An East Midlands city with deep Roman roots, King Richard III's burial site, and two major universities. Its museums, markets, and multicultural food scene draw visitors year-round.
Leicester, a major city in England's East Midlands, has deep Roman roots visible at the Jewry Wall site. You'll find restaurants serving Indian cuisine along the Golden Mile, watch Premier League football at King Power Stadium, and experience the UK's largest Diwali celebration outside India. The 700-year-old market still operates in the city center, while the glass-walled Curve theatre presents contemporary performances throughout the year.
Getting Around Leicester
You can walk between most city center attractions within 20 minutes. Catch regular buses from Haymarket or St. Margaret's stations between 6am and 11pm. Trains depart every 30 minutes from London Road station, reaching London in 75 minutes. If you're flying in, East Midlands Airport lies 20 miles away. Drivers can access the city via M1 motorway junctions 21, 21A, and 22.
Cultural Venues
Watch West End shows and original productions at the Curve theatre, distinguished by its transparent walls that reveal the stage mechanics. De Montfort Hall, an Edwardian building with 2,000 seats, schedules orchestral concerts, comedy acts, and touring musicians. The Y Theatre, the city's oldest performance venue, stages experimental plays and shows by new artists. At Phoenix Square, you can watch independent films, browse art exhibitions, and explore digital art installations.
Shopping Districts
Browse through three floors of shops at Highcross, including department stores and fashion retailers. The renovated Haymarket Shopping Centre contains 60 shops for everyday items. Along Belgrave Road's Golden Mile, you'll find Indian restaurants, jewelers specializing in 22-carat gold, and shops selling silk saris. Visit the 300-stall outdoor market Tuesday through Saturday for fresh produce, clothing, and local food specialties.
Sports Scene
Watch Leicester City FC play Premier League football at King Power Stadium between August and May. The Leicester Tigers rugby team plays home games at Welford Road Stadium, where you can also visit the rugby museum or take a guided tour. Both teams sell match tickets online and at their box offices, and run youth sports programs in local communities.
Festivals and Events
Join the Caribbean Carnival in August to see costumed dancers, hear steel bands, and try Caribbean food. During October-November, the Golden Mile lights up for Diwali with illuminated displays, street markets, and dance performances. In February, the Leicester Comedy Festival brings 800 comedy shows to 64 venues across the city.
Historical Sites
Learn about Roman Leicester at the Jewry Wall site, where a 2,000-year-old bathhouse wall still stands. The adjacent museum displays Roman artifacts found in the area. Walk through the 14th-century Guildhall's Great Hall and medieval chambers on self-guided tours. At the Richard III Visitor Centre, follow the story of the king's life and the 2012 discovery of his remains. You can see his tomb in the medieval Leicester Cathedral, now housed in a modern setting.
