Leicester: 3 Days of Budget-Friendly Fun!
Experience history and culture in Leicester without breaking the bank.
21 June 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
On a limited budget, Leicester can offer an interesting and affordable trip. Some of the budget attractions include the Leicester Guildhall, New Walk Museum, and Castle Gardens. Visitors can also enjoy the city's diverse food scene, which offers affordable options of street food, pubs, and independent restaurants.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the affordable Campanile Leicester hotel in the city center
- Visit the 900-year-old Leicester Cathedral and learn about its fascinating history
- Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens of Abbey Park and visit the ruins of the medieval Leicester Abbey
- Immerse yourself in the city's art and culture scene at the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery
- Enjoy a traditional English pub dinner at The Globe, with its cozy atmosphere and delectable dishes
- Grab a filling breakfast at the family-run Paddy's Marten Inn, famous for its succulent sausages and homemade black pudding
- Explore the colorful Leicester Market, where you can sample local produce and street food
- Take a guided food tour of the city, stopping at places like Gelato Village for authentic gelato, and The Fish and The Chip for fresh seafood
- Indulge in a sweet treat at Cocoa Amore, where you can create your own chocolates and enjoy their signature hot chocolate
- Have a nightcap at The Criterion, one of the city's oldest pubs with a lively atmosphere and extensive beer selection
- Head out of the city and into nature at the beautiful Bradgate Park, where you can spot herds of wild deer
- Explore the stunning Castle Rock Country Park and admire the breathtaking views of the countryside
- Take a relaxing walk along the Grand Union Canal, which runs through Leicester and offers scenic routes
- Grab a picnic lunch from Hambleton Bakery and enjoy it in Leicester's peaceful Victoria Park
- End your trip with a stunning sunset view at Birstall Waterfront, with its tranquil lake and surrounding wildlife.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Leicester by plane is to fly into East Midlands Airport which is located 20 miles away from Leicester. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus or a taxi to get to the city.
Car
The easiest way to reach Leicester by car is to drive along the M1, which runs from London to Leeds. Exit the motorway at Junction 21 and follow the signs for Leicester city center.
Train
You can reach Leicester by train by taking one of the many services that run to Leicester railway station. The station is well-connected to major cities across the UK including London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
Boat
Unfortunately, there are no direct boat or ferry services to Leicester as it is an inland city. However, you can reach Leicester by boat via the Grand Union Canal, which connects Leicester to cities like Birmingham and London.
Bus
The most convenient way to reach Leicester by bus is to take a coach from London Victoria Coach Station. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and drops you off at St Margaret's Bus Station, located in the city center.