5 Days of Fun in Vibrant Leicester, UK
Discover England's hidden gem in Leicester, where history meets modernity.
22 April 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
Leicester, located in the heart of England, is a vibrant city rich in history and culture. Visitors can explore the fascinating King Richard III Visitor Centre or indulge in the city's unique food scene, with highlights including the Grand Indian Food Trail and the Leicester Market. With a vast array of attractions, including museums, galleries, and parks, there's something to suit everyone in this delightful city.
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- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Bruxelles, a cozy café in the city center.
- Visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre to learn about the life and death of the last Plantagenet king of England.
- Enjoy a bird's eye view of Leicester from the top of Leicester Cathedral's tower and see the beautiful stained glass windows.
- Have a late lunch at the Case Restaurant & Champagne Bar, a trendy spot serving contemporary British cuisine.
- Walk through Abbey Park, with its beautiful gardens, boating lake, and wildlife.
- Check-in at the luxury Belmont Hotel, an elegant Victorian building in the heart of the city.
- Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel's beautiful dining room, which served as a backdrop for several movies.
- Head to the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery to see its fantastic collection of dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, and fine art.
- Visit the Curve Theatre, a modern and striking building, to see a play or musical.
- Sample some of the best Indian food in the country at the award-winning Memsaab Restaurant.
- Take a stroll around Leicester University's beautiful campus, with its mix of modern and historic buildings.
- Relax with a cocktail at 45 West, a chic bar with a fantastic rooftop terrace.
- Start the day with a traditional English breakfast at Bru Coffee & Gelato, a family-run café with a cozy atmosphere.
- Visit the Jewry Wall Museum, where you can see the remains of a Roman bathhouse and learn about the city's history.
- Explore the 14th-century Guildhall, which served as a town hall and law court, and see the beautiful Great Hall.
- Enjoy lunch at the Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe, a quaint and charming tea room serving homemade cakes and sandwiches.
- Take a guided tour of Leicester's medieval streets and buildings, like the Blackfriars Priory and Castle Gardens.
- Have dinner at The Globe, a historic pub with a warm and welcoming vibe.
- Start the day with a delicious brunch at The Fish & The Chip, a culinary gem in the city's West End.
- Go on a nature walk in Bradgate Park, a beautiful park with wild deer, streams, and ruins of a Tudor mansion.
- Visit Tropical Birdland, a family-friendly attraction featuring exotic birds from around the world.
- Have a coffee break at King Richard's Tea Room, a charming and quirky spot serving homemade scones and cakes.
- Admire the stunning gardens and plants at the University of Leicester Botanic Garden.
- Have a drink at The Exchange, a trendy bar with a vibrant atmosphere.
- Start the day with a quick breakfast at the hotel's lounge, where you can admire its impressive artwork.
- Visit Leicester Market, one of the largest outdoor markets in Europe, where you can find anything from fresh produce to vintage clothes.
- Check out the Silver Arcade, a beautiful Victorian shopping arcade with high-end boutiques and independent shops.
- Have lunch at The Fisherman's Wife, a popular seafood restaurant with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
- visit Leicester's oldest pub, The White Haven Arms, which dates back to the 17th century.
- Have dinner at North Bar & Kitchen, a contemporary restaurant with a fantastic menu of British dishes.
- This concludes your 5-day stay in Leicester, one of the most unique and exciting cities in the UK. With a mix of history, culture, nature, and culinary delights, Leicester offers something for every traveler.
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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.