If there is one city that wears its culture and heritage with pride while still being very in the 21st century, it would be Leicester. The city has so much to see and even more to do. In all intents and purposes, no matter the kind of traveller that you are, Leicester has something for you to enjoy.
Whether you are a bit of a history fanatic or maybe you prefer art and relics from the past. If you are also a foodie and like to eat your way through a city when you travel, or maybe you are a sports person. These are some of the best places to visit in Leicester when you come to visit.
Fun Things to Do in Leicester
1. Explore Space and the Universe at the National Space Centre
2. Check out the Artwork at the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery
3. Explore Leicester’s Roman Heritage and Medieval History
4. Eat your way through the Golden Mile.
5. Experience sport nirvana at the King Power Stadium
5 Fun Things to Do in Leicester
Here are 5 fun things to do in Leicester, London.
1. Explore Space and the Universe at the National Space Centre
Are you one of those people who frequently gaze up at the night sky? Do you frequently wonder what is out there, beyond the sky and far past the clouds? Then Leicester’s National Space Centre is your ticket to the stars. Or at least a well-simulated version of what the stars and space look like. The center is one of the United Kingdom’s leading science and space museums, home to more than 150 interactive exhibits that mimic the universe.
One of its iconic features, the Rocket Tower, stands taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa and houses real space rockets. Meanwhile, another amazing part of the center houses the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, the UK’s largest full-dome planetarium. The planetarium does the honor of taking visitors on immersive journeys across the cosmos that feel like the real thing. From black holes to Mars missions, every show is designed to wow audiences, no matter the age.
The center’s interactive galleries also explore the past, present, and future of space travel. You can look at some of the artifacts that were used in previous expeditions to space or try your hand at science busking. Or blast off into space in a simulated journey into low Earth orbit. The best part, though, is that if you pay once, you can visit as many times as you like for a whole year. This makes it perfect for those who want to keep exploring and can’t soak in everything in just one day or week.
It is important to note that while the National Space Centre is open to all, both adults and kids, it is not just a visitor attraction. It is also a fully functional working station for research and education. In partnership with the University of Leicester, it contributes to ongoing space science projects. So, if you are a budding scientist, love the stars, or need something to occupy your kids, then you can be sure they’ll love it. A visit to the National Space Center should be a must-do on your itinerary when visiting Leicester.
Location: Exploration Drive, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
Price Range: £20.95 – £21.95 (For Adult)
£18.95 – £19.95 (For Children)
2. Check out the Artwork at the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery
Opened in 1849 as one of England’s first public museums, Leicester Museum & Art Gallery is a treasured cultural landmark. The museum is divided into 15 beautifully presented galleries housing a vast and varied collection. You can travel back to Jurassic World with fossils in the Dinosaur Gallery, or learn about the life and culture of Ancient Egyptians with internationally renowned displays and relics.
Visitors can marvel at the intricate Ratae Corieltauvorum Roman mosaics and admire works from Picasso Ceramics alongside other contemporary pieces like the Attenborough collection. They can familiarise themselves with art in both the elegant Victorian Art Gallery and the Arts & Crafts collection. Families with young children particularly love The Den, an interactive, hands-on gallery designed especially for kids under-fives.
The museum is more than just static displays of artifacts and relics from the past, though. Regular events include temporary exhibitions, curator talks, lectures, and even lunchtime concerts. Touring shows from national museums often make a stop here, keeping the experience fresh for repeat visitors.
When you are ready for a break, which you sure will be after exploring all day, there is a Costa coffee shop with free Wi-Fi and a gift shop selling snacks, crafts, and exhibition-themed souvenirs. All the proceeds go on to help keep the museum free. The building itself is also licensed for weddings, civil ceremonies, and private celebrations, making it an integral part of many living memories.
As of today, the museum is currently undergoing a major refurbishment, with a new café space and updated galleries set to reopen in the second half of 2025. Until then, some areas, such as the Wild Space gallery, are closed, but the core collection remains open for exploration. So happy exploring.
Location: 53, New Walk, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
Price Range: Free (Open to Donation)
3. Explore Leicester’s Roman Heritage and Medieval History
If you are a fan of history, then this particular activity should be top of your list when in Leicester. Leicester’s story stretches back over 2,000 years. Many millennia ago, before Leicester became what it is today, it was once a Roman town called Ratae Corieltauvorum. Other than the walking trail, which shows some of the important layout of the former city and how it influenced Leicester’s modern development, there is one part that is still standing tall today, the Jewry Walls.
Part of an old Roman bath, the Jewry Wall is England’s tallest surviving piece of Roman architecture. It dates back to the 2nd century and is located close to a museum that still holds some of its ruins to date. Then and only then can you continue your exploration by visiting the ancient church of St Mary de Castro. You can walk amongst Norman relics and ancient castle mounds or visit the surrounding castle area.
The major medieval houses in Leicester that are open for visitors are The Guildhall, built in 1390, which still stands as the city’s oldest civic building, the Cathedral and Wygston’s House, a charming medieval timber-framed property. It is currently the oldest private house in Leicester, which now welcomes guests as a restaurant and bar.
Perhaps the most famous chapter in Leicester’s history is the discovery of King Richard III remains from beneath a city car park in 2012. The extraordinary find is now commemorated at the King Richard III Visitor Centre and Leicester Cathedral, where the last he last king of England to die in battle lies at rest.
To round up your exploration of history with modern culture, also visit the Culture Quarter. There you will find theatres, independent cinema, live music, art galleries, and creative events year-round.
Location: Jewry Wall, St Nicholas Circle, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Guildhill Lane, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
St Martin’s House, 2 Peacock Lane, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Price Range: £30 – £45 (For Adults)
£20 – £35 (For Children)
4. Eat/Shop your way through the Golden Mile.
No trip to Leicester is complete without wandering down the Golden Mile, a loud, colorful stretch of Belgrave Road just north of the city centre. The area is famous for its real Indian and South Asian food: fragrant curries, crispy samosas, and sweet jalebi. The first thing you notice when you are in the Golden Mile is the rich scent of spices and incense from doorways and shop windows.
The street gets its name from its dazzling collection of merchants selling gold jewelry and colorful saris on display. Some say that there is more gold per metre in the Golden Mile than anywhere else in Europe. Once an industrial hub, the area was transformed in the post-war years by immigrants from India, Pakistan, and Uganda. Many of whom brought with them their traditions, flavours, and entrepreneurial spirit that define the street today.
For food lovers, the options are irresistible, with several restaurants offering dishes with numerous options. Bobby’s has been serving vegetarian Indian dishes since 1976, while Chai Paani, an award-winner at the Leicester Curry Awards, takes diners on a journey of classical flavours. Sweet shops like Sharmilee tempt passers-by to brightly coloured mithai and fresh jalebi straight from the fryer.
While the Golden Mile shines every day, a visit during Diwali is when it shines the brightest during Diwali, when it hosts the largest celebrations outside India. Each autumn, the road becomes a festival of lights, music, and fireworks, drawing thousands to join Leicester’s most spectacular party.
Location: The Golden Mile, Belgrave Gate, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Price Range: £40 – £200
5. Experience sport nirvana at the King Power Stadium
This one is for the sports enthusiasts. King Power Stadium is home to Leicester City Football Club, an epicentre and landmark of the city’s football. Since opening in 2002, it has welcomed over 32,000 fans on match days. The atmosphere is always electric, blue and white scarves waving, chants reverberating through the stands, and a sense of community pride that is as intoxicating as it is thrilling. The funny thing is, it doesn’t even matter if you are a lifelong supporter or just along for the ride; the inclusivity of the crowd makes it a thrilling experience.
During the off-season, or for those seeking a behind-the-scenes experience, the stadium offers guided tours. Visitors can step through the players’ tunnel, sit in the manager’s dugout, explore the changing rooms, and view memorabilia from the club’s storied history, including treasures from that unforgettable title-winning season in 2015 – 2016.
Beyond football, the King Power also doubles as a lively events venue, hosting concerts, conferences, and exhibitions. Its riverside setting adds to the appeal, with pleasant walking routes nearby and the city centre just a short stroll away.
Location: King Power Stadium, Filbert Way, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Price Range: £18 – £40
Leicester is one of the United Kingdom’s oldest cities, and as can be guessed, it reflects much of the heritage and culture that formed it. Although the city celebrates its culture, it is firmly in the present, embracing modern development and inclusivity. The combination of the old and the new in the city means that there are a lot of places to go to have fun when in the city.
Great ideas! The Leicester Airport tip was useful. I used Ezybook airport parking for my last trip.