a maze designed by a mischievous architect, who forgot to add any sensible signs. Brace yourself for a gamut of emotions, from awe-inspiring ancient artifacts to bewildering contemporary installations that make you question the very nature of artistic expression.

15. Bradgate Park

Nestled in the heart of Leicester lies the majestic Bradgate Park, where medieval ruins and frolicking deer join forces to transport visitors into a magical realm. As you venture into this verdant expanse, be prepared to dodge acrobatic squirrels and engage in covert snacking battles with crafty mallards. Unleash your inner explorer and discover hidden trails that lead to jaw-dropping viewpoints, combining breathtaking vistas with a mild cardio workout.

www.bradgatepark.org

16. National Space Centre

Prepare yourself for an intergalactic adventure in Leicester's National Space Centre, where you can float through a galaxy of wonders. This extraterrestrial wonderland will transport you into the captivating mysteries of the universe, all without ever leaving the ground (or the pull of Earth's gravity)! Immerse yourself in the captivating world of space exploration, filled with mind-boggling exhibits that will have you questioning if your spaceship is really just a car.

www.spacecentre.co.uk

17. Great Central Railway

Nestled in the heart of Leicester lies the Great Central Railway, a place where time travel meets locomotion. Step on board their vintage steam trains and be transported back to an era where passengers were well-dressed and petticoats were the latest fashion statement. Prepare to have your briefcase inspected, because jumping from one era to another without proper documentation is serious business here.

www.railwayarchive.org.uk

18. Leicester Guildhall

Welcome to Leicester Guildhall, a charming medieval building that is older than your grandpa's favorite joke. From the outside, it looks like a giant gingerbread house, only without the candy cane trimmings. Step inside and you'll be transported back in time, where knights and peasants used to mingle and no one had to worry about selfie sticks knocking over suits of armor.

www.leicester.gov.uk

19. Tropical Birdland

Welcome to Tropical Birdland in Leicester, where feathered friends rule the roost and leave you in awe with their squawking charisma! This avian wonderland is a haven for bird enthusiasts and the perfect place to strut your stuff if you want to woo your date with your encyclopedic knowledge of parrots. Prepare to be serenaded by a symphony of colorful plumage, while dodging the occasional aerial ambush from a mischievous macaw – watch out for that overpriced ice cream cone!

www.tropicalbirdland.com

20. Jewry Wall Museum

Nestled amidst the historic city of Leicester, the Jewry Wall Museum stands tall and proud, ready to educate you about all things Roman. As you step through its ancient gates, be prepared to be transported back in time, where you'll find yourself surrounded by fascinating artifacts and engaging displays. Don't forget to practice your Roman salute before entering – no, not the one from cinema queues, they might not appreciate that!