//
City and unitary authority in England
Photo: Robert Eva, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Leicester (pronounced LESS-tuh) is the largest city and county town of Leicestershire in the East Midlands of England. With a population of 388,000 in 2024, it's industrial, with a heritage spanning from Roman times to the Space Age.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Cathedral Church of Saint Martin
Medieval church of St Martin, substantially rebuilt in the 1860s and made a cathedral in 1927. King Richard III is buried here, under a simple stone slab. An additional display includes the ceremonial pall which covered the coffin during the reburial period.
Life and times of King Richard III, including his death in battle in 1485, and the 2012 discovery and genetic identification of his remains. The centre includes his original burial site within Greyfriars Priory, now viewed through a glass floor.
One of the best preserved timber–framed halls in the country, built around 1390. It was the town hall until 1876 plus carousing place, performance venue and jail. The Medieval Leicester Galleries display items from the city in the Middle Ages.
Built in the 9th century over a Roman shrine to Janus, it was extensively restored in Victorian times and is still in use.
Stretch of masonry that was part of a Roman temple and bath house. The museum display's the city's early history.
Anglican church: "de castro" because it was the chapel of the former castle. The earliest parts are from 1107 but it was heavily restored in the 19th century. In 2013 the spire became unsafe and had to be removed.
Two houses built in 1511 showing Tudor times, plus the 1950s and regimental history. With attractive garden.
formerly New Walk Museum
Trad museum showing the area since prehistory.
Rockets, space technology and the near solar system.
Science and technology museum with four working steam-powered beam engines in their original location.
Small museum in the gatehouse of the former gas works, with the history of gas usage and the appliances it powered.
Ruin of a mansion completed in 1520, believed to be the birthplace of Lady Jane Grey (1537-54). She was queen for nine days until overthrown by Mary Tudor and beheaded, aged 17; Mary then set about anybody else who was under the misapprehension that England had become Protestant. The house was abandoned in the 18th century.
Moated fortified manor house built from 1480 by Lord Hastings but never completed. When Edward IV died in 1483, Richard of Gloucester seized his sons, and these "Princes in the Tower" were never seen again. Richard proclaimed himself king and set about slaying the previous monarch's supporters including Hastings. You can stroll round the moat free but access to the castle is only by group tour.
Museum on Ambion Hill, long thought to be the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. There's a re-enactment close to the anniversary on 22 Aug. The site is now believed to lie a couple of miles further south, beneath modern farmland.
Theatre for touring and local productions.
Independent two-screen cinema.
South terminus of a standard-gauge heritage railway running for 8 miles to Loughborough.
"The Foxes" were relegated in 2025 and again in 2026 so they now play soccer in League One, the third tier. Their King Power Stadium (capacity 32,000) is a mile south of city centre. The women's team were likewise relegated and play in WSL2, their second tier - usually at King Power, but if there's a fixture clash they play in Pirelli Stadium in Burton upon Trent.
Tigers play Rugby Union (15 a side) in the Prem, the top tier.
They were relegated in 2026 and now play in Division Two of the County Championship. These matches last 3-4 days.
The Lions were relegated in 2026 and now play rugby union in National League 2 East, the fourth tier. Their home ground is five miles south of city centre.
They play basketball in SLB, the top tier.
Their annual regatta is April / May.
They play baseball in the amateur WMBL. The playing season is April-August.
Pub grub .
Vegetarian cafe within Kadampa Meditation Centre.
A tea-room.
Thai food.
An ice cream cafe.
Chic steakhouse.
Japanese restaurant on the main street.
formerly Prana
Pleasant trad Italian.
Just when you'd despaired of finding a good meal of goat.
Pizza, pasta and other Italian food.
Friendly vegetarian cafe.
Cosy spot by Highcross shopping centre.
Quality British fare.
A coffee and ice cream shop.
Smart friendly hotel. No pets.
Comfy place next to football ground, the area is noisy and crowded when there's a game on.
Historic hotel, refurbished in 2026.
Decent hotel a 7-min walk from the railway station.
Functional inexpensive place.
Central and comfy.
Large clean rooms.
Clean and comfy, some street noise. Park at Highcross, hotel gives you a reduction.
By train
Trains from London St Pancras run every 30 min and take one hour, continuing to Derby, Chesterfield and Sheffield.
By road
By bus
National Express NX440 runs hourly from London Victoria, taking 3 hours. Alternate buses continue to Loughborough and Derby. Flixbus competes on this route.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Nottingham, Leicestershire · International · EMA
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Leicester and United Kingdom.
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Check eligibility, the £20 fee, application steps, and transit rules.
7 min read
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to global tourist taxes and access fees. Compare entry fees in Venice, Bali, Bhutan, Kyoto, and Edinburgh, and learn how to pay them.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsA complete guide to taking the Eurostar from London to Paris. Learn about check-in times, border controls, baggage limits, ticket tiers, and booking tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.