Stadium crowd. Photo © drpnncpp
Sat just south of sports university town Loughborough, Leicester boasts two big universities itself and prides itself on its sport and culture.
The beauty of Leicester is that everything is so close together, meaning you can get a lot packed into a short trip. This gives you plenty of time to relax too!
1. Sports
What is Leicester all about then?
Firstly it plays host to two iconic sports teams, the almighty Leicester Tigers Rugby Club and also Gary Lineker’s first football home at Leicester FC.
Subs. Photo © Razvan
If you’re going to the rugby internationals in October, there won’t be a home football match on, unfortunately. But you can still visit the Foxes Walkers Stadium for a tour. And you might want to think about the Leicester City v Arsenal match on Saturday, 26 September.
Tigers, on the other hand, will be playing Sale Sharks on 10 October at Welford Road, the day before Leicester City stadium hosts a World Cup match. So you can do a full rugby weekend.
If you’re booked into the Leicester Central Travelodge, you’re just 1.5 miles from Leicester City Stadium and Welford Road.
2. Arts and theatre
If sport isn’t your thing and you fancy embracing the city of culture, then Leicester offers a number of places to catch theatre plays and music acts with national stars and local upcoming talent.
Find them at the Phoenix Arts Centre, The Peepul Centre, De Montfort Hall and the Curve Theatre.
3. History
Perhaps you’re interested in the story of King Richard III being discovered in a car park, and then buried at Leicester Cathedral? There are fantastic tours that run on a regular basis, or you can just have a roam around the impressive cathedral on your own.
4. Stars and planets
Fancy something more modern?
Hello from space
If you’ve driven into Leicester past the big Asda store, you will no doubt have spotted the National Space Centre. The ideal place to take the kids to, but it’s a top day out for any age, really. In fact, it was even voted Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.
5. Hidden gem
Not into the planets? Then take a stroll along one of my favourite parts in Leicester called New Walk.
This is a hidden gem amongst the hustle of the city: a path that takes you to De Montfort Hall and the New Walk Museum from the centre.
Along this walkway are some little bars, but if you keep heading towards town you will come to St Martins Square, where you’ll find a number of boutiques and places to eat.
Coffee time. Photo © Bogdanhoda
The best coffee shop in town, St Martins Cafe, sits here. Definitely somewhere for a sightseeing/shopping pit stop… they sell beautiful fresh coffee and peanut butter brownies!
Of course, Leicester offers many things other cities do, such as high-street chain stores and a large shopping centre, but if you can, go off the beaten track and discover the quirky shops and foodie places around the Lanes.
There is truly something to see and do everywhere you turn. And the best thing about Leicester is that it isn’t too big, it’s not too small, and it’s just right for a short break.
