With an estimated population of over 500,000, Leicester is the largest city in the East Midlands and the tenth largest within Britain. Leicester is often described as underrated; many of its residents imply that it is a “safe and friendly city” with a diverse community and great culture. The area is unique, it is able to combine the finest traditions with a captivating urban life. Recognisably, Leicester has a lot to offer, which is why we have gathered our top 8 reasons to check out this riveting region.
Is Leicester Worth Visiting?
Leicester can be an exciting place to visit as it is filled with many attractions and museums, and it also has a lot of history. There is always something to do in Leicester, so it definitely worth a visit. Below, we have listed the top 8 reasons why you should visit Leicester.
1. Leicester’s History
Fascinatingly, Leicester is one of Britain’s most notable cities. Its manufacturing history goes back thousands of years and it is known as one of the ‘workshops of the world’. In addition, the borough has Saxon, Norman, and Viking settlements and it is worth visiting The Jewry Wall Museum for Leicester’s Roman history.
2. King Richard III
While touring Leicester, you should definitely consider going to the King Richard III Visitor Centre. In 2012, bodily remains were found beneath a car park and after a thorough DNA check, proved that they in fact belonged to King Richard III.
He was laid back to rest in Leicester Cathedral and his tomb sits within an ambulatory, designed by architects van Heningen and Haward.
3. The National Space Centre
Interested in astronomy and science? Well The National Space Centre is for you! With various exhibitions, the UK’s largest planetarium, 6 interactive galleries and renowned 42-metre-tall Rocket Tower, this award winning is the perfect all-weather day out.
The National Space Centre hosts many special weekends that have consisted of celebrations regarding Star Wars, LEGO, and Daleks, and it is worth noting that your entry ticket gets you a free show at the planetarium.
4. Leicester’s Arts & Culture
When it comes to arts and culture, Leicester has no boundaries. The city is home to marvellous museums and galleries, fantastic festivals, and exciting events. You should unquestionably put The Curve Theatre, De Montfort Hall, and New Walk Museum and Art Gallery at the top of your bucket list.
The Curve is a stunning, state-of-the-art theatre that was opened in 2008 by Her Majesty The Queen; it has a reputation for producing, programming, and touring a range of musicals, plays, dance, and opera performances.
De Montford Hall is the largest music and performance venue in Leicester and named after Simon de Montfort, the Earl of Leicester. Its shows frequently take place in the indoor auditorium, consisting of comedy, opera, ballet, music, West End musicals, classical music and traditional pantomime that runs every year.
5. Leicester’s Museums
Leicester’s halcyon history is reflected through its compelling collection of museums. Not far from the city centre lies the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery. As one of the first public museums in the United Kingdom, the museum hosts an array of touring exhibitions and has galleries that include Ancient Egypt, Dinosaurs, Wild Space, the Victorian Art Gallery and Picasso Ceramic.
Abbey Pumping Station is Leicester’s museum of science and technology, displaying the city’s industrial, technological and scientific heritage.
6. Leicester Market
The 800-year-old market is the largest outdoor market in Europe and residents often shop there for affordable foods like African, Caribbean and Indian fruit and vegetables, as well as the indoor food hall that sells fish, meat, cheese, and the famous Melton Mowbray pork pies. Both the market and food hall are open from 8:00am until 4:00pm.
7. The Outdoors
Besides a plethora of family friendly attractions, the city of Leicester is surrounded by beautiful, picture perfect countryside. There are 130 parks in total; Abbey Park and Bradgate Park being some of the most popular and they are wonderful outdoor experiences near to the city centre.
8. Belgrave Road
Also known as ‘The Golden Mile’, Belgrave Road is the home to some of the finest Indian cuisine, jewellery, and culture. Furthermore, the festival of light, in celebration of Diwali, is one of the biggest celebrations outside of India, with over 35,000 people attending the switch on of the lights.
Conclusion
No trip to Leicester is complete without witnessing everything it has to offer. It has been named as one of the best cities to live and work in for the third year in a row, which is another benefit. Packed with a vibrant range of events for you to explore, why don’t you stop by?
Interested in knowing more about Leicester? Check our news page where you can find articles about Leciester’s crime rate. Or head over to our news page so that you can keep up to date with all the latest East Midlands news.
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