By Jenny Lucas
There are so many things to do in Leicestershire, but here are the top 10.
Explore the National Forest
Visit the National Forest for some of the most spectacular countryside in the county. The area encompasses a host of attractions including parks, woodlands, reservoirs, historic buildings and museums. Take one of the recommended walking or cycling routes to see the best of the area.
Take a walk through the historic Bradgate Park
With its craggy rocks, gnarled old trees and roaming wild deer, this spectacular park is well worth a visit. Walk alongside the River Lin, explore the ruins of the stately Bradgate House, climb the hill to Old John or experience breathtaking views from the war memorial.
Take a walk around the wonderful Bradgate Park
Explore the Leicester Lanes
Leicester’s premier independent shopping destination is a maze of arcades, speciality shops and emporiums. Peruse a treasure trove of stylish homewares, modern art, boutique fashions, Fairtrade handicrafts, contemporary jewellery and artisan chocolate.
Visit the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery
On its opening in 1849, it was one of the first public museums in the United Kingdom. Permanent exhibits include locally-discovered dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, Picasso ceramics donated by Richard Attenborough and the UK’s largest collection of German Expressionist art.
Visit the National Space Centre
Discover everything you have ever wanted to know about our galaxy, our solar system and our search for extraterrestrial life through six interactive galleries. Enjoy a show in the UK’s largest planetarium, take a tour of the planets, journey through a wormhole and watch the Big Bang.
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- Dinosaur at the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery
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- Dress up at the National Space Centre
Traverse the Golden Mile
Head to the Belgrave Road area to immerse yourself in Leicester’s Indian culture. Here, you’ll find vibrant clothing, exotic spices, intriguing gifts, fine jewellery and a feast of authentic Indian food and snacks.
Sample some local produce
The county is famous for its cheeses and pork pies, so be sure to try some during your stay. Blue Stilton, with its distinctive blue veins, can be found on many local cheese plates. Also look out for the mild and creamy White Stilton and the nutty Red Leicester. When choosing pork pie, look for the Melton Mowbray name to ensure it’s authentic.
Enjoy some live entertainment
From its exhilarating spectator sports to its live music, stand-up comedy and energetic theatrical performances, Leicestershire has everything you could possibly want to keep you entertained. And with stunning venues like the imposing King Power Stadium, the neoclassical De Montfort Hall and the state-of-the-art Curve, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.
Black Stone Cherry performing at Download festival
Learn the story of King Richard III
Visit Leicester’s King Richard III Visitor Centre to learn all about the last Plantagenet King. From his birth at Fotheringhay Castle to his death at the Battle of Bosworth Field, his burial at Grey Friars Church and the rediscovery of his remains beneath a city centre car park in 2012.
Visit Belvoir Castle
Leicestershire’s largest surviving castle is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Rutland. The majestic building, with its magnificent towers and turrets, resides on a hilltop, overlooking the Vale of Belvoir. There is much to enjoy here, from its opulent rooms to its ornamental gardens.
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