PlizioGo

Leicester

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
PlizioGo—°9246
Leicester (United Kingdom)
ℹ️

Practical info — Leicester

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre to learn about the incredible discovery of the King's remains in a local car park.
  • Walk along the Golden Mile (Belgrave Road), famous for its Indian shops, jewelry, and authentic atmosphere.
  • Browse Leicester Market, one of the largest outdoor markets in Europe, known for its fresh produce and character.
  • Take a stroll down New Walk, a historic pedestrian-only street that has remained traffic-free since 1785.

🍽 Food

🍽
Authentic Curry

Leicester is famous for its Indian cuisine; head to the Golden Mile for some of the best curries in the UK.

🍽
Melton Mowbray Pork Pie

Try this world-famous pork pie, which originates from the nearby town and is sold across Leicester's markets.

🍽
Red Leicester Cheese

Sample the city's namesake cheese, known for its distinct orange color and nutty flavor.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Highcross Leicester

A large, modern shopping mall in the city center featuring all the major global brands.

🛍
The Golden Mile

Renowned for its incredible selection of Indian fabrics, spices, and high-quality gold jewelry.

🛍
Leicester Market

Visit for fresh local food, clothing, and the unique atmosphere of a traditional English market.

🧘
Bradgate Park

A massive deer park just outside the city, great for a long walk among ancient oaks and rocks.

🧘
Abbey Park

A lovely riverside park featuring the ruins of Leicester Abbey and Cavendish House.

🧘
New Walk

A beautiful, tree-lined pedestrian promenade that gives a peaceful escape from the traffic.

Highlights of 2026

9

Leicester is a historic city in the East Midlands of England, located on the River Soar near the National Forest. It is one of the oldest cities in the United Kingdom, with its origins tracing back to a Roman settlement known as Ratae Corieltauvorum. During the Middle Ages, Leicester was an important commercial center, and in the 19th century, it became a hub for the hosiery, footwear, and engineering industries. The city gained global attention in 2012 following the discovery of the remains of King Richard III beneath a local parking lot, leading to his reinterment in Leicester Cathedral. Today, Leicester is celebrated for its ethnic diversity and is home to one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India. The National Space Centre is a major landmark, reflecting the city's contributions to space research and science education. Its economy is supported by a mix of retail, manufacturing, and the presence of two prominent universities. Leicester City, relegated in 2023, won the 2023-24 Championship and returned to the Premier League, only to be relegated again in 2024-25. The King Power Stadium expansion plans advanced through 2024-25.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C446812151716141074
Rain mm635251466066727351767068

Live webcam – Leicester

See what it looks like near Leicester right now.

Harborough › North-east: Leicestershire Aero Club · 7.9 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
368,600
Coordinates
52.63690, -1.13980

Facts

  • The Roman settlement of Ratae Corieltauvorum was established here around 48 AD.
  • The skeleton of King Richard III was discovered in a Greyfriars parking lot in 2012.
  • Leicester's National Space Centre features a 42-meter high Rocket Tower.
  • The city's Belgrave Road hosts the largest Diwali celebrations outside of Asia.
  • Leicester was the birthplace of Thomas Cook, who founded the world's first travel agency.
  • Leicester Cathedral dates back to the year 1086, according to the Domesday Book.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Leicester (24)

Leicester Cathedral⛪ religious

A historic place of worship since the 11th century, it became the final resting place of King Richard III in 2015.

King Richard III Visitor Centre🏛 museum

Located at the site where the King's remains were found, this museum tells the story of his life, death, and discovery.

Leicester Guildhall🏺 historical

A remarkably preserved timber-framed building dating from 1390, once used as a town hall and courtroom.

Jewry Wall🏺 historical

The remains of a massive Roman wall and public baths, representing the Roman city of Ratae Corieltauvorum.

Abbey Park🌿 nature

A beautiful riverside park containing the ruins of the 12th-century Leicester Abbey and Cavendish House.

Leicester Museum & Art Gallery🏛 museum

The city's first public museum, home to significant collections of dinosaurs and German Expressionist art.

Curve Theatre🎭 culture

A world-leading theatre in the Cultural Quarter, known for its distinctive glass architecture and large-scale productions.

Leicester Market🍽 culinary

Europe's largest outdoor covered market, providing fresh food and goods in the city centre for over 700 years.

St Mary de Castro Church⛪ religious

A beautiful 12th-century church located within the castle precinct, known for its Norman and Gothic features.

Victoria Park🌿 nature

A large park housing the Arch of Remembrance war memorial, designed by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.

De Montfort Hall🎭 culture

The city's premier music and performance venue, built in 1913 and set within pleasant grounds next to Victoria Park.

Leicester Castle🏺 historical

The remains of a Norman castle that was once a royal residence and hosted sessions of the English Parliament.

King Power Stadium🎡 recreation

Home of Leicester City FC, site of the club's miraculous 5000-to-1 Premier League title win in 2016.

Welford Road Stadium🎡 recreation

The historic home of the Leicester Tigers, one of the most successful rugby union clubs in Europe.

Leicester Town Hall🏙 civic

A striking Victorian municipal building opened in 1876, featuring a grand clock tower and public square.

Highcross Leicester🎡 recreation

A major shopping and leisure destination known for its modern architecture and extensive range of retailers.

Grand Union Canal🌿 nature

The historic waterway passing through the city, offering scenic walks and a glimpse into Leicester's industrial past.

St Nicholas Church⛪ religious

The oldest place of worship in the city, incorporating Roman bricks from the nearby Jewry Wall into its fabric.

Go Kids Go👨‍👩‍👧 family

Go Kids Go is a playground in Leicester, providing a fun and active environment for children and families.

Nelson Mandela Park🌳 park

Nelson Mandela Park is a popular green space in the center of Leicester, offering recreational and sports facilities. It is conveniently located near the city center and major sports stadiums.

Humberstone Park🌳 park

Humberstone Park is an extensive parkland in Leicester featuring play areas and nature conservation zones. It is a handy spot for walks and provides a peaceful environment for local residents.

Western Park🌳 park

Western Park is the largest green space in Leicester, known for its vast lawns and wooded areas. Visitors can enjoy the walking trails and explore the park's diverse flora and fauna.

Museum of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment🏛 museum

The Museum of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment showcases the history and uniforms of the local infantry. It provides interesting insights into the region's military heritage through various exhibits.

The Little Theatre🎭 culture

The Little Theatre in Leicester is a pleasant playhouse that showcases a variety of amateur and professional productions. It is known for its intimate atmosphere and diverse entertainment program.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Richard III important to Leicester?
His remains were found under a car park in 2012 and reinterred in the cathedral.
What is the National Space Centre?
An award-winning museum and planetarium dedicated to astronomy and space flight.
Are there Roman ruins?
Yes, the Jewry Wall is one of the largest Roman masonry structures in Britain.
Which festival is celebrated grandly?
Leicester hosts one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside of India.
Is there a large market?
Leicester Market is one of the largest outdoor covered markets in Europe.
Leicester: where is it located?
Leicester is located in United Kingdom, United Kingdom.
Leicester: what is there to see?
Highlights include Leicester Cathedral, King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester Guildhall.
Leicester: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Leicester: why is it worth visiting?
Leicester is a historic city in the East Midlands of England, located on the River Soar near the National Forest.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in United Kingdom →

Nearby cities