A diverse city ripe with culture, many flock to Leicester to embrace cultural celebrations, unmissable art, and mouth-watering eateries. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this vibrant hotspot…
Discover some of Leicester’s hidden gems to help you enjoy your next trip!
1. Swithland Reservoir
Craving a breath of fresh air? Swithland Reservoir is a paradisiacal escape for lovers of nature and wildlife. With each step, there’s a chance to spot beautiful birds, insects, and plenty of greenery. But you can also see the railway viaduct connecting either side of the reservoir to Brazil Island in the middle.
For keen walkers, there’s a stunning 6-mile circular route providing a chance to take in the village of Swithland and the reservoir itself. The route is so user-friendly, you can take the whole family, giving everyone a chance to soak up its beauty. No matter the time of year you choose to visit, there’s always plenty to see and every opportunity for a photo at Swithland Reservoir!
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2. Beacon Hill Country Park
Boasting the second-highest summit in Leicestershire, Beacon Hill Country Park is home to spectacular panoramic views of the region. But it’s also where you’ll find magical woodland areas, pretty wildflower meadows, and plenty of open heathland with sheep, cattle, and alpacas. With an array of different walking and cycling routes to suit your time scale, skill level and ability, you can tailor-make your experience at the park. There’s even a children’s play area to keep all the family happy.
And when you’re ready for a sit-down, you needn’t look further than the on-site cafe. Available to dine in or takeaway, we’re sure something will take your fancy.
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3. Leicester Botanic Garden
Tucked away just a short stroll from the hustle and bustle of Leicester’s city centre, the Leicester Botanic Garden is a serene escape that often flies under the radar. Run by the University of Leicester, this charming garden is a true hidden gem – ideal for a relaxed wander, a peaceful lunch break or even a quiet place to read a book.
The garden spans 16 acres and is home to a stunning variety of plant life from around the world, thoughtfully arranged into themed gardens like the alpine house, arboretum and tropical greenhouse. What makes the Leicester Botanic Garden so special is its quiet, unassuming magic. Whether you’re admiring the intricate Victorian greenhouses or spotting local wildlife among the flowers, there’s a calming energy here that makes it easy to lose track of time. It’s also completely free to visit! Making Leicester Botanic Garden one of the most accessible and relaxing spots in the city.
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4. Bradgate Park
First opened as a deer park over 800 years ago, Bradgate Country Park is still home to this enchanting animal. They roam freely throughout most of the landscape and provide a beautiful opportunity to snap a photo or two. But that’s not the only attraction at this countryside haven. There’s a deer sanctuary, the River Lin, and Old John Tower, an 18th-century folly.
You can even head to the nearby Swithland Wood. The oak trees dotted throughout are estimated to be around 500 years old and change beautifully with the seasons, making the park a stunning place to visit year-round. Frankly, you could spend all day at this gorgeous outdoor hotspot, especially with a cafe on-site.
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5. Great Central Railway
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For train enthusiasts, a trip to see the Great Central Railway needs to be at the top of your Leicester bucket list. This incredible tourist attraction is the UK’s only double track, main line heritage railway, and the only place around the globe you’ll see two steam trains passing each other. If you fancy a trip somewhere, you can travel aboard one of many dining trains offering first-class dining experiences. Or get in on the action by attending an event such as Paw Patrol, a Santa Special, or the 1940s Wartime Weekend.
Those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure can even take the wheel with the Drive a Locomotive Experience. There’s no doubt the Great Central Railway will provide you with an unforgettable day during your trip to Leicester.
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6. Stoney Cove
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Fancy an inland diving experience? Stoney Cove is the UK’s national dive centre where anyone of any skill level can learn how to dive alongside experienced professionals, all while having fun. Divers begin in the heated dive pool before plunging into the lake where they’ll find plenty of history hidden below the surface. On site, you’ll also find the largest dive store in the country, helping you get kitted out for your swim.
Plus, Nemo’s Bar & Restaurant is the ideal spot to tuck into a mighty feast after challenging your strength in the water!
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7. Retro Computer Museum
Walking into the Retro Computer Museum in Leicester feels like stepping into a time capsule. Only better because everything inside is playable! Founded in 2008 by Andy Spencer, this registered charity has grown from a humble garage collection into a mecca of vintage computing set in Troon Way Business Centre, Thurmaston.
With over 300 unique systems and more than 40,000 software titles, it offers hands-on experiences with iconic machines ranging from Atari 2600s, ZX Spectrums, and Commodore 64s, to GameCubes, PlayStation 2s, Xboxes and even rare Virtuality VR setups. On weekends, the museum opens its doors to families, gamers, and tech-curious visitors from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Beyond public opening hours, RCM hosts special events like private parties, school visits and their legendary “Retro Gaming Gatherings”.
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8. Stoneywell
Nestled among the rolling hills of Charnwood Forest, Stoneywell Cottage feels like stepping straight into a storybook. This quirky Arts and Crafts-style home, lovingly preserved by the National Trust, was once the holiday retreat of the Gimson family – a name well known in design circles. Its quirky, uneven floors, hand-crafted furniture and roaring open fires give visitors a rare and intimate glimpse into early 20th-century family life. But it’s not just the cottage that charms; it’s the entire setting! Surrounded by heather-strewn moorland, ancient woodlands, and secret stone pathways, the landscape feels wild and timeless.
Whether you’re wandering through the terraced gardens, pausing to spot a red squirrel in the trees, or sitting with a slice of cake at the quaint tearoom, every part of the experience feels personal and peaceful.
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9. Foxton Locks
Just a short drive from Leicester, Foxton Locks is one of those hidden gems that locals love and visitors are delighted to stumble upon. Set along the Grand Union Canal, this unique staircase of ten canal locks is not only an impressive feat of Victorian engineering but also a surprisingly peaceful spot for a day out. Whether you’re watching colourful narrowboats slowly make their way up or down the locks, or wandering the towpaths with an ice cream in hand, there’s something incredibly calming about the whole place.
Beyond the locks themselves, there’s plenty to explore – think charming canal-side pubs, picnic spots, and a museum that dives into the history of the Foxton Inclined Plane, a long-abandoned boat lift that was way ahead of its time. With scenic walks, wildlife spotting, and a real sense of stepping back into a slower, more relaxed pace of life, Foxton Locks Inn pub and Lock Keepers Cottage cafe are brilliant spots to unwind and taste a slice of Leicestershire’s food scene.
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